The Start of the Story

by Jane Lovering

Rowan Thorpe can be forgiven for living with one foot in the past. Since having to say goodbye far too young to the future she had planned, moving on still feels a daunting task. So, when historian Connor O’Keefe strides purposefully into her office and life, looking far too handsome for his own good and threatening to undermine the local legends she holds close to her heart, she is more than a little unsettled.

Connor has a past too, and his own reasons to keep his heart under wraps. But when a combination of fate and an unexpected snowstorm mean that Rowan and Connor have all the time in the world to swap stories, it may finally be time to for an end and a new beginning.

Heartwarming, escapist, page-turning and just the tonic for a dreary day./strong>

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Womens Fiction, Contemporary

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

About the author

Jane Lovering was born in Devon, England but, following extradition procedures, now lives in Yorkshire. She has five children, four cats, two dogs and doesn't believe in housework so the bacteria and dust are approaching sentience and now rank among the pets. Incidentally, she doesn’t believe in ironing either, and the children all learned self-defensive cookery at early ages. She works in a local school and also teaches creative writing, which are extreme ways of avoiding the washing up.

Published since 2008, she writes romantic comedies which are often described as ‘quirky’. One day she's going to find out what that means. Jane is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and has a first class honours degree in creative writing. In 2012, her novel Please Don't Stop the Music won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award by the RNA.

Reviews

[Laura A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rowan feels like she lived in the past. She enjoys hearing about different folklore. She is surprised to see Connor who wants to uproot her life. I liked the chemistry between Rowan and Connor.

[Anne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read enough of the author’s books to know that that this one was never going to be the grumpy-meets-sunshine – with the usual roles rather cleverly reversed – or enemies-to-lovers story it appeared to be from its beginning. It was so much more than that, with two very sympathetic individuals grappling with the complexities of life and their emotional impact, and finding a particular depth of connection – and I have to say that I think it might be the best book she’s ever written.

Dr Rowan Thorpe has moved beyond her historical education, having become a folklore expert, gathering first person accounts of the myths and fables prevalent within her North Yorkshire community, especially those connected with the remote and isolated Fairy Stane. To put it mildly, her personality can be a touch abrasive – although she rubs along fairly well with scatty assistant Chess, jumping through the necessary hoops when she must to ensure they keep both their funding and small office.

The arrival of Professor Connor O’Keefe – a rather charming historian from Ireland – rather upsets their routine, and things only get worse when he declares an interest in lifting the Stane while investigating the possible existence of a significant Roman settlement. As well as being central to her work, the site has a particular personal significance in Rowan’s life – slowly revealed as the story unfolds – and she’s determined he won’t get his way. And then, just to make things even worse, she reluctantly finds herself agreeing to him staying in the spare room of her cottage on the moors – very much her personal sanctuary – so he can be closer to the area he’s investigating.

At first, things are excruciatingly awkward – but their relationship slowly warms a little (so long as he keeps away from the precious Stane…) as they debate the relationship between history and folklore, and open up about the heartbreak in their past lives. And that’s where I must stop myself revealing the whole story – but we do find that Rowan is grappling with paralysing grief on a number of levels, handled so perfectly by the author that it entirely broke my heart. Trapped in the cottage over Christmas by a snowstorm, she unexpectedly finds Connor the most sympathetic of listeners as she shares personal secrets long hidden – and discovers that he has his own emotional reasons for welcoming the opportunity to try to distance himself from his homeland, only to find that problems seem to have a way of following you.

This was a tremendously emotional read – the issues of both past and present, the enduring nature of grief – but the warmth of the developing relationship gradually brought a glimmer of hope for a happier future. And, of course, it’s far from doom and gloom throughout – there’s plenty of humour with those wonderful one-liners (life in the snowbound cottage – Hallmark or Stephen King?), the incongruous situations (the kerfuffle during the power cut was just so funny… ), the ducks demanding breakfast outside the window (loved them…), and those exchanges when the sparks certainly flew but that also often had me laughing out loud (I must say though, often followed by a moment of such poignancy that I was in tears again…!).

