A Fresh Start at Bramble Cottage

Sturcombe Bay #1

by Susanne McCarthy

Vicky has always been sensible when it comes to love. What if this time she wasn’t?

Vicky Marston inherits beautiful Bramble Cottage in a South Devon seaside village. Her fiancé in London keeps pushing her to sell it on as quickly as possible: it’s the sensible thing after all.

But Vicky’s plans are disrupted by her new neighbour, Tom Cullen.

Tom owns the local farm and makes no bones about his distrust of city types.

Vicky wants nothing to do with the irritatingly grumpy farmer who is determined to misjudge her. Even if he is the most gorgeous man she’s ever met.

But life in Devon is quickly showing Vicky just what she’s been missing. And when she catches her fiancé cheating, she realizes being sensible isn’t always the sensible thing to do.

Bramble Cottage just might offer the fresh start she’s looking for.

But the one thing she is sure of is that if she ever falls in love again, it’ll be with anyone but Tom Cullen.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2024

About the author

I'm a Londoner, though now I live in Devon, a twenty-minute walk from the sea. I love nothing more than walking my pretty Cavapoo on the beach in the rain (well, OK, I don't object to the sun, but when it's raining we usually have the whole beach to ourselves.)

Back in the day I had 25 novels published by Mills&Boon. After a long gap doing other things I found my love of writing again, and self-published three new novels.

But I knew that to reach more readers I needed an established publisher. Step in Joffe Books. They were top of my list so I was delighted when they accepted the first novel I sent them.

This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Reviews

[Mary-Lisa Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delighted! Delighted! Delighted!

"A Fresh Start at Bramble Cottage," by Susanne McCarthy is a book I am glad I took the time to read.

The inheritance of a cottage changes Vicky's life. I greatly enjoyed witnessing Vicky's personal journey wherein the writer deftly made me feel like I was a part of it. I felt connected- and it made this story relatable, and easy to enjoy.

The book drew me into this fictious world, and I was vested in the characters. The descriptions of Devon were lovely. This read reminded me of a Hallmark movie- and I LOVE Hallmark movies! Oh! And the romance that bloomed between Vicky and Tom was so sweet! A charming book worth reading!

Thank you to Susanne McCarthy, and Choc Lit (Joffe Books), for an advanced copy of this book which was published on April 30, 2024.

5/5

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Fresh Start at Bramble Cottage, by Susanne McCarthy, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Vicky Marston inherits Bramble Cottage in South Devon. Her boyfriend Jeremy, wants her to sell, but Vicky wants to check the cottage and the area out. Vicky faces a lot of challenges and changes in this book, she is a great character. Really enjoyable read.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this sweet book. It was funny in places and I loved the way it unfolded. It was a fairly quick read and I loved the ending. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Autumn | bookishandblissful · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5

This was a fine, cutesy book, but I couldn't believe I was reading from a younger woman's POV in today's world, lol. I loved the whole concept of Vicky getting Aunt Molly's cottage and then experiencing her life history as she went through her things. I loved the small town vibes, farmer Tom seemed like a hunk, and the story felt so wholesome to read.

[Nikao · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the quaint village of Bramble, where cobblestone streets wind beneath ancient oaks and the scent of freshly baked bread dances on the breeze, lies the enchanting tale of "A Fresh Start at Bramble Cottage" by Susanne McCarthy. Picture yourself there, nestled within the cozy embrace of Lucy's new home, where every creak of the floorboards tells a story and every sunbeam through the window feels like a gentle caress.

As Lucy navigates the twists and turns of life in Bramble, you can't help but feel a kinship with her—a sense that her journey is your own, and her triumphs and tribulations are yours to share. Through her eyes, you see the village come alive: the bustling market square, the quaint little shops with their colorful awnings, and the friendly faces that greet you at every turn.

But beneath the surface beauty of Bramble lies a deeper truth—a truth about second chances, new beginnings, and the resilience of the human spirit. As Lucy grapples with the ghosts of her past and learns to open her heart to the possibility of love, you're reminded that it's never too late to start again—to chase your dreams, mend old wounds, and embrace the beauty of the present moment.

With its lyrical prose and heartfelt storytelling, "A Fresh Start at Bramble Cottage" is more than just a book—it's a journey of the soul, a reminder that no matter where life may lead you, there's always the promise of a fresh start waiting just around the corner. So whether you're a young woman seeking adventure or an older woman longing for a taste of nostalgia, let Lucy's story be your guide as you embark on your own journey of self-discovery and renewal.

