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The Glenbriar #7
Starting Over at the Crafty Bee Barn
From the sting of heartbreak to the buzz of love
Luckless Lilah Clarke needs a big break, but getting caught wrecking a stall at the Glenbriar Fair was not what she had in mind – especially when the man who catches her is as hot as a summer’s day and sends her heart racing.
Charity campaigner Aidan McBride has returned to Glenbriar after a long absence to discover the love of his life dating his cousin, his cottage in tatters, and his beloved bees gone. When he catches Lilah destroying his mum’s stall and discovers the reason, he sees something in her he can’t explain – or resist.
Feeling sorry for her, he offers her a job, and she reluctantly accepts. What other options does she have? Now, it isn’t just Aidan’s new bees that are buzzing. Lilah dreams of Aidan being hers, but for someone with a background like hers, he’s well out of her reach.
Still stung by the loss of his ex, Aidan struggles with his ever-growing attraction to Lilah. But if he doesn’t spit out exactly how he feels about her before her past catches up with her, he stands to lose the real love of his life.
Luckless Lilah Clarke needs a big break, but getting caught wrecking a stall at the Glenbriar Fair was not what she had in mind – especially when the man who catches her is as hot as a summer’s day and sends her heart racing.
Charity campaigner Aidan McBride has returned to Glenbriar after a long absence to discover the love of his life dating his cousin, his cottage in tatters, and his beloved bees gone. When he catches Lilah destroying his mum’s stall and discovers the reason, he sees something in her he can’t explain – or resist.
Feeling sorry for her, he offers her a job, and she reluctantly accepts. What other options does she have? Now, it isn’t just Aidan’s new bees that are buzzing. Lilah dreams of Aidan being hers, but for someone with a background like hers, he’s well out of her reach.
Still stung by the loss of his ex, Aidan struggles with his ever-growing attraction to Lilah. But if he doesn’t spit out exactly how he feels about her before her past catches up with her, he stands to lose the real love of his life.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2024
About the author
Margaret Amatt
40 books53 followersMargaret is a Scottish author and chocolate lover who has been writing stories for over twenty years (possibly more if you count her primary school efforts). Her early works will never see the light of day and are locked in dusty vaults on some old floppy disks. But after all those years of practise, Margaret released her first novel A Winter Haven in 2021. This is the first of a ten-book series set on the gorgeous Scottish Isle of Mull.
The stories are unashamedly romantic but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with previous characters.
A new spin-off series based in the Scottish Highlands is coming out in 2023. Look out for the Glenbriar Series throughout the year.
The stories are unashamedly romantic but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with previous characters.
A new spin-off series based in the Scottish Highlands is coming out in 2023. Look out for the Glenbriar Series throughout the year.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 15, 2024
What a treat to visit Glenbriar once more,
With characters new and old, their lives to explore.
With old teen rivalry still in place
Along with feelings of inadequacy, embarrassment and disgrace.
Lilah’s memories of her school days are bad,
Ridiculed and picked on, she was feisty but sad.
Bad enough growing on the poor side of town
Her peers comments then brought her down.
She’s always tried to work and be honest, too,
But her family members aren’t always so true!
Meeting her young brother proved a turning point it seems
As Aiden comes to her rescue - or so it seems!
A new opportunity, should she take the chance?
Cleaning and sorting his abandoned home, not romance.
But working together, with Maya as well,
Can they sort out their lives? Only time will tell.
With family dramas, misunderstandings and more
This is a delightful read that’s great to explore.
A gorgeous community, and lovely setting, too,
No wonder I highly recommend it to you!
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
With characters new and old, their lives to explore.
With old teen rivalry still in place
Along with feelings of inadequacy, embarrassment and disgrace.
Lilah’s memories of her school days are bad,
Ridiculed and picked on, she was feisty but sad.
Bad enough growing on the poor side of town
Her peers comments then brought her down.
She’s always tried to work and be honest, too,
But her family members aren’t always so true!
Meeting her young brother proved a turning point it seems
As Aiden comes to her rescue - or so it seems!
A new opportunity, should she take the chance?
Cleaning and sorting his abandoned home, not romance.
But working together, with Maya as well,
Can they sort out their lives? Only time will tell.
With family dramas, misunderstandings and more
This is a delightful read that’s great to explore.
A gorgeous community, and lovely setting, too,
No wonder I highly recommend it to you!
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
April 11, 2024
Starting Over at the Crafty Bee Barn by Margaret Amatt
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
From the sting of heartbreak to the buzz of love
Luckless Lilah Clarke needs a big break, but getting caught wrecking a stall at the Glenbriar Fair was not what she had in mind – especially when the man who catches her is as hot as a summer’s day and sends her heart racing.