With characters in whom I became so deeply invested, such a vividly drawn setting – very much woven into the fabric of the story – and a really intriguing (and particularly touching) historical thread, this really was quite wonderful writing. And as for the romance – well, that was something particularly special. Such an emotionally engaging read – and one I really couldn’t recommend more highly.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story but, although I liked the back and forth between Rowan and Connor, for the first half of the book she was so prickly she was almost mean at times. Conner was great, he just didn't take the bait! Rowan eventually starts to open up about halfway through and then the story gets really sweet. Their constant arguing over the fate of the Fairy Stane was amusing and the twist at the end where they describe what the Fairy Stane actually is, was quite sad. A good read, just don't be put off by Rowan's demeanor early on, it's worth finishing the story!
Thanks to Netgally, Boldwood Books, and Jane Lovering for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book, given to me by Boldwood Books via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An improbable romance between two lovely people, that start as adversaries and gradually become attracted, “The Start of the Story”, by Jane Lovering, deals with grief, sadness, loneliness and healing.
I liked Rowan’s initial strong reluctance and how Connor, just by being “bright and breezy” Connor, breaks her barriers.
The contrast between her grumpiness and pessimism about life and his enthusiasm and vitality is fun to watch.
Despite the levity, the hero has a sad story, too, and a vulnerability that makes him human.
I liked that despite the heavy themes the story, and even Rowan, maintain a certain degree of humor.
The conflicting interests between Connor and Rowan about the stone are interesting to watch.
I liked the North Yorkshire landscape and weather, the secondary characters and how the author used so much showing instead of telling.
I felt that perhaps Rowan spent too much time still ruminating about Elliot.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a decent read but there is a lot of grief in this book. It’s handled well though and is not uncomfortable to read. At first the included historical stories may seem out of place but they actually work. The ending felt a little bit rushed to me and I would have liked to see more relationship growth. Loved the descriptions of walking the moors, the cottage, ducks, etc. wouldn’t mind a book just about Eamonn.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️




Hubo cosas que me gustaron y otras que no tanto. Creo que mi mayor problema es que no conecté con Rowan y todo el libro es desde su punto de vista.

Fueron tristes los extractos del pasado.

Entiendo porque Rowan actuaba así y defendía la piedra de las hadas de Connor, pero en algún momento llegó a ser demasiado.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Bex Cameron · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I keep saying this, when you think this amazing author can’t really get any better she provides another book that is, again, her best yet. Heartwarming, relatable, funny and ironic as is customary, incredibly serious and yet light and entertaining. Loved the characters and the setting. Superbly written.
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood and the author for an early copy.

[Aiyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Start of the Story’ by Jane Lovering (ARC)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

After losing her husband three years ago, Rowan, a folklorist in England, was set in her ways - work, sleep, remember, repeat. With no intention of entering the dating scene, or making any solid connections, she threw herself into her work. But when a historian comes into her office and threatens the preservation of a folkloric site for his own research, Rowan is more than unsettled.

Connor neither was ignorant to the feeling of loss and grief, having been lied to and burnt by a past lover. Both with scars and hesitancy to fully trust in another relationship again, the pair find themselves snowed into a cottage where stories are shared, and new memories are formed.

Wow okay this was my first Jane Lovering book and I must say before I jump into this review, how absolutely beautiful her writing is. I was completely entranced and hooked from the very first chapter. Her writing, as I would describe it, is a perfect example of ‘show don’t tell’ and I felt transported to the moors and mill cottage.

This book beautifully illustrated the pain of loss and its long-lasting implications while also highlighting the beauty of moving forward. Rowan was stunningly complex. While I did find her unnecessarily snarky at times, I do believe it was all a defence mechanism to ensure her heart was safe and she would not be vulnerable to loss again. It was evident throughout the book that she had one foot in the past, while the other foot in the present was only grounded enough to keep her going rather than keep her living her life. Meeting Connor allowed her to experiment with more firmly placing that present foot on the ground and slowly lifting and levitating that foot she kept in the past.

Connor was very sympathetic and very humorous. There were a few times were I chuckled at their interactions. Honestly, the book was genuinely funny which added some lightness to the heavy feelings being experienced. His patience with Rowan when she was feeling guilt or being overwhelmed with her grief was so sweet. He helped her to begin moving on with her life, but she also helped him move on with his. Connor, in his own right, experienced a loss and it was evident that his coming to terms with it took a toll on his views of his own judgements when it came to relationships. His self-awareness but also his openness to feedback and advice from Rowan was refreshing.

I really enjoyed the dual timeframes, and the sense of mystery regarding what people were doing at the Fairy Stane stone. I did not guess that ending at all but I felt it tied in so well with the themes in the book. It was also a little haunting but I actually really liked it!!