[It’s Beautifully Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*

Overall Rating: 4⭐️

Tropes: found family, HEA, grumpy x sunshine, slow burn, miss communication, one pov

Ok I really enjoyed this book but first the cover is absolutely stunning at caught my eye straight away it really matched the tones and storyline not to mention captured Aunt Molly’s house!

Now the storyline it was so cute!! It was as described a HEA trope but those are the best, I would also note that it is a slow burn romance, again a great story the chapters are very long and very detailed but that’s not a bad thing, at times parts could have been shortened and sometimes could be vert descriptive but each reader has their own preference it wasn’t a big issue for me it helped me understand the characters a bit more.

The step sister ugh she was so frustrating I couldn’t believe the character and the mum she annoyed me too!! Just how, how, how, how! The cheating Ex (not a spoiler it’s in the description!!) he was the worst but that’s the whole point isn’t it haha.

I would say there is a miss communication trope too maybe? And I would have loveeed to have had Toms perspective too! But overall I really enjoyed this read and it definitely made me want to book a holiday to Devon!!

#bookreview #bookreviewers #bookreviewblog #bookreview #arcbookreview #AFRESHSTARTATBRAMBLECOTTAGE #NetGallery

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight away I was drawn into this story of Vicky inheriting a cottage, her hilarious antics of getting down a very muddy lane to get to it and then having to call on the services of a nearby farmer. As she sorts out the cottage, she is in a dilemma, does she keep it or sell it on? The neighbours have given their opinions that they definitely don't want any more second homes. Vicky can see what the locals mean, but she has to do something with her aunts cottage, and after getting a local builder in, she realises that it could be more costly and involved than she first thought. But when she mentions this to Jeremy, her fiance, he starts suggesting that she is not capable of sorting out everything on her own and he should drive down to see what needs doing, which Vicky totally disagrees with. After a while Vicky is settling into life in this small community of friendly neighbours and she realises that she would really like to stay here, be part of this community, but what about Tom, is he spoken for? married? got a child?
With the whole community so nice to each other, Vicky certainly finds life here so much better than living in London, and an unexpected windfall could be the icing on the cake.

It was a really lovely, warm-hearted book, and I enjoyed reading it so much. Fans of Debbie Johnson and Jessica Redland will love this book.

[Isabelle D · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I can think of several other books in which a "city girl" inherits a house/moves into what was supposed to be a temporary home in the country and gets to know the locals, including an attractive man who's not a fan of city people... but still, I enjoyed this story as if it was the first time I read one of that kind. I particularly liked the moments when Vicky makes surprising discoveries about her Aunt Molly's past, and... well, this could be a negative point for others but it's positive for me: something that meant there wasn't "too much too soon" between Tom and Vicky, and instead there was some more space to show Vicky making her place in the village (and learning the above-mentioned things about her aunt). Not that I wasn't happy to see them get together after that - of course I was, as I liked them both.

This book was one of my reads for Choc Lit's Tasting Panel (a group of ordinary, volunteer readers that helps the publisher select the best stories). Then I was offered an advance copy so I could read the final version and write a review without waiting for publication day. This is a spoiler-free, aimed-at-potential-readers version of what I wrote in my original feedback.

[Linda J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 STARS

I really enjoyed this story that I've pre-ordered the next one in the series. It was a 5 star review except I didn't care for how she handled something with her family.

When the h learns the truth, she acts if nothing happened and has him stay overnight because he drank too much. Well, then she should have cut him off! Plus, didn't ring true she didn't inform the key players and her mom the truth when it happened. She then decides she can remain friends with someone after they betrayed her? NOPE, not buying it!

Likable main and secondary character's. Unique how the h helped so many people without really trying and how she discovered more about her great aunt. The H's puppy and cows added lightheartedness too.

Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 3 out of 5 and only described once.

No cheating with our MC, some romance, no cliffhanger, HEA and a tad of steam. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet small town, romance!

I truly enjoyed it! Okay. Three stars?? Why only three stars if I liked it so much? I loved the settings and some of the characters (like shy Bill!) and MOST of the story…however, I didn’t like how the romance ended up occurring. It felt very short and you still don’t really get a good understanding of Tom. Also…I hate to critique this, because-to each their own BUT the sex scenes were a touch old fashioned…in the sense that, they started getting hot and heavy down stairs on the couch but then STOP and decide to go up to the bedroom. I don’t know about you all but, as a 28 year old, that would not happen with me and my husband if we were alone. Am I by myself in this?? Is it a UK thing to only have sex in the bedroom?? I have no idea. But that is why it is three starts for me. It was a happy ending but I was just disappointed by it.