Charity campaigner Aidan McBride has returned to Glenbriar after a long absence to discover the love of his life dating his cousin, his cottage in tatters, and his beloved bees gone. When he catches Lilah destroying his mum’s stall and discovers the reason, he sees something in her he can’t explain – or resist.
Feeling sorry for her, he offers her a job, and she reluctantly accepts. What other options does she have? Now, it isn’t just Aidan’s new bees that are buzzing. Lilah dreams of Aidan being hers, but for someone with a background like hers, he’s well out of her reach.
Still stung by the loss of his ex, Aidan struggles with his ever-growing attraction to Lilah. But if he doesn’t spit out exactly how he feels about her before her past catches up with her, he stands to lose the real love of his life.
My Opinion
This is the seventh book in The Glenbriar Series, for me this is such a lovely series and each book can be read as a standalone. This book appealed to me on so many levels; it has a stunning cover, it is part of a great series and I am a big fan of crafting. Lilah and Aidan are two very different characters, but both have been written brilliantly. I started reading this book and before I had even reached the end of chapter one I knew that this would be a true delight to read.
Margaret Amatt is fast becoming a must read author for me and this series is definitely on the list. What are you waiting for? Have you booked your trip to Glenbriar?
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
From the sting of heartbreak to the buzz of love
Luckless Lilah Clarke needs a big break, but getting caught wrecking a stall at the Glenbriar Fair was not what she had in mind – especially when the man who catches her is as hot as a summer’s day and sends her heart racing.
Charity campaigner Aidan McBride has returned to Glenbriar after a long absence to discover the love of his life dating his cousin, his cottage in tatters, and his beloved bees gone. When he catches Lilah destroying his mum’s stall and discovers the reason, he sees something in her he can’t explain – or resist.
Feeling sorry for her, he offers her a job, and she reluctantly accepts. What other options does she have? Now, it isn’t just Aidan’s new bees that are buzzing. Lilah dreams of Aidan being hers, but for someone with a background like hers, he’s well out of her reach.
Still stung by the loss of his ex, Aidan struggles with his ever-growing attraction to Lilah. But if he doesn’t spit out exactly how he feels about her before her past catches up with her, he stands to lose the real love of his life.
My Opinion
This is the seventh book in The Glenbriar Series, for me this is such a lovely series and each book can be read as a standalone. This book appealed to me on so many levels; it has a stunning cover, it is part of a great series and I am a big fan of crafting. Lilah and Aidan are two very different characters, but both have been written brilliantly. I started reading this book and before I had even reached the end of chapter one I knew that this would be a true delight to read.
Margaret Amatt is fast becoming a must read author for me and this series is definitely on the list. What are you waiting for? Have you booked your trip to Glenbriar?
Rating 4/5
April 15, 2024
This book was so much fun! I love the cozy romances like this! And if you’re worried that you haven’t read any of the others in this series and that you’ll be missing something–DON’T! I haven’t read any of them and I had no issues!
Right from the start, I pulled in to the lives of Lilah and Aidan. Each had their own struggles at the start, making it difficult for them both to open themselves up to love.
Aidan, having been jilted when his ex ended up with his cousin, is stuck between partially understanding–he WAS gone for quite a while–and feeling betrayed–understandably, so. It messes with his self-esteem a bit. In a quest to find happiness, he decides to focus on a love that has never failed him–his bees.
Aidan needs help cleaning up his cottage, however, since it fell a part a bit in his absence. Enter Liliah (LOVE her name, by the way!).
Lilah ALSO deals with low self-esteem. Hers is because she grew up exceptionally poor, which led her to being constantly made to feel less-than by others. Almost from the beginning, however, Aidan desires to help Lilah and give her a chance.
These are two characters that are deep-down just needing to be loved and cared for in very different ways. In each other, they find their match… Although, it’s not without its challenges.
This cozy, adorable, spring read was a delight! And I have every intention of backtracking to early books in the series in the hopes I can get to know some of the other characters mentioned.
I thoroughly enjoyed Amatt’s writing and the story she told. The characters were likeable and never annoying! Glenbriar has sucked me in to its charming atmosphere and relatable characters! Can’t wait to read more!
Right from the start, I pulled in to the lives of Lilah and Aidan. Each had their own struggles at the start, making it difficult for them both to open themselves up to love.
Aidan, having been jilted when his ex ended up with his cousin, is stuck between partially understanding–he WAS gone for quite a while–and feeling betrayed–understandably, so. It messes with his self-esteem a bit. In a quest to find happiness, he decides to focus on a love that has never failed him–his bees.