I will admit, this book is a bit slow regarding the romance, however is nicely filled in with both characters navigating their grief. The romance is sweet, slow and heartwarming as they embark on ‘new beginnings’ together. Their interactions are funny and cute, and the over-arching theme of loss and remembrance is beautifully intertwined. Honestly, this book was super quick to read as well and kept me constantly engaged.

Despite having experienced different losses, the pair shared a common grief: the loss of a future, which played a major part in them confiding and falling for one another.

For my first Jane Lovering book, I really really enjoyed it and will definitely be checking out some of her other works. I highly recommend reading this book in bed, with a hot drink while its raining outside 🥰

Read if you like:
💌Industry Rivals
💌Cosy, cottage vibes
💌Forced Proximity
💌Unexpected love

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC of ‘The Start of the Story’ by Jane Lovering! Releases on the 17th of September!💘

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Needs patience in the first quarter

Dr. Rowan Thorpe prefers stories to humans and is content in collecting the old folklore to document them. She lives alone and spends most of her time in the tiny room behind the library in Yorkshire.

The arrival of Professor Conner O’Keefe, a historian, doesn’t sit right with her. The charming Irish professor is unfazed by her rude behavior. As they get to know each other, both realize they are bearing the burdens of their past. Can they help each other heal?

The story comes in Rowan’s first-person POV with a few short chapters from the past.

My Thoughts:

Firstly, my thanks to a Goodreads author-cum-reviewer friend (Sally) whose review prepared me to give the FMC some leeway. It helped a lot since the book is from the heroine’s first-person POV, and she is annoying until we know why.

I wish the reason was revealed sooner at least to the readers. While there are some subtle hints, none of them leads to a concrete presumption.

I won’t call this romance though it does have some elements. This is more of women’s fiction with a focus on the characters learning to be something beyond their pasts. The past takes a long time to be revealed and then we wait more for them to start to move on, so the love story as much occurs only in the last quarter. (closed door)

I enjoyed the little random snippets from different timelines (though these seem like they don’t impact the plot, there’s a reason for their presence). Halfway through, I noticed the pattern and realized that the truth is something else (this is revealed towards the end). As someone who likes folklore and understands the importance of preserving the oral stories from the past, I know why it matters.

Even when I disliked the FMC’s attitude, I empathized with her determination to not let the past be wiped out. We already lost so much (and much of it has been misappropriated by invaders who went on multiple conversion sprees). We cannot afford to lose more.

For a short book, the repeated arguments about the Fairy Stane got a bit boring. I can see both their points and agree to an extent with Rowan. But the way she handled it didn’t make it easy to side with her.

The MMC is easy to like almost throughout. I find his backstory quite interesting. Not something we often see in this genre, so it does feel refreshing. I also like how it’s tackled with sensitivity.

I was quite surprised by the repeated mention of the MMC’s Catholic upbringing. Somehow, many elements were woven with this piece of information, so it ended okay.

To summarize, The Start of the Story is a book about second chances, moving on, acceptance, and the importance of protecting our ancient stories. It’s not a heavy read but not super light either.

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley

[Nomadic Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story “started” in the mid-1800s with the arrival of Irish immigrants fleeing the famine and settling in the cold, desolate landscape of Yorkshire England. Rowan Thorpe is a folklorist whose current project is uncovering the stories told, and eventually written, about the Fairy Stane, a large, heavy stone set among the reeds and bracken on the moor between her restored mill cottage and the remains of an English manor house. Legend has it that the Stane is the gateway to Fairyland and it isn’t to be moved or the “little people” will escape and wreak havoc on the earth. Although she knows that the tale isn’t true, she’s highly protective of the site, both in honor of those long gone and for more personal reasons. So, it’s no wonder she doesn’t welcome visiting Professor Conor O’Keefe, an historian who is in York to research a possible Roman settlement on land where the Stane sits and who announces when first meeting her that he might have to turn the stone over to check for markings. As these two wounded souls are thrown together, first due to noisy neighbors, then thanks to blizzard conditions, they begin to build a friendship and to realize that they have more in common than they initially thought. Rowan’s job is to record and preserve these oral traditions and Conor’s is to gather facts and uncover artifacts to explain history, but the lines begin to blur the more they share about themselves and the motivations that inform their actions.

