Første år på byens pub

Star and Sixpence #1-4

by Holly Hepburn, Jonas Roel (Translator)

Søstrene Nessie og Sam arver en pub efter deres far, som de ikke har haft kontakt med i mange år. Pubben ligger i den lille, idylliske landsby Little Monkham langt ude på landet, og de ser det som en mulighed for at lægge deres travle og kaotiske liv bag sig og begynde på en frisk.

Da de ankommer til pubben Star and Sixpence, ser den dog ikke ud, som de havde forestillet sig. Den er nedslidt og forgældet, og projektet med at få stedet op at køre igen virker temmelig uoverskueligt. Både Nessie og Sam er dog fast besluttet på at give det et forsøg, også selv om der er rigeligt med udfordringer, der truer med at forpurre deres planer. Vil det lykkes dem at puste liv i pubben igen og gøre den til landsbyens hjerte og samlingspunkt?

Første år på byens pub er en samlet udgave af delene Vinter, Valentinsdag, Sommer, Efterår og Jul.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary, Family, Adult, Audiobook

441 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2016

About the author

I’ve wanted to write books for adults for as long as I can remember but I was too scared to try. One day I decided to be brave and dipped a toe into the bubble bath of romantic comedy with my first novella, Cupidity, and I’ve never looked back. I often try to be funny to be funny, except for when faced with traffic wardens and border control staff. My favourite thing is making people smile.

I’ve tried many jobs over the years, from barmaid to market researcher and I even had a brief flirtation with modelling. These days I am mostly found writing.

I live near London with my grey tabby cat, Portia. We both have an unhealthy obsession with Marmite.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nessie and Sam were both amazing characters dealing with a pub being left to them by their estranged dad. They learn much more about their father through the little Villiage life. I find they are both happier in the Villiage even though it takes some adjusting to. Franny was an excellent character too. I'm pleased to find out there is another set to this story which is on order now. 5 Stars

[Michelle Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't often go for books such as this one, but having heard of the Star and Sixpence novellas a few months ago (and having worked behind the bar in several pubs) this one piqued my interest. I decided to wait for the complete collection in paperback, and I'm so glad I did.

I adore the world Holly Hepburn has created here; from the whimsical name of the ancient, supposedly haunted pub, to the different-in-every-way sisters Sam and Vanessa, and the challenges they face in restoring the building - as well as their own lives - back to health and happiness. I rooted for the sisters and especially enjoyed the build up to the relationship between Sam and Joss. In addition, I loved the small details and traditions, such as the burning of a Yule Log, which added an air of magic to the story, and the fabulous cocktails dreamed up by former PR girl Sam - I can't stop craving a Silver Sixpence since reading this!

This is a warm and witty read, and I only wish the Star and Sixpence was a real place I could visit! Recommended.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book by Holly and a great easy fun read and has great characters and ideal setting in a beautiful village you think you want to be there yourself. Full of friendship, starting a new life and job, romance and simply brilliant.
Nessa and Sam are sisters and not had much contact from their dad for years but he's passed away and left them a village pub so they decide to go and see it and see if they can make a go off it. Problem is when they arrive it's not as idlic as they thought and very run down and needs a lot of money on it to make it work. They decide they want to make a go off it but what will the villagers think of them will they welcome them or will they have to work hard to get new friends. Nessa is also running away from a few things but when they catch up with her how will she react and how will her new friends react will they support her or not. Will they both find new loves or not. Can they be happy and make a go of the pub or will it all fall apart.
A brilliant reed.

[Anna Catharina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fünf Wohlfühlgeschichten zum Träumen. Liebenswerte Charaktere, ein Schuss Romantik und ein tolles Setting.

[Ali Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. what a lovely read. Another one of my favourites so far this year. Loved all the characters so much and would love to live in the village and spend time at the pub. Imagined Nick Borrowdale as Poldark. Full of everything and a really long read. I do feel as though I have spent a year there even though I spent Easter there it has taken me 10 days which is long for me to finish a book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot wait for any sequels.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely book with lovely characters. I enjoyed this and I’d happily read other books in this series. As much as I enjoyed it I only gave it three stars purely because it’s a nice easy read but I didn’t find it overly exciting or gripping.

[Alison Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down, its a fab story about two sisters who inherit a pub.

[Agi · Rating 4 out of 5]

So guys, this time I haven't read the story when it was published as series but patiently, verrrry patiently waited for it to come out as one, big, gorgeous paperback - even though I am not against novels being published in instalments. There was really no reason why I wanted to read it as a whole, I just felt I can wait. I've already heard many good things about this book and I was really looking forward towards reading it, and let's be honest for a moment, I immediately fell in love with this gorgeous cover as well.