Aidan needs help cleaning up his cottage, however, since it fell a part a bit in his absence. Enter Liliah (LOVE her name, by the way!).
Lilah ALSO deals with low self-esteem. Hers is because she grew up exceptionally poor, which led her to being constantly made to feel less-than by others. Almost from the beginning, however, Aidan desires to help Lilah and give her a chance.
These are two characters that are deep-down just needing to be loved and cared for in very different ways. In each other, they find their match… Although, it’s not without its challenges.
This cozy, adorable, spring read was a delight! And I have every intention of backtracking to early books in the series in the hopes I can get to know some of the other characters mentioned.
I thoroughly enjoyed Amatt’s writing and the story she told. The characters were likeable and never annoying! Glenbriar has sucked me in to its charming atmosphere and relatable characters! Can’t wait to read more!
April 12, 2024
This is such an enjoyable series. You get to meet up again with some familiar faces, but the cast of characters gets larger as Lilah and Aidan enter the story. Aidan is having to come to terms with the fact that everything has changed whilst he has been away and an awful lot needs putting back together again. His family certainly have their faults and seem self- absorbed but underneath it allis genuine love and affection. This is something which Lilah has never had and her fight of flight impulse is always near the surface. Despite her street sense, she shows that she has a kind and caring side and is desperate for somewhere she can call home.
This is a romance full of starting over moments and second chances. There is a light-hearted tone to it and you do find yourself rooting for the characters to do well. I love the series, but if you happen to pick it up, this can be read as a standalone. There is plenty to enjoy but also a glimpse at the less privileged lives which some inhabitants live.
In short: A fresh start
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
This is a romance full of starting over moments and second chances. There is a light-hearted tone to it and you do find yourself rooting for the characters to do well. I love the series, but if you happen to pick it up, this can be read as a standalone. There is plenty to enjoy but also a glimpse at the less privileged lives which some inhabitants live.
In short: A fresh start
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
March 30, 2024
Lilah has had a difficult life, she’s struggling and can’t seem to see a way forward until she meets Aiden who gives her a job and a roof over her head. These two characters were so different but so in tune with each other as if they were soulmates and fate threw them together. Wonderful location, great characters and a lovely romance which had me hooked from the first chapter.
Read
March 25, 2024Such a lovely story
I really enjoyed this story the seventh in the Glenbriar Series. Two characters from different backgrounds. I felt for them and their struggles. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
I really enjoyed this story the seventh in the Glenbriar Series. Two characters from different backgrounds. I felt for them and their struggles. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
April 21, 2024
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Starting Over At The Crafty Bee Barn' by Margaret Amatt.
Read and reviewed for Margaret Amatt, Leannan Press and Rachel's Random Resources Tours.
Publication date 23rd March 2024
This is the seventh book I have read by this author. It is also the seventh book in 'The Glenbriar' series but each book in this series can be read as a standalone. I have also read 'Stolen Kisses At The Loch View Hotel' (book 1 in this series), 'Just Friends At Thistle Lodge (book 2 in this series), 'Pitching Up At Heather Glenn (book 3 in this series), 'Two's Company At The Forest Light Show' (book 4 in this series), 'Highland Fling On The Whisky Trail' (book 5 in this series) and 'Snowdown At The Old Schoolhouse' (book 6 in this series). I would highly recommend each and every one of them.
This novel consists of a prologue and 32 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
Yet another absolute stunner from the extremely talented Margaret!!! Well done Margaret on another absolutely beautiful and perfect read!! This is the ideal read to curl up on the sofa under a blanket with where you could sit there and turn around and just imagine the beautiful Glenbriar.
