Lock, Stock and Harold: When you decide to change your life, expect the unexpected

by Ebberley Finch

After a crushing break-up, Noah Wood ends up with no home, no job and no direction. With a wish-list in mind, he moves to the beautiful Devon coast, hoping to rebuild his shattered confidence.

Inspired by his uncle, he buys an abandoned pet shop ‘Lock, Stock and Barrel’, only to find an unexpected item in the bagging area – a parrot called Harold.
Beginning to recognise how his past has shaped him, when the chance to find love and overcome his anxiety presents itself, Noah grasps the opportunity. But just as he dares to relax, disaster strikes.

Noah must salvage a life that’s been turned upside down if he is to have any chance of finding lasting happiness.

This charming tale is full of captivating characters and humorous moments. Perfect for readers who enjoy Matt Haig, Nick Hornby, Ruth Hogan and Sally Page.

230 pages, Paperback

Published November 26, 2024

About the author

After spending her youth working in Germany and Dubai and travelling the world, Ebberley Finch settled in London. Her love of books carried her through the times when she should have been too busy to read; juggling three (mostly) fabulous children, her love of dancing and a career in Human Resources. There were times when she regretted staying up until 2 am to finish a book!

Ebberley always loved the South West of England and has now swapped a busy corporate life to live in Devon with her partner where they run a B&B and holiday cottage business and she has the time and space to write.

Having started anew several times herself, Ebberley loves to explore new beginnings and the friendships, rewards and challenges that come with them. A theme which runs through all her novels so far.

For more information, blogs, special offers and the latest news follow Ebberley on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky or go to the Ebberley Finch website.

Reviews

[Kevin Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The main protagonist makes a life changing move from a corporate life in the South East of England to the North Coast of Devon where he buys a pet shop which comes complete with a parrot who, together with a colourful bunch of local characters, change his life in the most delightful way.

I found it uplifting, funny, poignant and inspiring and would highly recommend it as a holiday read or if you just need cheering up. It doesn't really fit into one genre (I would include: romance, humour, inspiring. mystic). Think Nick Hornby, Richard Curtis, Andy Parsons, Matt Haig, JoJo Moyes and you won't be far off.

[Lynda Partridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable and engaging story which I found hard to put down. Descriptions of the North Devon locations make you want to visit. Looking forward to the next book.

[Victoria Wilmot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful book. Upbeat, light-hearted and a beautiful love story.


The description on the back of the book is

After a crushing break-up, Noah Wood ends up with no home, no job and no direction. With a wish-list in mind, he moves to the beautiful Devon coast, hoping to rebuild his shattered confidence.
Inspired by his uncle, he buys an abandoned pet shop 'Lock, Stock and Barrel' , only to find an unexpected item in the baggage area - a parrot called Harold.

Beginning to recognise how his past has shaped him, when the chance to find love and overcome his anxiety presents itself, Noah grasps the opportunity. But just as he dares to relax, disaster strikes.

Noah must salvage a life that's been turned upside down if he is to have any chance of finding lasting happiness.

This charming tale is full of captivating characters and humorous moments. Perfect for readers who enjoy Matt Haig, Nick Hornby and Sally Page.

[Judith Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting new story teller in the world of fiction. It's beautifully written, flows well and has a great plot dealing with complex issue that are rarely aired. Loved the twist and perfidy of a trusted friend. Good to have mature a character going off the rails! An unexpected turn.
I really liked how Noah's character developed and grew in confidence. Parents don't usually mean to screw their kids up but seem to manage it regularly. The different characters, no matter how minor , all have an important part to play as the story unfolds. A very well crafted dance bringing seemingly minor players back to the grand finale.
An excellent read and I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Susan Mercy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming book that has incredible insight into the struggles, sometimes hidden through shame, of a person with dyslexia. Starting with his fraught souring relationship with his girlfriend, whose demands are beyond the characters capabilities, it's almost a relief when the relationship breaks down & he makes a very brave move from London to Devon, all alone. Written with humour, in an easy to read style, with interesting twists & turns in the story line. Highly recommended ,especially for those romantic souls who love a happy ending!

[Nikki Whiting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. I engaged with the characters right from the start and loved all the twists and turns in the narrative. The description of an area of the country I know well was great too. I look forward to the next book!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy read, a tale of moving from the city to the countryside. You really can feel that you have met people just like the characters in the book, even laughed out loud a few times! Big fan of good old Harold

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-felt, engaging and really funny story of Noah who opens a pet shop in Devon and inherits a brilliant & stubborn kea parrot Harold. The characters are really well observed through poignancy and humour and the sense of community shines out of every page! A great holiday read.

[Julie P · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable & well written read. A book about something that many people don’t have the bravery to do - to change their life & escape, in this case to the Devon coast. It is all about learning new skills & overcoming obstacles with emotions, humour & intrigue along the way!

[Richard Dell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable read. The style is light, the characters are interesting, the plot is well paced and I learnt more about dyslexia. I wasn't sure how much I believed in one if the characters but it left me pondering the inconsistencies we exhibit.

[Susanpmoulehotmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous book I thoroughly enjoyed it And living in Devon made it doubly more interesting