So the story introduces us to sisters Nessie and Sam who have just inherited a pub in the countryside from their father - father that they haven't seen or talked to for many, many years. However, they both decide that it's time for something new, they both had some changes in their lives and so they soon find themselves running an idyllic pub and everything it involves - first of all, learning everything about running the pub, that's it, and then all the amendments, power cuts, staff problems, winning the villagers over but also dealing with their own skeletons!

There are plenty of characters introduced to us in this novel, and there is this lovely feeling of community there as well. This is Little Monkham, a little village, where everybody knows everybody else and there is always one lady keeping all the strings in her iron fist and knowing why, where, who and with whom, and it was brilliantly captured in this novel - I totally bought it, even though I must have rolled my eyes once or twice, I was more like Sam there, taking things more with a pinch of salt but eventually accepting that some things will be done whether she liked it or not. But let's come back to the characters - there were many of them but with this being a relatively long book it wasn't so confusing or overwhelming. I loved some of the names, for example Father Goodluck, it's a lovely name, isn't it? The blacksmith Owen, cellar - man Joss Felstead... All the characters had their own stories to tell and they were really great developed, full of details, happy and sad moments and it was great that the author here and there was taking a break from the pub and the central characters of Sam and Nessie - even if they were lovely heroines! I love books about families, going into details about relationships between - this time - two sisters. Sam and Nessie were so different but both brilliant women and despite all those differences they loved each other and they were there to support each other. The dynamics between them were portrayed in such an effortless and realistic way, it was not only bed of roses but the girls had their misunderstandings, which only made the read much more realistic.

The author has nailed it with all the seasons or events perfectly and I'd love to spend a Halloween or summer fest at Star and Sixpence. Especially when a sexy celebrity is an added bonus! The blossoming romance aspects were full of twist and turns, there were more of them as on a winding road to be honest. The never ending will they/won't they between Nessie and Owen could be annoying, as it took so much time and their attitude needed a lot of patience from the reader, but it was also incredibly sweet and innocent and it worked for me this time. I think it is because sometimes you just know that the characters are DESTINED to be together, so you're willing to give them this little more time, even though you want to bang their heads together most of the time. No hard feelings!

I loved the sense of friendship and community in the story - it was so overwhelming that I immediately felt a part of this book, a part of Little Monkham. For such a small village it offered so much, starting with games of cricket, through wedding of the year to pub quizzes, with the pub always in the centre, and it all sounded so down to earth and so idyllic. There is so much love in the detailed descriptions of the pub, the author brought this place to life so effortlessly and I could easily see in my mind the interior or make myself comfortable and warm at the fireplace.

My only "but" is that some things were started, mentioned and then forgotten, or only shortly mentioned again. I know it did probably work well when the book was published in parts but in a story like this I like all the ends to be wrapped up and to know how exactly the situations were resolved, like for example this with Sam's unfortunate affair (it's nice to know that the person was rightly punished but I'd love to know what exactly happened), or Nessie's ex - husband Patrick who so tamely agreed to Nessie's decision, even though it looked like there was still a lot of fight to be done. There were moments that it felt too chopped and the things that were big and significant for the plot felt reduced.

"A Year at the Star and Sixpence" was a lovely, romantic, humorous and heart - warming novel, a great adventure with some really well developed characters. The world created by Holly Hepburn was inviting and warm and the story of the supposedly haunted pub, its locals and two sisters facing challenges in restoring it and bringing back to its glory allowed me for a few hours of a great escape. All the holidays, seasons and the small traditions were so lovely and captured with so much feeling. It is really a perfect book to snuggle up with in front of the fireplace, with a mug of hot chocolate. I found myself involved in the sisters' lives and adventures and rooting not only for them but also for all the other characters. There is all I am looking for in a book - laughter and sadness, lovely, awkward romances, suspense and tension, adorned by believable, easy - going characters. Looking forward to reading much more from Holly Hepburn! Highly recommended!

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was waiting for agessss for this book to come and I was so happy when it did! I really enjoyed the book, it gave off good vibes and I think the relationship between Sam and Nessie is balanced really well.

One thing that did annoy me throughout the whole book was Nessie and Owen's relationship. I mean I know Nessie is supposed to be timid but I think it was a bit ridiculous how walked over she was! And how long it bloody took for them to hook up! I mean a whole year!? It just irritated me and made me want to skip the pages where Nessie was acting unsure (AGAIN for the 100th time!). What I did enjoy was Sam pushing Nessie to go for it (although to be fair, it hardly worked), because it just seemed to go on forever!