Although there is an enemies-to-lovers romance that slowly builds, this book focuses more on how grief, guilt, and shame manifest and the stories that people tell themselves and eventually share with others as a way either to explain things they can’t comprehend or to provide comfort when tragic life events occur with no rhyme or reason, both of which are at the heart of the oral storytelling tradition. The pace of this story is very slow, sort of like an archaeological dig. It’s told from Rowan’s POV, and I would like to have heard more of Conor’s perspective. Initially, I had trouble understanding Rowan’s protectiveness of the Stane, which made her seem very rude and antagonistic. Since she doesn’t believe that fairies are real, and everyone who told or recorded the stories originally is long gone, who besides herself would have a problem with the stone being lifted temporarily? Moving the stone doesn’t negate the value of oral storytelling, especially from an historical perspective, but she argues that it does. Luckily, as time goes on, Rowan’s and Conor’s motivations both become clear, and Lovering does a stellar job of tying all elements of the story together. Anglophiles, history buffs, and readers who like closed door romances embedded in more complex stories will find this book compelling. Recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Boldwood Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As is often the case with Jane Lovering’s books, we have a heroine who has had a difficult past who meets up with the hero and they immediately rub up the wrong way. So what’s different about this book from other similar romantic fiction you might ask? Well, there’s just something special about Jane’s writing which make her books so engaging and hard to put down.

Dr Rowan Thorpe is a folklorist gathering stories of myth and legend from the local Yorkshire community particularly looking at the legends of the Fairy Stane. Professor Connor O’Keefe is a historian also researching the local moors to see if there may have been a Roman settlement there. They clash over many things with Connor as a historian needing evidence before drawing conclusions which of course doesn’t really work for Rowan as a folklorist. When Connor tells her he may need to lift the fabled Fairy Stane, Rowan is horrified, Not only is it a significant part of the local area’s history and folklore but it’s got particular special meaning to Rowan for personal reasons. There are some interludes woven into the narrative showing the significance of the Fairy Stane throughout the centuries. You don’t really know how they fit into the story at first but when it is revealed, my goodness that’s a rather emotional moment.

Although Rowan may seem rather closed off and reclusive at first, as we started to learn more about her my heart went out to her. I don’t want to give away all the details of course but I can say that her heart has been broken and she is grieving not only the loss of a person but the loss of her hopes for the future. I was particularly touched when Rowan recognising despair in another character, went to simply be with them, knowing exactly what that despair felt like. Connor has also had his heart broken but in a very different way. There’s an element of forced proximity in this story as first of all, Rowan finds herself railroaded into agreeing that Connor can stay temporarily in her spare room. Then there’s a snowstorm which sees them trapped in her remote cottage with nothing else to do but talk of their pasts and perhaps in doing so come to terms with what’s happened and look to the future.

The Start of the Story is another wonderful book from Jane Lovering. I adored the characters, the setting, the ducks (!!) and how the story evolved. I don’t know what it is about her writing but she draws me in everytime and I feel so emotionally invested in her characters. With her gentle humour, a real warmth and a beautifully written romance, The Start of the Story is highly recommended by me.

[Helen Thwaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, goodness I loved this book! Lovering sprinkles comedy through the tragedy of Rowan and Connor's stories, and lifts the prose by doing so. And the flashbacks into the history of the Fairy Stane that Rowan is bent on protecting give a heart-wrenching glimpse into its past - especially when the penny starts to drop.

Lovering also uses some of my favourite tropes - rival-to-lovers and forced proximity - to good use. Being set in winter means there's a snow-in, of course, and I loved that as well.

Her depictions of grief are cuttingly spot on. Rowan is widowed, Connor has escaped Dublin after an ill-fated love affair, but both are hurt and lost. That touch of common ground is what brings them together. Winter is a perfect allegory for Rowan as well: she's buried in the snow of her grief but Connor brings the light and warmth needed to thaw her out. Though not without a few bumps in the road.

The Start of the Story is delightfully lacking in a third act break-up, although perhaps there are enough crossed wires to be going on with. I do think omitting one was a good call from Lovering, as the story really didn't need it. Plus I hate breakups that are shoe-horned in for the sake of "drama" and don't serve the story.

There is, however, a pinch point where the past and the present collide in a very heart-breaking way. I can't say more than that, as I don't want to spoil the story, but it's foreshadowed brilliantly. Not a shock, but a sad, nodding certainty that I sort of saw coming.