Thank you to NetGalley, ChocLit, and Suzanne McCarthy for this ARC read, in exchange for my honest opinion!

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved A Fresh Start At Bramble Cottage by Susanne McCarthy! It was the perfect book to cozy up with on a sunny summer day.

The story follows Vicky as she unexpectedly inherits her estranged aunt's charming cottage. Vicky, who has been feeling a bit lost, finds herself in a funny situation after a run-in with some cows on the road. But things get interesting when she meets Tom, a neighbor who she may not see eye-to-eye with at first.

Despite their rocky start, Vicky and Tom end up forming a special connection and learning more about each other. Along the way, Vicky discovers secrets about her aunt and the cottage that help her on a journey of self-discovery and taking control of her future.

I had so much fun reading this book - it was light-hearted, engaging, and a pleasant escape into a close-knit community. It was the perfect read for me to relax and enjoy the adventure with these lovable characters.

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved This Book

When Vicky hears she has inherited a cottage she takes some holiday from her job as an estate agent and heads to South Devon to take a look at it with plans to sell it as soon as possible. Using her satnav, she soon finds herself stuck in a muddy lane and has to ask for help from her neighbour, a farmer. He is not impressed with her desire to sell up, but she is not put off, although he is rather attractive! Things take an unexpected turn, and soon she feels she can be part of village life especially after her fiancé visits and turns his nose up at the dwelling and she also suspects that not only is he cheating on her, but with her step sister. I really enjoyed this book, it made me laugh in places but also brought the odd tear to my eye as well. I would highly recommend it if you want a fun read.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, yes there were some parts which were predictable, but overall it was a really enjoyable read. There were some characters who were really likeable and of course a couple to dislike! I felt like I got swept along with their lives and enjoyed how the book flowed along. Perfect feel good book to immerse yourself into.

City girl Vicky inherits a cottage from her estranged aunt, in a seaside village where she spent time as a child. Her finance wants her to sell it quickly, and she did too until she got there and imagines what life might be like to live there. Some twists and turns happen along the way but HEA guaranteed!


Thank you to @joffebooks and @choclituk for providing this advanced readers copy in return for an honest review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#AFRESHSTARTATBRAMBLECOTTAGE #NetGalley

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun story. Good characters and great interactions with the villagers. A delightful ending too!

Amazon synopsis:
Vicky Marston inherits beautiful Bramble Cottage in a South Devon seaside village. Her fiancé in London keeps pushing her to sell it on as quickly as possible: it’s the sensible thing after all.

But Vicky’s plans are disrupted by her new neighbor, Tom Cullen.

Tom owns the local farm and makes no bones about his distrust of city types.

Vicky wants nothing to do with the irritatingly grumpy farmer who is determined to misjudge her. Even if he is the most gorgeous man she’s ever met.

But life in Devon is quickly showing Vicky just what she’s been missing. And when she catches her fiancé cheating, she realizes being sensible isn’t always the sensible thing to do.

Bramble Cottage just might offer the fresh start she’s looking for.

But the one thing she is sure of is that if she ever falls in love again, it’ll be with anyone but Tom Cullen.

[Michaela Hopkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Susanne McCarthy book and I really enjoyed it!

For the most part, the story follows Vicky, who has just inherited her Aunt Molly’s cottage in beautiful Devon. Vicky’s ‘Fresh Start at Bramble Cottage’ unfolds just the way you want it to, love and happy ever afters! Okay, a bit predictable, but I liked that about it! It was so heartwarming ☺️

And then there’s the side story of Aunt Molly ~ Wow! What a life she lead and definitely scope for Molly’s own book in there!

Overall a lovely read and in my humble opinion worthy of 4 stars!

Thank you to @joffebooks and @choclituk for providing this advanced readers copy in return for an honest review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Chelsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet, cozy tale that will make you feel in love with small town life. The story centers on Vicky who inherits a house and her journey of self-discovery, which leads her out of unhealthy relationships and into something better. The story is very feel good and relaxing. I loved celebrating Vicky's success and journey of love. The only reason the story got only three stars from me is there were at least 3-4 spots where it didn't feel like the relationship between her and Tom was real enough or deep enough for what occurred. I wish, as the reader, I would have been able to experience their relationship deepen to those levels rather than just see it happen suddenly. In the end the story kept me motivated to keep reading and I loved the ending.