I absolutely love this stunning series and each and every adventure that Margaret takes the reader on every time they sweep them away to Glenbriar and this gorgeous book is no exception!! It has got to the point that every time I pick up one of Margaret's books in this series it feels like I am returning to a favourite holiday destination meeting with old friends again and also making new ones!! in this beautiful addition our main protagonists are Lilah and Aidan. Lilah has not had the best of lives, in fact I think it is pretty fair to say she has had a downright horrid one. She has had to learn to look after herself from a young age thanks to her alcohol and drug dependent Mother Claire, bullied at school, has a brother, Jaxon, who only bothers with her when he wants something and more!! When she finally finds somewhere to stay it is in a dingy caravan working for horrible people Brenda and Malcolm who do not pay her and only sometimes feed her. Aidan has not long returned from his travels that he went on not long after his father passed away to discover that his girlfriend Elise when he left is now engaged to his cousin Finlay!! Not only that but his cottage is in ruins and his beloved bees have gone after his Mother Patricia failed to look after either when he was away. Lilah does not make the best first impression on Aidan when she grabs a log from his Mother's craft stall that he and his sister Scarlett and threatens two men who are threatening her brother with it. In fact, Aidan believes that she is actually a young boy but is corrected by his sister Scarlett who used to bully Lilah at school!! Aidan feels sorry for Lilah and offers her a job as a cleaner to help her out and later on offers her his spare room. It isn't long before Aidan and Lilah become friends and Lilah even starts bonding with Aidan's bees. With both Lilah and Aidan being hurt in the past they start to grow closer but when he bumps into Elise again what whey will his heart take him? Will Lilah ever find her happy ever after? Will Patricia and Scarlett ever accept Lilah? Grab this beautiful page turner and discover Glenbriar for yourselves! I can promise that you will not regret it!! With a storyline filled with family, friendship, love, romance, second chances, hope and new beginnings as well as much more this is a book that I could not put down!! I absolutely devoured it in one sitting as there was just no chance of only reading one more chapter and I was walking around with my kindle glued to my hands!! The storyline is realistic and Margaret's stunning evocative writing skills suck you deep into the book ensuring you can hear the Scottish twang in the character's voices, see the beautiful surroundings and hear the bees buzzing around you. I absolutely fell in love venturing into beautiful Glenbriar and Scottish Highlands again and felt like I was coming back to a well known and loved holiday destination after falling in love with Glenbriar in book one. Margaret portrays life in a small village absolutely perfectly. I became so invested in this book that it actually felt like going on a holiday and I absolutely dreaded coming to the end again where I had to unpack my suitcase and get back to reality. It was an absolutely compelling, immersive and addictive heart lifting read that kept me turning the pages until late at night. I loved discovering the pasts and histories of the characters and I was absolutely swept away in the story line. The characters and locations came to life around me and I cannot wait to return in the next book in this stunning series that I have very quickly fallen in love with. It has everything you could ask for to lose yourself for several hours. Each and every book I have read in this series I have read in one sitting and this one is no exception. I just could not put it down so make sure you clear your schedules!!!! This book and this series would make a beautiful movie!! I haven't been to Scotland for a long time but my son keeps asking to go and this book has tempted me even more. This book is an absolutely gorgeous, cute and addictive addition in an absolutely stunning series!!
Do not turn a single page of this book until you have cleared your schedules and when you do get ready to go on a stunning holiday you will not want to leave!!
Although this is the seventh book in this stunning series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without any of the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I became completely invested in the characters, along with the storyline, who were all absolutely fantastic with their own individual personalities and quirks. They all started feeling like friends so quickly having got to meet and know so many of them so well from the previous books along with getting to know and love many new characters quickly. I felt like I was leaving amazing people and friends and feel quite sad about that! Each of the characters have rich personalities and they will all stay with me for a long time. Margaret's fantastic evocative writing skills ensure each and every one of them come to life in front of your eyes while you go through all their emotions with them. The main protagonists in this "episode" at Glenbriar are Lilah and Aidan and although I have read and knew about Aidan in previous books in this series after reading his cousin Hayley's stories and also meeting Elise and several other characters previously, this is the first time I have met Lilah and Aidan. I very quickly warmed to Lilah and my heart absolutely went out to her for the way people treated her and the life that she was leading. She is such a lovely girl who has had to learn to live to fight or fly after being surrounded and growing up with unreliable and downright horrible people. It also quickly warmed to Aidan who I felt sorry for having suffered from the loss of his dad to coming back and feeling betrayed by the woman he loved and his cousin who he was best friends with. They very quickly felt like extra friends that I made in this fabulous village and are another pair I look forward to hearing about again and again. Margaret could make millions of books in this series and I will never get bored delving into the lives of new and previous residents of Glenbriar. I was completely rooting for Lilah and Aidan throughout this beautiful page turner but to find out how they get on you'll just have to grab your copy today!!! I'm hoping to meet them again in the next amazing book so I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping Margaret takes this not so very subtle hint lol!! This is definitely one of those series which could go on and on and I wouldn't get bored. Here's to (hopefully) meeting them all again along with the next new faces of Glenbriar!!
Congratulations Margaret on yet another absolutely gorgeous success!!! I'm definitely looking forward to my next holiday to Glenbriar!!! This is exactly why you are in my favourite author club and here is to your next success 🥂 !!!
Overall this is another perfect, stunning, page turning hot chocolate and fireplace addition to a stunning series, with a great gang of characters that will sweep you away to the Scottish Highlands from the very first page to the end by the extremely talented Margaret Amatt!