The only reason I haven't given The Start of the Story five stars is that things past the revelation feel rather rushed. There is an epilogue, but it's terribly short and, while it does give Rowan and Connor a happy ending, I felt a little short-changed.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rowan has a job many would envy—she makes a living investigating and writing about folklore. You’d think she’d be thrilled when a visiting professor, Connor, shows interest in a local landmark near the cottage she and her late husband renovated. But Rowan is far from pleased.

The landmark in question is the Fairy Stane, a large, unmarked flat rock that local legend says should never be moved, lest the fairies living beneath it are set free. While Rowan respects the folklore, Connor believes the stone is an old Roman marker and wants to lift it to see if there are inscriptions underneath. The tension between them sets up an intriguing storyline, with an almost eerie setup that gave me "Leprechaun" movie vibes.

What drew me into the story was how many directions this plot could have gone. But here’s where I started to struggle with Rowan as a character. Even though she doesn’t believe in fairies, she refuses to let Connor lift the stone, not even to satisfy her own curiosity. Her reluctance to budge on this felt frustrating, as though she was too stuck in preserving tradition to explore the truth.

However, there’s more going on than just folklore. As Rowan and Connor grow closer, we see how Rowan is still deeply entrenched in her grief, which makes her hard to connect with at times. While the storyline itself is engaging and had me hooked, I found it difficult to fully relate to Rowan. Perhaps that’s a "me" problem, but it affected my overall connection to the book.

Thank you Boldwood Books, NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing me with a complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in the moors of North Yorkshire, this story follows folklorist, Dr Rowan Thorpe and Irish historian, Professor Connor O'Keefe as they battle over the same site for different reasons. Rowan is extremely protective of The Fairy Stane in the moorlands and won't let anyone lift it, while Connor thinks it might be a Roman marker for a lost Roman settlement and thinks lifting the stone will tell him the information he needs.

In the end, neither are right and the final result is much sadder and more emotional than anyone could have originally thought.

There is a lot of loss in this story - Rowan has been widowed at a young age and lost a pregnancy that may or may not have been a pregnancy and Connor was tricked into falling in love with a married woman and mother of two young children. But after a rocky start, they find solace in each other.

I thought the story was well written and covered the sensitive topics of loss and heartbreak really well. But there was no real build up to Rowan and Connor's relationship, it went from them first meeting to Connor needing a place to stay and moving into Rowan's spare room, to the two of them being consumed by each other without any real story about the two of them in the middle. It was like a switch flipped one day and they decided they loved each other and couldn't keep their hands off each other.

Overall, an emotional read and I liked the way Connor and Rowan seem to compliment each other in the end - just would have been nicer to see them build their relationship a bit more.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Andrea Cronin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written slow and peaceful (though still full of ache and depth) walk through the trenches of grief, friendship, and love.

Rowan and Connor are both running from something. Rowan, running (or staying still?) from change after the too-soon loss of her husband. Connor, from the loss of his trust in others and sense of self after a relationship gone very wrong.

They begin as professional rivals. After Connor has to find new housing they are soon forced to walk each other through the hills around Rowan's isolated cottage and their grief together.

I would say this book was mostly about grief- though filled with hilariously dry wit and banter that made me laugh often. It was cozy and full of ache and depth but also the beauty of mundane daily life with those you love.

If you're looking for fast-paced or intense romance- this probably isn't for you. I did find just cozying up to a meandering slow story of love to be quite a beautiful change of pace for me, personally.

There is also a bit of mystery thrown in and a small dual timeline plot that adds whimsy and ties into the story so well in the end.

I loved this for a change of pace to my normal reads and once it finally started I LOVED the romance between Rowan and Connor. It was beautifully written and I would happily read more from Jane Lovering!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. It releases on 9/17/24!

[Diane Dachota · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy, sweet story about second chances and letting go of the past. Rowan is a young widow who studies folklore and lives in a small cottage on the moors. She is interested in a "fairy stane" which is a stone that is supposed to be covering the entrance to a fairy world. One day a handsome historian from Ireland named Connor shows up and has an interest in raising the stone to look for a clue to an ancient Roman village. Rowan is angry and becomes even angrier when it turns out Connor has no where to stay and she has to offer him a room in her small cottage. We also get scenes from the past where we find out many people have visited the fairy stone and left flowers or trinkets behind. The romance is a slow burn one and nothing much happens until a cold, snowy Christmas when Rowan and Connor are forced together and secrets from the past are shared.