I loved the cosy setting of the Star and Sixpence and the characters as well. I was a bit iffy on Franny at first (obviously, I think we were supposed to be!) but ended up really liking the older lady. I also loved Ruby and Kathryn and even had a soft spot for Joss (once he'd realised what a dick he'd been).

It was a great read, and I'm glad I ordered it! It was quite a big read (just over 500 pages) but I loved it so much it didn't take me long to complete it! Overall, would definitely recommend, just didn't like the character of Nessie so much. I think she was portrayed wrongly and was often seen as a walk over.

[Kristyn Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ll acknowledge up front that this story has some sweet elements and positive stories. It’s a shame they are tainted by continuous examples of toxic behavior. First, the main characters have a real problem with being honest with those they claim are important in their lives. Over and over, feelings are hurt and misunderstandings happen because one of them didn’t explain the truth.

However, I am most dismayed by the romanticizing of one male love interest’s behavior, when it has classic earmarks of abuser behavior. What’s more, the woman even acknowledges that he makes it all her fault - and continues to do also until the very end! “I’m sorry I was a jerk - but you just make me so crazy!” NO! That is not an apology and is not a man who will change.

To put a fine point on it - do not ever accept for a partner anyone who assumes the worst about you, judges you, and who physically ambushes you for a kiss or other physical contact. If you have to worry about defending yourself to someone who should be squarely in your corner, then that person is not deserving of your love and energy. That is not how a relationship should be. That is an abuser. Pretty blue eyes, a good kisser, and strong arms do not make a good person.

[Maxine Purdy · Rating 2 out of 5]

In its favour, the story bounced along merrily and without presenting any challenge to the reader at all. In fact after the first couple of chapters I knew what the outcome would be..and I was correct. I didn't really get any picture of the two main characters at all so never invested in any of them emotionally. But it's a perfect jolly read for a holiday.

I was a little distracted that it was set in Shropshire yet one of the characters travelled to Gloucester as if it is the nearest town....I know Shropshire well and that's quite a hike.

[Dasja]

Dit is een vreselijk boek. Ik vind romannetjes vol clichés echt helemaal prima, sterker nog, ik kan er soms erg van genieten. Maar dit!! Het gaat al verkeerd bij de naam van een van de geliefdes van de hoofdpersonages - Joss? Dat is een afschuwelijke naam. Net niet Jos, net niet Jess, maar iets er tussenin dat niet had moeten bestaan. Niet alleen zijn naam, maar ook zijn innerlijk is tenenkrommend. Arrogant (wat Sam blijkbaar aantrekkelijk vindt? Hoe dan?) en als ze dan besluiten om met elkaar te rollebollen en niet op elkaar verliefd te worden, is hij die afspraak een bladzijde later al vergeten. Hij is mega jaloers (wat een afknapper) en als Sam in de problemen komt door een #MeToo uit het verleden, laat hij haar keihard vallen. Jaloerse mannen, bah.

De andere zus, Nessie, zou verliefd moeten worden op Owen, de buurman die ook een smid is. Prima, smid klinkt sexy. Maar Jezus wat een saaie drollen zijn dit. Twee dates in zes maanden is geen 'slow burn' maar gewoon heel erg triest.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this from start to finish and can’t wait to read the next one

[Luise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh, I definitely can't recommend this book. At least not this bundled version. It might be 'easier' to bear if you read the separate parts spread over a year or something and you forget most of it in the meantime.

It's not even the writing itself, which is generally not bad at all. It's the content. The so-called storyline.

It often builds up 'suspense' or promises that anything happens at all - only to be put off very vaguely.

The best example is Sam's drama:

At first, there's this awful mysterious incident that cost her her fancy London PR job and made her flee to this remote little village.

Later this incident threatens to hit the news and ruin her reputation forever. Sam hurries to London to soothe potential damage and launch a counterattack.

It all gets very dramatic etc. and then...

... oh look, we're planning a new event at the pub. The aftermath of when this incident went public? Was intense, by the way. Also, the weather is pretty windy today.


Seriously? That's just lazy. And exactly the same happened with more pieces of 'plot'. Apart from promising stuff and not writing about it afterwards, there's nothing happening except for weather report and event-planning.

Boring. And since it's still early in the year and I'm still on my resolutions, I have no choice but to rate this book in a harsh way, as I really really dreaded reading it to the end.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Holly Hepburn and it certainly won’t be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down. I loved the two main characters Nessie and Sam who are sisters who have inherited a pub from there Dad.