324 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with Kindle Unlimited and £9.99 in paperback at time of review via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Review for 'Starting Over At The Crafty Bee Barn' by Margaret Amatt.
Read and reviewed for Margaret Amatt, Leannan Press and Rachel's Random Resources Tours.
Publication date 23rd March 2024
This is the seventh book I have read by this author. It is also the seventh book in 'The Glenbriar' series but each book in this series can be read as a standalone. I have also read 'Stolen Kisses At The Loch View Hotel' (book 1 in this series), 'Just Friends At Thistle Lodge (book 2 in this series), 'Pitching Up At Heather Glenn (book 3 in this series), 'Two's Company At The Forest Light Show' (book 4 in this series), 'Highland Fling On The Whisky Trail' (book 5 in this series) and 'Snowdown At The Old Schoolhouse' (book 6 in this series). I would highly recommend each and every one of them.
This novel consists of a prologue and 32 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
Yet another absolute stunner from the extremely talented Margaret!!! Well done Margaret on another absolutely beautiful and perfect read!! This is the ideal read to curl up on the sofa under a blanket with where you could sit there and turn around and just imagine the beautiful Glenbriar.
I absolutely love this stunning series and each and every adventure that Margaret takes the reader on every time they sweep them away to Glenbriar and this gorgeous book is no exception!! It has got to the point that every time I pick up one of Margaret's books in this series it feels like I am returning to a favourite holiday destination meeting with old friends again and also making new ones!! in this beautiful addition our main protagonists are Lilah and Aidan. Lilah has not had the best of lives, in fact I think it is pretty fair to say she has had a downright horrid one. She has had to learn to look after herself from a young age thanks to her alcohol and drug dependent Mother Claire, bullied at school, has a brother, Jaxon, who only bothers with her when he wants something and more!! When she finally finds somewhere to stay it is in a dingy caravan working for horrible people Brenda and Malcolm who do not pay her and only sometimes feed her. Aidan has not long returned from his travels that he went on not long after his father passed away to discover that his girlfriend Elise when he left is now engaged to his cousin Finlay!! Not only that but his cottage is in ruins and his beloved bees have gone after his Mother Patricia failed to look after either when he was away. Lilah does not make the best first impression on Aidan when she grabs a log from his Mother's craft stall that he and his sister Scarlett and threatens two men who are threatening her brother with it. In fact, Aidan believes that she is actually a young boy but is corrected by his sister Scarlett who used to bully Lilah at school!! Aidan feels sorry for Lilah and offers her a job as a cleaner to help her out and later on offers her his spare room. It isn't long before Aidan and Lilah become friends and Lilah even starts bonding with Aidan's bees. With both Lilah and Aidan being hurt in the past they start to grow closer but when he bumps into Elise again what whey will his heart take him? Will Lilah ever find her happy ever after? Will Patricia and Scarlett ever accept Lilah? Grab this beautiful page turner and discover Glenbriar for yourselves! I can promise that you will not regret it!! With a storyline filled with family, friendship, love, romance, second chances, hope and new beginnings as well as much more this is a book that I could not put down!! I absolutely devoured it in one sitting as there was just no chance of only reading one more chapter and I was walking around with my kindle glued to my hands!! The storyline is realistic and Margaret's stunning evocative writing skills suck you deep into the book ensuring you can hear the Scottish twang in the character's voices, see the beautiful surroundings and hear the bees buzzing around you. I absolutely fell in love venturing into beautiful Glenbriar and Scottish Highlands again and felt like I was coming back to a well known and loved holiday destination after falling in love with Glenbriar in book one. Margaret portrays life in a small village absolutely perfectly. I became so invested in this book that it actually felt like going on a holiday and I absolutely dreaded coming to the end again where I had to unpack my suitcase and get back to reality. It was an absolutely compelling, immersive and addictive heart lifting read that kept me turning the pages until late at night. I loved discovering the pasts and histories of the characters and I was absolutely swept away in the story line. The characters and locations came to life around me and I cannot wait to return in the next book in this stunning series that I have very quickly fallen in love with. It has everything you could ask for to lose yourself for several hours. Each and every book I have read in this series I have read in one sitting and this one is no exception. I just could not put it down so make sure you clear your schedules!!!! This book and this series would make a beautiful movie!! I haven't been to Scotland for a long time but my son keeps asking to go and this book has tempted me even more. This book is an absolutely gorgeous, cute and addictive addition in an absolutely stunning series!!
Do not turn a single page of this book until you have cleared your schedules and when you do get ready to go on a stunning holiday you will not want to leave!!