I loved the cottage setting at Christmas with the evergreen boughs and roaring fire. I also really enjoyed the scenes of the different people who lived near the stone over the years and the ultimate reveal about the stones' purpose. I did find Rowan to seem like she was a lot older than she was and she came across like a cranky old lady much of the time. I would have liked a bit more about why Connor was attracted to Rowan since she didn't care about her appearance and was rude to everyone and appeared to have no interests besides work. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this ARC for review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it and would give the book 3.5 stars.  Rowan was not my favorite character.  It definitely took time to warm up to her.  At times she was off putting, unfriendly and downright rude.  Who am I kidding?  It wasn't some times,  it was pretty much every time she was around someone, especially Connor.  The very lovely, handsome Connor with all his Irish charm.  Connor would be the only one able to get through Rowan's hard exterior.  Rowan does nothing except work, spend time at home, work, work some more and feed her gang of ducks toast crusts.  She's extremely possessive of the Fairy Stane.  Poor Chess had to deal with Rowan at work everyday.  Loved reading about Rowan and Connor and getting to know them better.  It explained why they acted certain ways. They had a great relationship with each other when Rowan wasn't fighting or insulting Connor. Loved when the truth about the Fairy Stane was finally revealed.  I never expected what it turned out to be. 

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters (mostly), writing style and story. The ducks were the best part of Rowan's cottage.  Although, they did get scary when not fed their toast.  At times the story is lighthearted and fun and other times it's serious and sad. Look forward to reading more books by the author. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Boldwood Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Mae of Scotland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Boldwood Books and Jane Lovering for gifting me a digital arc copy of The Start of the Story. I jumped into this book with anticipation as it sounded like the perfect romance to curl up with (especially as we get warned in the blurb that the characters are going to get snowed in together in the wilds of Yorkshire.

A sweet love story about over coming grief and letting go of our past told in a heartwarming way with well-developed, complex characters. I did enjoy reading this book but I found at time the story and writing a little slow, disjointed and left me wondering why they are fighting over a stone in the moorlands. I studied history and have friends as archaelogist - you can't just go dig up places or things without permission of land owners and large part of the Yorkshire Moorlands and Dales have special status. It was just a little farfetched and pulled the story down for me rather than adding tension between the Rowan and Connor.

In the end, a fair 3 star story that might be better suited to someone without the historical background who found too niggles that distracted from the enjoyment of the storytelling. I did find the meaning behind the fairy stane heart breaking and poignant we should be more respectful of these old sacred places when the world was not kind.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was an interesting book and it moved at the perfect pace for the characters. Rowan has a PhD in folklore. She enjoys working in her tiny office with only one assistant. She lives in remote isolation in a restored cottage that she and her late husband had lovingly restored. She has put up barriers to ensure her isolation. Her special place is a stone where folklore says fairies and other little people lived underneath. It's within walking distance of her home

Connor is a visiting professor who is looking to determine if there had been a local Roman outpost. He's on a temporary 6 month assignment. He's focused on wanting to lift that special stone to see if it has any indication of Roman occupation. We find out that he's in North Yorkshire for a totally unrelated reason.

When Connor can't find housing, Rowan's assistant suggests that Rowan offer him lodging until he can find other accommodations. Rowan isn't pleased at all, but can't come up with a good excuse. She's snarky, nasty, and difficult with Connor, but he keeps his good humor and good manners.

Their attraction is slow to develop and I would almost say this isn't a romance, but instead a story of growing, learning, accepting, and leaving the past behind.

I truly enjoyed this book. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Start of the Story by Jane Lovering

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

Blurb

Rowan Thorpe can be forgiven for living with one foot in the past. Since having to say goodbye far too young to the future she had planned, moving on still feels a daunting task. So, when historian Connor O’Keefe strides purposefully into her office and life, looking far too handsome for his own good and threatening to undermine the local legends she holds close to her heart, she is more than a little unsettled.
Connor has a past too, and his own reasons to keep his heart under wraps. But when a combination of fate and an unexpected snowstorm mean that Rowan and Connor have all the time in the world to swap stories, it may finally be time to for an end and a new beginning.