[wonderfullyweird88 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the setting and the characters in this book, but, unfortunately, the romance was lacklustre. The story was rushed with too many characters introduced unnecessarily and there wasn't time to fully develop the story.
If it had truly been a fresh start much of the plot that develops with the fiance could have been dealt with in the first chapter as a backstory leaving space for a true fresh start for Vicky and allowed for a much better romance.

While this book could have been better it was still an enjoyable read that I would recommend.

I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

5* Easy reading, perfect for the beach, coffee break, a long journey or recuperating in bed, with no need to concentrate too much.

Vicky inherits a property from a long forgotten relative, decides to relocate to her aunt's cottage at the seaside and discovers a grumpy, sexy farmer as her neighbour. The plot's a bit predictable, who cares, it was a good read.

I loved the way Vicky talked to the sat nav, don't we all!

An amusing read which I couldn’t put down.

eARC generously supplied by ChocLit/Joffe Books, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vicky finds herself having inherited her great aunt's cottage after almost 16 yrs pass from her last visit. She finds herself considering a new path in life as she visits the cottage and remembers how she loves the area. A nice read and romance over all, but was a bit quick and odd in the transition.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Mariella Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book is utter loveliness!!! Loved every single minute of it! The characters and their lives are so relatable, the growth they go through is incredible and inspiring. And saying all this, it wasn’t even cheezy but like real. This is one of those books you can re-read when you want to settle down with a good book of great normal good people facing life and making the right choices for themselves. And the love story between the main characters is just plain *chefs kiss*.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This cozy little romance reads like a Hallmark movie. The pacing was a little uneven, you rooted for the characters but there wasn't much emotional investment in them, and it all ended up exactly how you'd imagined it would, no real surprises. Despite that it was a pleasant easy read, and there were a lot of bits that I did really enjoy.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

[BookWorms Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was giving an advanced copy for my review. This is my honest review that I am leaving voluntarily. This was not for me. The chapters were really long, a lot of details were given and it was really hard to get a sense of the pace. I couldn't emotionally connect with the characters and you could guess the outcome pretty easily. For anyone looking for a hallmark type easy read I think you would really enjoy this.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fresh start at bramble cottage by Susanne McCarthy.
Vicky has always been sensible when it comes to love. What if this time she wasn’t?
I really did enjoy this book. This was an easy read. I did like Vicky. There was nothing in this book I didn't like. I loved the sound of bramble cottage. It sounded beautiful. The story characters and the setting. I read this in one sitting. I loved everything. I do recommend this book. 4*.

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story . Vicky just inherited a cottage from her great aunt at Devon so when she goes to look at it and see what will need to fix so she will sell it her neighbor Tom is negative towards her . When she discover her fiance is cheating she deside to live at Bramble cottage near the beach and start from the beginning .
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

[Jan Martindale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely romance, with bits of history, surprises, too!

Gosh, I so enjoyed what became a new start, a self-discovery, family ties to a heroine, sloughing off betrayal to find true love. I do wish we had learned a little more about the female lead character’s late father. We know he became ill, passed when she was 12 or thereabouts, but I would have liked to read a few more memories of joyful times, & her grief at his death.

[Maddi Girling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Joffe Books for providing me with a copy of the ARC to this book.

A cottage in a small village story. Sign me up.

It’s a nice feel good book that is an easy one day read. Beautiful storyline and wonderful characters that you get happy when they’re having a win. Overall an enjoyable read with a beautiful ending.

[Julie Brookes · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is so many books at the moment this the same type of story line, this one is okay but the misunderstandings (and there were a few) did annoy me a bit, I know they are part of the story but a simple question would have cleared it up, it didn't put me off enough that i didn't want to get to the end.

The characters were nicely written and overall it was a nice summer read.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed overall

I loved the story of Aunt Molly. I enjoyed how every conversation Vicky had she learned more. The friends Vicky made were such great characters. Honestly the romance wasn’t really necessary and was a bit off putting how fast they went from a simple kiss to bed. I did enjoy the book and would recommend.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vickie has inherited her great-aunt’s cottage in Devon and has returned to check it out. She finds herself there and realizes that she’s not living it right in London with her job and her relationships. Love how Tom the farmer slowly came around. I also liked how she slowly helped people in her little town.

[Karen Gresty · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a load of stereotypical tosh. I thought this might be easy holiday reading but it just annoyed me - full of the standard ‘sixth form’ nonsense romantic tropes. The final insult was the persistent use of ‘my lovver’ for South Devon rural folk, something I’ve never heard uttered by anybody in nearly 40 years of living here…