Although this is the seventh book in this stunning series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without any of the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I became completely invested in the characters, along with the storyline, who were all absolutely fantastic with their own individual personalities and quirks. They all started feeling like friends so quickly having got to meet and know so many of them so well from the previous books along with getting to know and love many new characters quickly. I felt like I was leaving amazing people and friends and feel quite sad about that! Each of the characters have rich personalities and they will all stay with me for a long time. Margaret's fantastic evocative writing skills ensure each and every one of them come to life in front of your eyes while you go through all their emotions with them. The main protagonists in this "episode" at Glenbriar are Lilah and Aidan and although I have read and knew about Aidan in previous books in this series after reading his cousin Hayley's stories and also meeting Elise and several other characters previously, this is the first time I have met Lilah and Aidan. I very quickly warmed to Lilah and my heart absolutely went out to her for the way people treated her and the life that she was leading. She is such a lovely girl who has had to learn to live to fight or fly after being surrounded and growing up with unreliable and downright horrible people. It also quickly warmed to Aidan who I felt sorry for having suffered from the loss of his dad to coming back and feeling betrayed by the woman he loved and his cousin who he was best friends with. They very quickly felt like extra friends that I made in this fabulous village and are another pair I look forward to hearing about again and again. Margaret could make millions of books in this series and I will never get bored delving into the lives of new and previous residents of Glenbriar. I was completely rooting for Lilah and Aidan throughout this beautiful page turner but to find out how they get on you'll just have to grab your copy today!!! I'm hoping to meet them again in the next amazing book so I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping Margaret takes this not so very subtle hint lol!! This is definitely one of those series which could go on and on and I wouldn't get bored. Here's to (hopefully) meeting them all again along with the next new faces of Glenbriar!!
Congratulations Margaret on yet another absolutely gorgeous success!!! I'm definitely looking forward to my next holiday to Glenbriar!!! This is exactly why you are in my favourite author club and here is to your next success 🥂 !!!
Overall this is another perfect, stunning, page turning hot chocolate and fireplace addition to a stunning series, with a great gang of characters that will sweep you away to the Scottish Highlands from the very first page to the end by the extremely talented Margaret Amatt!
324 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with Kindle Unlimited and £9.99 in paperback at time of review via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
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April 1, 2024
Another fabulous book from Margaret Amatt who has done it again with a great storyline, strong realistic and likeable characters and all set in the beautiful setting of Glenbriar. Aidan comes across Lilah when she stumbles into his mum’s stall, The Crafty Bee, and sends everything flying. Quite quickly he starts to feel sorry for her and thanks to his sister gets an understanding of what her background is like. Lilah is instantly attracted to this hunk before her but realises that he is well out of her league. He offers her a job and she reluctantly agrees although it does mean that she can admire him whilst she working. Aidan is back from travelling for thirteen months after his father’s death but when he returned he found that lots had changed. Can they help each other come to terms with their current circumstances and will their new friendship progress into something more? I just love the style of writing, the way topics are covered and how characters from previous books make an appearance. An absolutely wonderful visit to Glenbriar and I can’t wait to visit again with the next story!!
April 9, 2024
Another beautiful book from Margarett.
April 14, 2024
Such a sweet story filled with adorable moments between two characters who were perfect for each other.
Lilah was a troubled soul, who you straight away felt for, someone who desperately needed a break from her troublesome life. Literally thrown into the path of Aiden, fate throws together two tender souls who bring out the best in each other.
It was amazing to see them come together, both needing help and to watch their gentle friendship grow into love.
A gorgeous setting too and some fantastic supporting characters made this a very enjoyable read.
A perfect summer story to get you buzzing 🌼🐝🍯
Lilah was a troubled soul, who you straight away felt for, someone who desperately needed a break from her troublesome life. Literally thrown into the path of Aiden, fate throws together two tender souls who bring out the best in each other.
It was amazing to see them come together, both needing help and to watch their gentle friendship grow into love.
A gorgeous setting too and some fantastic supporting characters made this a very enjoyable read.
A perfect summer story to get you buzzing 🌼🐝🍯
January 28, 2024
Another amazing instalment to the Glenbriar Series! I started this book last night and finished it this morning, I could not put it down!
Both Aidan & Lilah were fabulous characters, both so likeable, relatable and easy to root for!
I love how they both grew so much throughout the story, as a couple and on their individual merits!
I love disappearing in Margaret’s worlds. With stunning scenery and adorable heroines, she never fails to deliver!
Can’t wait for the next book already!
Both Aidan & Lilah were fabulous characters, both so likeable, relatable and easy to root for!
I love how they both grew so much throughout the story, as a couple and on their individual merits!