I read this book in two and a half weeks. It was a really enjoyable read and I certainly will be reading more books by Holly Hepburn.

[Georgina Abbotts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful read about sisters Nessie and Sam who inherit the star and sixpence after their dad passes away in the village of little monkham.The sisters fave a challenge to get the pub reopened up they seem to upset a few local residents a long the. Way I adored this read and couldn't get enough of it I felt apart of the village I'm going to read last orders at the star and sixpence next

[Amy Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real captivating story, I struggled to set the book down!
An easy to read, feel good book. I felt like another resident in Little Monkham, going through the events which each of the characters. I will definitely be looking out for more of Holly Hepburn's novels.

[Katey Lovell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely, cosy book to snuggle up with on a cold evening. Nessie, Sam and co were a joy to spend time in against a backdrop of Valentine's celebrations, Halloween parties and festive fayres. Made me long for the country (and a hot blacksmith).

[Vickie Richens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this and read it in one sitting. Looking forward to reading more of her books

[Poorvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nessie and Sam inherit a rundown pub in a picturesque village and see it as an opportunity to start over. However, they soon realize that the pub is in bad shape and will require a lot of work to restore. Despite the challenges, they are determined to make the pub a central part of the village again. However, their past catches up to them, making them question if their fresh start is truly possible.

I loved the way the characters are introduced. Owen Rhys – the blacksmith, Franny Forster – postmistress and chair of the little monkham preservation society, Joss Felstead – cellarman, Henry Fitzsimmons – world was two veteran, Ruby Cabernet – actress, Andrew Chapman – Nessie and Sam's father.

Some lines from this book –

It's amazing what a sprinkling of stardust will do.

Beauty is better when it's shared and I'm glad of the chance to share with you.

[Danielle Lemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In addition to my love of romcom novels about chocolate/candy/cupcake/book shops, I am also a fan of books about country inns and/or quaint tiny towns full of weird characters (it’s why I love the TV show Northern Exposure so dearly). This book was about plucky sisters taking over a country inn, set in a quirky little village. Bliss! And did I mention there was a handsome Welsh blacksmith?!

[Lisa M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - it was a lovely easy, gentle read but I think I was in the mood for something a bit meatier and think I'd have enjoyed it more if I'd read it another time. I had intended to read the sequel immediately after this but going to save it for a little bit longer to hopefully enjoy it more but I'm definitely looking forward to re-visiting the sisters and catching up on their lives.

[Angie Perreault · Rating 4 out of 5]

C’est le 2e livre que je lis de cette auteure. J’adore sa légèreté mêlée d’esprit sans jamais tombé dans la vulgarité. Une belle découverte grâce à la section Noël de la bibliothèque municipale.

[Anouk Ticheler · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 ster. Heel langdradig op een gegeven moment terwijl je wel weet hoe het af gaat lopen.

[Henrietta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty average hence the three star review. Characters had some interesting back stories that did keep me guessing a while, but in the end I felt like the author dragged out the 'will they won't they' far too long, the book definitely could have been shorter. Typical happy ending (which I don't mind!)

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute read . I love how there were four sections of the story by the four seasons .

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. This is Holly's earlier work. I really enjoyed her 'Little Shop of Treasures', so picked this too. It's another lovely, cosy read.

[Lugeja L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natuke lääge.

[Elizabeth Dewfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story

[Marie’s Book Boutique · Rating 5 out of 5]

To read full review visit mariesbookboutique.wordpress.com/2018...

Two sisters Nessie and Sam, leaps at the chance to leave there life's behind them to make a new start for themselves at the Star and Sixpence. The pub was left to them after their estranged father passed away. There father was a serous drinker and has left the pub not only in debt but in a lot of disrepair.
When they arrive they know that together they can bring the pub back to being the hub of the community. But the village's are very sceptical, about their arrival! Will they be able to bring the Star and Sixpence back to life? What have the sisters ran away from? Is Nessie and Sam's past about to come to them? Can they change the villages minds about them? How will they deal with village life? Is there romance in the village air?
A Year at the Star and Sixpence by Holly Hepburn is another winner in my eye's! I couldn't put this book down, always saying to myself' just one more chapter!'. I loved how the reader follow's the sisters through out a year, which was just lovely and charming in everyway possible. This story is packed to the rafters with drama (lots off), Village life (which just reminded me of a village I once lived in), quirky characters and a touch of romance! What more could you ask for in a book! This is defiantly a book I can see myself reading again and again! Just writing this review is making me want to curl up with it now. Highly recommended!!!!!!!!!