My Opinion

I enjoy reading Jane Lovering's writing as she writes about places I am familiar with and the writing style is just beautiful. Rowan and Connor don't get off to the best start, but I really liked see how they interacted with each other throughout the book.

The Start of the Story has some funny bits whilst also being serious in places. Jane Lovering has written a nice slow burn romance. Overall this is relatively quick read that should definitely be on your want to read list.

Rating 4/5

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this charming, heartwarming romance novel, readers meet folklorist Rowan Thorpe in her charming cottage in the Yorkshire countryside where she researches local legends when Irish historian Connor O’Keefe arrives and threatens to undermine local legends and remove the fairy stone at the heart of her work. Both with complex and tragic pasts, they have struggled to move on, and their differences in work and interests in local history have Rowan and Connor butting heads upon their first meeting. With an unexpected snowstorm and forced proximity in the small town where they both are doing research, Rowan and Connor have no choice but to interact and come to an understanding despite their differences. With fascinating characters, a charming and idyllic location, and some fun wintery and romance tropes (forced proximity, rivals-to-lovers, canceled holiday plans, secret relationships, and so many more) abounding in this novel, Lovering’s characters are the star of the novel, and Rowan and Connor’s dynamic is fascinating to follow as it develops over the book. They are both complex and clever characters with tragic backstories, and they narrate chapters separately and together as the book progresses, giving readers the chance to see the story develop from multiple angles.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading something by this author. It is a sweet and heartwarming tale of love, loss, and rediscovery, which is sure to lift your spirits and warm your heart.
Rowan is a vulnerable yet strong character, and I admired her resilience. She has accepted her fate in life, but she still struggles in coping with the future she has lost but hesitant to let go of the past, making her a character you can't help but root for.
Enter Connor O’Keefe, a dashing historian whose skeptical approach to local legends threatens Rowan’s cherished beliefs but also offers her the challenge she didn’t know she needed. Their chemistry is strong but layered with emotional complexity, creating a slow-burning romance that feels authentic and deeply satisfying. The author does a wonderful job describing the scenes with vivid descriptions bring the settings to life.
The novel offers a delightful balance of humor, tenderness, and introspection. In short, it is a charming and uplifting read that will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. If you are looking for a cozy, heartfelt escape, then you have come to the right place.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy in exchange for a review.

This is the first thing I’ve read from Jane Lovering so I didn’t go in with any expectations. This was a warm, cosy sort of slow-burn love story - enjoyable but a bit slow paced for me.

Set around York and the Yorkshire Moors - as a Yorkshire lass myself, I enjoyed the setting and the lovely descriptions of the scenery and Rowan’s rustic cottage. And when it got to Christmas it got even more gorgeous and cosy!

However the story itself was a little thin on the ground. Rowan and Connor’s chemistry wasn’t setting me alight and they had a repetitive argument with a lot of mulling over the same ground that had me skim-reading ahead.

Rowan is working on an oral history project about the folklore in the region, in particular the stories around an ancient stone known as the Fairy Stane. Connor is a history professor in town for 6 months to investigate the possibility that there is a buried Roman settlement in this exact area - and he wants to dig up the Fairy Stane. And oh boy do they talk about whether that would be ok or not!

That being said, they were likeable characters and it all came to a nice resolution - fairy story and the present day romantic story alike!

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Christmas appears in this book, it would be wrong to consider it a strictly festive story as it goes much further than simply being a yuletide treat. I’m pretty familiar with Jane’s writing style and love that her characters come with the kind of flaws and weaknesses we all deal with regularly. Let’s face it: We may not mourn a late partner, but we all know someone who does, and we empathise with the depth of that pain.
Rowan has become hyper-focused on folklore and fights to protect the memories involved in telling these stories. Despite earning her degree in history, she works tirelessly to safeguard legends and happily accepts that sharing folktales does not require the support of facts.
I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know Rowan. Her personality was complex, and I initially thought she was decidedly rude. That opinion passed quite quickly once I understood the motive behind her actions and words. Life had been harsh and decidedly unkind to her, leaving her grieving for what might have been.
Equally, historian Connor has a troubled past and is not even vaguely interested in anything more than a place to stay and the occasional meal. During his visit from Ireland, ridesharing was a bonus, and he counted his blessings as he didn’t have a car. As much as Rowan follows legends, Connor deals with evidence and searches for proof of ancient Roman settlements.
I’m unsure how a couple with so much in common could see two sides of the same story. Their conflicting views brought about a tension that went way deeper than physical attraction. There was a cerebral connection that challenged them, and I loved it.
Jane Lovering has imagined some fantastic characters, and her timing is perfectly tuned to create light comedy that does not diminish the incredibly moving aspects of this very special book.