I love disappearing in Margaret’s worlds. With stunning scenery and adorable heroines, she never fails to deliver!
Can’t wait for the next book already!
April 13, 2024
I love Margaret Amatt and the Glenbriar books, so it’s not a surprise from me to say iadored this book, I got excited as soon as I read the title Starting Over at the Crafty Bee Barn, doesn’t that sound so amazing! I’m already wishing Glenbriar actually existed so I could visit, but I love the idea of the crafty barn it just sounds like heaven to me.
Then you have the fabulous story, the romance community, and second chances and you know I’m hooked and not putting this down until it’s finished. It was so wonderful being back within the pages of one of Margaret stories, the sense of community, the warmth of the characters I just love every second.
I loved Aiden, he melted my heart, he’s just so loveable and I love all he does for Lilah before there is even a relationship between them. This story has everything for me, great characters, wonderful community, great chemistry and plenty of humour as well as drama. Think this has been one of my favourite so far and that’s saying something when I love them all, but if you want a great read and a book to make you warm inside, this is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Then you have the fabulous story, the romance community, and second chances and you know I’m hooked and not putting this down until it’s finished. It was so wonderful being back within the pages of one of Margaret stories, the sense of community, the warmth of the characters I just love every second.
I loved Aiden, he melted my heart, he’s just so loveable and I love all he does for Lilah before there is even a relationship between them. This story has everything for me, great characters, wonderful community, great chemistry and plenty of humour as well as drama. Think this has been one of my favourite so far and that’s saying something when I love them all, but if you want a great read and a book to make you warm inside, this is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 15, 2024
🌧Monday 15th April 2024🌧
📚PR book tour📚
Margaret Amatt - Starting over at the crafty bee barn
Thank you so much Margaret Amatt and Rachel’s random resources for gifting me a digital copy of Starting over at the crafty bee barn in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book really interesting, the idea of building/rebuilding your reputation in your home town when everyone judges you on your family and the type of life you lead as a child was fascinating to me and I can't begin to imagine how difficult that would be to shake the stigma that is always associated with you. Add in family tensions and starting a new business there was alot to take in. I do wish I could stand in the Meadows surrounded by bees and summer heat.
QOTD - Are you greenfingered?
I love gardens but am terrible at gardening
#freereview #giftedbook #booktour #gifted
📚PR book tour📚
Margaret Amatt - Starting over at the crafty bee barn
Thank you so much Margaret Amatt and Rachel’s random resources for gifting me a digital copy of Starting over at the crafty bee barn in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book really interesting, the idea of building/rebuilding your reputation in your home town when everyone judges you on your family and the type of life you lead as a child was fascinating to me and I can't begin to imagine how difficult that would be to shake the stigma that is always associated with you. Add in family tensions and starting a new business there was alot to take in. I do wish I could stand in the Meadows surrounded by bees and summer heat.
QOTD - Are you greenfingered?
I love gardens but am terrible at gardening
#freereview #giftedbook #booktour #gifted
April 16, 2024
Although Starting Over at the Crafty Bee Barn is the seventh book in the Glenbriar series, it easily reads as a standalone.
Whilst I'm yet to read all of the Glenbriar series, I did enjoy catching up with some familiar faces, and the opportunity to make new friends.
Amatt writes with warmth and heart, her stories always an absolute joy to read. SOATCBB has romance, friendships and a wonderful sense of community.
I loved the book and am already packing my case for my next visit to Glenbriar.
Whilst I'm yet to read all of the Glenbriar series, I did enjoy catching up with some familiar faces, and the opportunity to make new friends.
Amatt writes with warmth and heart, her stories always an absolute joy to read. SOATCBB has romance, friendships and a wonderful sense of community.
I loved the book and am already packing my case for my next visit to Glenbriar.
October 1, 2025
Great read
Enjoyed the story and really like this series of books.
I can't wait to read the rest of these books.
Enjoyed the story and really like this series of books.
I can't wait to read the rest of these books.
May 25, 2024
Starting Over at the Crafty Bee Barn is the seventh book in the Glenbriar series by Margaret Amatt. Although there are characters familiar to those who have read the previous books, you can easily read this story as a standalone. Having said that, I do recommend that you check out the other books in the series because they are all completely wonderful.
In this story, we meet Lilah, a 23 year old who has had the toughest of starts in life, with unreliable family. Not wanting to be like her errant family, Lilah desperately needs a break and someone to realise her capabilities. We also meet Aidan who left Glenbriar to go on a charity walk in memory of his father when he was still grieving. He left his girlfriend behind, but when he returned he found that she had moved on and was now engaged to his cousin. When Aidan meets Lilah, he feels something for her but dismisses it because there is a ten year age gap, and he sets out to give her opportunities that may previously have passed her by.
