After the abrupt end of her marriage, Sarah finds herself managing the workhouse in Woodford, far from the life she once knew. Despite her bruised reputation and broken family ties, she discovers purpose in caring for the orphans and outcasts of society.
Giles, a man burdened with guilt, is determined to turn his life around. When an opportunity arises to manage Hazelfield, a sprawling estate donated to the workhouse, Giles sees it as his chance for redemption. But his path is fraught with challenges, foremost winning the trust of the wary Sarah.
Their partnership begins with a clash of wills and a battle of wits. But as they work together to breathe new life into Hazelfield, they manage to build a fragile trust.
As their bond deepens, the secrets they keep weigh heavy. Can Sarah let go of her painful history and accept the love she never thought she would find again? And will Giles prove himself worthy of the new life he is fighting to create?
Sarah. I loved her wit 🤣 she could dish it out with the best of them 😂 sadly, this was a result of devastating and soul-crushing circumstances ❤️🩹 I loved how despite the pain she went through, she loved fully 💗 and was gentle with the people under her care at the workhouse 💜. Now with Giles? Well he deserved her salty comments 🤣
Giles. I hadn’t read the book 📕 where he was a FOOL 😤 in but I was fully prepared to slap him in the beginning of this book 😇 All that being said, man is GOING THROUGH IT 😅 Guilt 🖤 shame 🖤 and regret 🖤 are laced into every fiber of him and when he’s given a chance to rebuild by someone who SHOULD hate him, Giles takes a leap of faith and accepts ❤️🩹 Perks of the job: cows 🐄 something to distract himself 🔨 and his business partner Sarah 🤭
The BANTER 🤩 in this book!! These two were truly going through stuff and they did not hold back 🤣 It was raw and real and so fun to read 📖 how they learned to be kinder to each other 💗 and themselves ❤️🩹 The tend to wounds and the letters were PERFECT. And the secret kisses 🫠 pass the fan 🪭
“I would no longer look behind me, or too far behind me. I would exist in every moment, in full, and I would love and be loved.”
~After the abrupt end of her marriage, Sarah finds herself managing the workhouse in Woodford, far from the life she once knew. Despite her bruised reputation and broken family ties, she discovers purpose in caring for the orphans and outcasts of society. Giles, a man burdened with guilt, is determined to turn his life around. When an opportunity arises to manage Hazelfield, a sprawling estate donated to the workhouse, Giles sees it as his chance for redemption. But his path is fraught with challenges, foremost winning the trust of the wary Sarah...
"She now knew the darkest parts of me, and in return, had shared her deepest hurts."
-Hazlefield, is a story weaved with love. There is beauty that comes so powerfully within, in the form of healing, hope, and forgiveness. Even after a result of such great past stormy and hard circumstances, dear Sarah chooses to be gentle, patient, firm, and kind to those she is around and serves. It takes a good moment to extend this also to Giles, who has had his own fair share of hard circumstances. It’s not surprising that Sarah and Giles’d partnership begins with quite a clash of wills, a great battle of wits and with such delightful banter. Yet as they work together to breathe new life into Hazelfield, they are able to manage building a fragile trust. Even as their bond deepens, the secrets they keep still weigh heavy. Watching such endearing characters work to let go of painful pasts and accept love, while fighting hard for a new beautiful life was refreshing and inspiring! Taking a leap of faith leads to such great things, making this dear story worth the read!🙌🏻📚❤️
“I promise I will always be there, with arms wide open to catch you.”
-Content: a previous abusive relationship, redemption, lingering sickness, fight scenes.
#hazlefield #maggiebradford #allaboutthebestreads
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
So lovely! This book had the atmosphere of Far from the Madding Crowd, and the romance of Pride & Prejudice!
“Books had the propensity to befriend every person that opened them.” Pg. 31
“My behaviour this morning was abominable. I wish I could start the day again and do better.” Ive bowed and walked towards the door, turning slightly when he reached the threshold. “I believe that is what God intended tomorrow for, sir.” … How was it that God had so many chances to give? And how was it that I was worthy? It confounded the mind, the immense patience employed by the Almighty. And I was sitting here, pitifully wasting it rather than accepting and moving forward as my steward suggested.” Pg. 48
“I think I’ve lost my courage now,” she said, her cheeks a faint pink. I loved it when they turned cherry. I opened the door with my free hand. “I’ll take it from here then.” Pg. 191
“Well, he definitely knew how to make a woman feel special with just a simple look. He looked at me like I was water in the desert, an angel in the night, a lifeline in the tempest.”
* We’re barely 2 chapters in and I can already tell that this guy needs a hug * Oh these two. I love how they poke at each other * And the plot thickens * Oh yes, we love a man who does the dishes * I knew this was coming! * Awwww
This was a such a sweet story. I loved the themes of redemption and forgiveness and that hope is never lost.