[Heather Copping · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Rowan Thorpe works for York university researching folklore and Professor Connor O'Keefe is from Ireland working on Roman occupation in the area and they are both brought together by the fairy stane, a stone located high up on the north Yorkshire Moors which according to legend has fairies living underneath it. As Rowan has a spare room and Connor has nowhere to stay, she offers him the spare room, somewhat grudgingly, but he accepts. As you gradually learn about the secrets and background information about both of them, you start to wonder if more will come of this relationship. Especially when Connors ex turns up in the middle of a stormy December day, will Rowan throw both of them out? Rowan also has a difficult past that she is finding it extremely hard to let go of. Will Connor be the one to mend her heart?
Set in the the North Yorkshire Moors in the area around Pickering, Helmsley and York, an area where I have visited and love very much.

A story of relationships, grief, families, new beginnings, and friendships.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and the landscapes where it is set give it a great atmospheric feel to it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting take on dealing with the past: the importance of preserving it, the different ways it can be preserved, and when it's necessary to stop letting it affect your present and future. Initially Rowan's grumpy stubbornness seems more than a match for Connor's insouciant charm, but a bit of extremely reluctant proximity starts to break down the barriers for both of them. The depictions of grief and regrets are poignant and borderline tear-jerking, but there are also plenty of lighter moments, particularly in Rowan and Connor's everyday verbal sparring and frequent appearances by greedy ducks. There are also flashbacks which gradually reveal the story of the Fairy Stane, around which the principal conflict is centred, and the eventual explanation of that is very well done. Ultimately this is a story of love and healing and moving on with an evocative backdrop of the Yorkshire Moors, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Kate Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane's books are always an autobuy for me - subtle, nuanced, and full of emotion. This one is about love and loss and learning to move on; Rowan's struggling to cope with widowhood and retreating into her work as a folklore expert, and then history professor Connor comes along and changes everything. She thinks they're on opposite sides - if he gets his way about his work, it ruins hers, and vice versa - but there's a lot more to it than that. Roman history - oh, yes, please. But I was fascinated by the background of the Fairy Stane (and what it turns out to be really). If you like a grumpy vs sunshine romance (and how lovely that she's gender-swapped the norm), this is for you. Which isn't to say that Connor's all sunshine - he has a backstory, too.

Beautifully done. There's vulnerability, learning to move on while not dismissing the past, and there's also a lot of humour as well as the bits that made me well up.

Thoroughly recommended. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC.

[Rhoda Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Jane Lovering's books anyway and this is one of my favourites.
Rowan is still grieving the loss of her late husband, Elliot. She is keeping herself busy by recording the local folklore around an artefact on the moors known at the 'fairy stane'. Local lore has it that fairyland is under the stone and if you lift the stone, the fairies will come out. (These are the nasty, elemental fairies, not the cute gossamer winged ones).
Connor is a historian and he's been sent across to help with an archealogical excavation looking for a hitherto unknown Roman settlement. He thinks the stone on the moors is a Roman marker, so he wants to lift it to see what (if anything) is written on the underside of it.
As always, there's an unusual house - a restored mill - and some interfering wildlife.

On the surface, this is a book about a folklorist vs a historian and the symbolism of a stone. Underneath, it's a story about grief and loss and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive when things are difficult.
This book made me laugh and cry in places. I really enjoyed reading it.

I received an ARC from Netgalley (Thank you!). This is my honest review.

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rowan, whose doctorate specialises in the study of folklore, lives in a remote cottage that she and her late husband restored. In particular she is studying a stone which is said to cover the entrance to Fairy land, but this is then put at risk by an Irish professor who is looking for a lost roman settlement.
The location sounds wonderful but bleak, and very lonely for a grieving young widow. Her study of folklore sounds fascinating and different to the archeology that study of the past brings to mind. Connor, the Irish history professor, is a complex character also grieving the end of a relationship. There also flashbacks to the past that gradually make sense as the story develops. The romance side is a very small part of the story, with the more professional interplay between the main characters taking centre stage. With a twist at the end that I didn't see coming this is a gentle book that I did really enjoy.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.