I loved the dynamic between the two main characters, in particular how much of an old soul Lilah was, mature and keen to better herself. On paper their relationship should not have worked, and both of them agreed that, but their mutual love of nature and their location brought them together in a way neither could have imagined. The doubt they both had initially affected their relationship, but with communication they were able to form a close bond.
I loved their character progression as they both found strength from one another to help them achieve goals and battle their own personal demons. Already likeable, I found as Aidan and Lilah grew I warmed to them even more.
Through every book in the series, and this was no exception, I have adored the location of Glenbriar. The Scottish Highlands have always meant a lot to me, and this book exudes the sense of space and greenery synonymous with the Highlands, providing me with an armchair escape to a region I love.
Starting Over at the Crafty Bee Barn is a gentle romance in a stunning location, that made me want to keep bees, and do crafts, and maybe even have a barn filled with home made gifts to sell to the public!
In this story, we meet Lilah, a 23 year old who has had the toughest of starts in life, with unreliable family. Not wanting to be like her errant family, Lilah desperately needs a break and someone to realise her capabilities. We also meet Aidan who left Glenbriar to go on a charity walk in memory of his father when he was still grieving. He left his girlfriend behind, but when he returned he found that she had moved on and was now engaged to his cousin. When Aidan meets Lilah, he feels something for her but dismisses it because there is a ten year age gap, and he sets out to give her opportunities that may previously have passed her by.
I loved the dynamic between the two main characters, in particular how much of an old soul Lilah was, mature and keen to better herself. On paper their relationship should not have worked, and both of them agreed that, but their mutual love of nature and their location brought them together in a way neither could have imagined. The doubt they both had initially affected their relationship, but with communication they were able to form a close bond.
I loved their character progression as they both found strength from one another to help them achieve goals and battle their own personal demons. Already likeable, I found as Aidan and Lilah grew I warmed to them even more.
Through every book in the series, and this was no exception, I have adored the location of Glenbriar. The Scottish Highlands have always meant a lot to me, and this book exudes the sense of space and greenery synonymous with the Highlands, providing me with an armchair escape to a region I love.
Starting Over at the Crafty Bee Barn is a gentle romance in a stunning location, that made me want to keep bees, and do crafts, and maybe even have a barn filled with home made gifts to sell to the public!
March 21, 2024
So far, Lilah Clarke's life has been hard, really hard, and now, at twenty-three, she knows she's unlikely to escape the poverty she grew up in. But then she meets Aiden McBride. He's a charity campaigner who's experiencing his own share of bad luck and heartache. He sees her pain and offers her a roof over her head and a job.
Lilah's suspicious. How could this handsome stranger have kind-hearted motives only want what's best for her? But slowly and surely, she sees that Aiden really is the kind of man she'd only ever read about in books. But as their friendship begins to grow into something more, the whole world seems to want to tear them apart.
Starting Over at the Crafty Bee Barn is another slam-dunk of a romance novel by Margaret Amatt and I think her best yet. I simply couldn't put it down. It's heartbreakingly lovely and made me well up countless times. Her writing is simply brilliant and her characters so richly drawn that I could understand all the motives behind their behaviour even if other people in the book could not.
Her descriptions of the Scottish countryside around Glenbriar also deserve a special mention and, although different, are on a par with those by D H Lawrence in Lady Chatterley's Lover which I've been reading (and put down to read Margaret's book).
If you like fantastically written romance novels that draw you in from the first page and keep you hooked until the last then make Starting Over at the Crafty Bee Barn your next read!
Lilah's suspicious. How could this handsome stranger have kind-hearted motives only want what's best for her? But slowly and surely, she sees that Aiden really is the kind of man she'd only ever read about in books. But as their friendship begins to grow into something more, the whole world seems to want to tear them apart.
Starting Over at the Crafty Bee Barn is another slam-dunk of a romance novel by Margaret Amatt and I think her best yet. I simply couldn't put it down. It's heartbreakingly lovely and made me well up countless times. Her writing is simply brilliant and her characters so richly drawn that I could understand all the motives behind their behaviour even if other people in the book could not.
Her descriptions of the Scottish countryside around Glenbriar also deserve a special mention and, although different, are on a par with those by D H Lawrence in Lady Chatterley's Lover which I've been reading (and put down to read Margaret's book).
If you like fantastically written romance novels that draw you in from the first page and keep you hooked until the last then make Starting Over at the Crafty Bee Barn your next read!
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