Sarah was a lovely character full of spirit and with such a kind heart. I loved seeing her overcome her biases and make peace with her past.
And Giles. He started out as such a lost soul, but he was able to pick himself up and figure out who he really wanted to be.
There were some beautiful metaphors and descriptions in here and I loved the focus on the character’s growth.
“Books had a propensity to befriend every person that opened them.”
“I tried not to be disappointed, but there was a restlessness building inside of me. Every moment not spent with her seemed a grand waste of time.”
Thanks to the author for the eARC. A positive review wasn’t required and all opinions are my own.
I love a book that is entertaining, but also inspirational. I thought this book had both. It is a beautiful story of redemption and forgiveness. Both of the main characters have seen their fair share of trials, but have found a meaning in life that exceeds themselves. I was captivated by the storyline and intrigued by the characters. Giles had made mistakes in his life, but he was able to, learn from those mistakes and find a way to right his wrongs. Sarah had done what was expected of her. She was deceived and treated unfairly. But she did not choose to wallow in her despair. She rose above those that treated her unkindly and was happy to help those in need. The love story of this book is very sweet and gentle. It is a lovely read with Inspirational love and just the right amount of drama.
This was a beautiful and engaging story of healing, hope, and forgiveness.
Giles was a dishonorable man. He was deceitful, always scheming to get ahead no matter who he used and hurt along the way. Until he hit rockbottom. Now he spends his days trying to atone for all his deceit. Welcoming the pain, both physical and emotional as his penance.
Sarah has endured much. Disowned by her family after her husband abandoned her. Having no one and nothing left, she spends her days in charge of a workhouse helping orphans.
Distrustful of men in general, especially a man like Giles, Giles and Sarah start out at odds. While working together at Hazelfield, Sarah begins to see that Giles is truly a changed man.
“My actions brought with them consequences.
Months, even days, ago, that thought alone held me captive, chained as I was to my misery and regret. Now, it encouraged me forward, giving me the strength to be and do better.”
I loved the fun banter between Giles and Sarah but I also loved their connection, their understanding. Sarah and Giles open up to one another and offer each other hope, showing the other they are worthy of forgiveness and healing.
“She now knew the darkest parts of me, and in return, had shared her deepest hurts.”
Beautifully written, I was fully engaged until the end, loving every hurdle thrown their way.
Thank you to Maggie Bradford for the copy. All opinions are my own.
Sarah wants nothing more than to run the workhouse and care for the people around her. Giles wants to live a life of quiet punishment for the choices of his past. When circumstances force them to work together, can they put aside their differences and assumptions about one another for the benefit of the workhouse and those who are counting on them? Sarah’s past has taught her not to trust. Can she see past the choices Giles has made to trust he is a changed man? Can Giles truly redeem himself for the things he has done? Hazelfield by Maggie Bradford is a beautiful story about redemption, forgiveness, love, and friendship. Sarah and Giles both learn and grow so much over the course of the story.
Hazelfield brings to life a sweet romance while also including intriguing plot points and side characters.
It was lovely to see characters from previous books in the series, but not necessary to enjoy this book on its own!
The author did a good job of keeping the book a light read while also giving her characters depth and problems that feel real. The reader really gets to know both Giles and Sarah with the dual pov, and understands their struggles and their joys!
Such a cute book! This is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. I’ve been eagerly awaiting Sarah & Giles’s story & it didn’t disappoint! Giles has a rough history, full of mistakes and mistreating others. Sarah knows this, but when they’re thrust together in a partnership to help the workhouse, she can’t help but notice the changes he’s been making. Their relationship naturally builds and I loved seeing the way they bonded.
I loved that this book was full of forgiveness and love. I loved the transformation that took place in Sarah and Giles lives as they learned to not only forgive others but themselves. I loved watching the growth and strength of their relationship. From dislike, to reluctant respect, to friendship, to more. I really enjoyed this book.
A book loving MMC with a redemption arc? How do you not love it?!
A wonderful reminder to live in the moment. Not dwelling in the past, anxious for the future, or even trying to white knuckle the now. Just work hard and pray, things have a way of working out.
It was sweet, funny, and hopeful.
Grab this whole series starting with Willow Hall, it makes them so much more enjoyable in order since you know the characters that interact.
This is the series that is always first on my recommendation list if someone needs a sweet and clean regency.
✨✨✨✨ 4/5 Stars • This was such an easy ready and a great regency era story! The main characters had great chemistry and banter and the supporting characters brought so much life to the book! I loved how much God was mentioned throughout the story and watching the MMC find his way after making some bad decisions! • I recommend adding this to your TBR list!