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Rowan Hill #1
Letting in Light
Rowan Hill seemed like the perfect place for Ellie to escape and lick her wounds; a huge estate surrounded by a nice big wall and plenty of peace, quiet, and time to think ...
Will has a reputation for being a humourless grumpy loner, but it’s his estate and he doesn’t want anything to change; things would be perfect if everyone would just leave him alone. Maybe it’s not that he’s grumpy at all though, maybe it’s the big fat secret he’s keeping that makes him act the way he does …
Finn ran away from his past, but is now planning a return home to Rowan Hill. What he finds when he returns though is not quite what he was expecting …
The perfect solution for all of them is staring Ellie in the face, trouble is she’s been accused of meddling before; should she follow her heart or her head?
With old friends and new pulling together, the course of the year plays out amid the challenge of building an exciting new creative community project. As romance and friendships blossom however, the complications of the past are never far away, and a shocking revelation soon threatens their hopes for the future. Suddenly the beliefs they once held true become the biggest obstacle they have to overcome. Will they find the courage to learn from the truth?
After all, life, like art, is all about perception, and sometimes it just depends on your point of view….
Will has a reputation for being a humourless grumpy loner, but it’s his estate and he doesn’t want anything to change; things would be perfect if everyone would just leave him alone. Maybe it’s not that he’s grumpy at all though, maybe it’s the big fat secret he’s keeping that makes him act the way he does …
Finn ran away from his past, but is now planning a return home to Rowan Hill. What he finds when he returns though is not quite what he was expecting …
The perfect solution for all of them is staring Ellie in the face, trouble is she’s been accused of meddling before; should she follow her heart or her head?
With old friends and new pulling together, the course of the year plays out amid the challenge of building an exciting new creative community project. As romance and friendships blossom however, the complications of the past are never far away, and a shocking revelation soon threatens their hopes for the future. Suddenly the beliefs they once held true become the biggest obstacle they have to overcome. Will they find the courage to learn from the truth?
After all, life, like art, is all about perception, and sometimes it just depends on your point of view….
519 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2014
643 people are currently reading
1187 people want to read
About the author
Emma Davies
28 books324 followersEmma Davies once applied for her dream job in the following manner;
'I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.' Well she's now a forty something mother of three, and is working on the rest.
By day she's a finance manager and looks at numbers a lot of the time, but by night she gets to use actual words and practices putting them together into sentences. Her twitter bio says she loves her family, her job, reading, writing, singing loudly in the car, and Pringles, so that must be true then.
Wave to her on twitter @Emdavies68
Letting in Light is her debut novel, and she is currently working on her second.
'I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.' Well she's now a forty something mother of three, and is working on the rest.
By day she's a finance manager and looks at numbers a lot of the time, but by night she gets to use actual words and practices putting them together into sentences. Her twitter bio says she loves her family, her job, reading, writing, singing loudly in the car, and Pringles, so that must be true then.
Wave to her on twitter @Emdavies68
Letting in Light is her debut novel, and she is currently working on her second.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
June 5, 2016
4.5
I quickly fell in love with this book-- it's full of likable, real characters. People you'd want to know and be friends with. People you can identify with. Our two main characters of Ellie and Will are warm and genuine but are fallible, like every one of us. I was so immersed in their story, I just couldn't tear myself away from my kindle. About the last third of the book takes a serious turn as it addresses a wrong that often isn't talked about, particularly in literature. It was handled carefully and tastefully.
The spirit of this book includes friendship, love, community & forgiveness. If you like British chick-lit with a little more substance, you must read this! I would love to read more about these characters and also from this author. I will be purchasing a "hard copy" of this book once it's released and will look forward to reading anything she writes.
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance readers copy for review purposes**
I quickly fell in love with this book-- it's full of likable, real characters. People you'd want to know and be friends with. People you can identify with. Our two main characters of Ellie and Will are warm and genuine but are fallible, like every one of us. I was so immersed in their story, I just couldn't tear myself away from my kindle. About the last third of the book takes a serious turn as it addresses a wrong that often isn't talked about, particularly in literature. It was handled carefully and tastefully.
The spirit of this book includes friendship, love, community & forgiveness. If you like British chick-lit with a little more substance, you must read this! I would love to read more about these characters and also from this author. I will be purchasing a "hard copy" of this book once it's released and will look forward to reading anything she writes.
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance readers copy for review purposes**
July 21, 2022
If you are in the mood for a book that is comforting and hopeful then look no further. Rowan Hill was idyllic and its occupants were vividly rendered. Set in Shropshire, England in a hamlet nestled into the side of the Stiperstones, the author has created a setting that you want to visit.
Thirty-four year old Ellie Hesketh is house-sitting for a friend – a perfect location to recover from a rather devastating break-up. Her neighbour is Will McLennan who has a reputation with the locals of being taciturn and reclusive. To Ellie’s surprise, Will is the same man who rescued her from a nasty car accident previously.
The novel takes a look at coping mechanisms, what we do to overcome tragedy, disappointments, or loss.
Women’s fiction with more than a little predictable romance but with some serious issues layered beneath the surface. Themes of starting over, acceptance, misunderstandings, guilt, and kismet.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent at Rowan Hill and recommend “Letting In Light” to readers who enjoy escapist women’s fiction that is good for the soul.
Thirty-four year old Ellie Hesketh is house-sitting for a friend – a perfect location to recover from a rather devastating break-up. Her neighbour is Will McLennan who has a reputation with the locals of being taciturn and reclusive. To Ellie’s surprise, Will is the same man who rescued her from a nasty car accident previously.
The novel takes a look at coping mechanisms, what we do to overcome tragedy, disappointments, or loss.
Women’s fiction with more than a little predictable romance but with some serious issues layered beneath the surface. Themes of starting over, acceptance, misunderstandings, guilt, and kismet.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent at Rowan Hill and recommend “Letting In Light” to readers who enjoy escapist women’s fiction that is good for the soul.
December 25, 2016
Ellie moves to Rowan Hill to look after a house. She needs a fresh start and needs to figure out what she wants to do with her life. She's getting over a bad breakup and hopes Rowan Hill will be a place to recover and to find a new purpose. Will is her next-door neighbor. After a rocky start they discover they have a lot in common. When Ellie and Will start spending more time together she discovers he's at Rowan Hill to heal as well. Will this special place work miracles for both of them?
Will has plenty of secrets and Ellie slowly finds out more about him. He has his reasons to keep things silent. When his brother Finn moves back to the estate they start making plans for the future. There are things Finn doesn't speak about and Ellie desperately tries to fix things so everyone will be happy once more. Will she succeed or is she meddling in something she should have stayed away from?
Letting In Light is a beautiful story. Emma Davies has written an emotional novel with a lot of surprising elements. She's written about sensitive topics in a wonderful sympathetic way. Her story has a lot of depth and the main characters are all loveable and interesting. Ellie is a strong woman. She likes to bake and is always trying to make life better for the people she loves, which is an admirable quality. Will has his dark moods, but he's also sweet and caring. Finn is cheerful and charming. He's a kind man, but he also has things to hide and I couldn't wait to find out what his secrets were. Every main character in this book is fascinating, which made me curious to find out more.
Emma Davies has a great, warm writing style. Her story is easy to read and it has a cozy atmosphere. I didn't want it to end. I enjoyed reading about Rowan Hill very much and instantly loved this magical place. The vivid descriptions make it come to life really well and it's one of my favorite fictional settings now. The lovely inhabitants enhance the beauty of the place and they complete one another. Every detail is exactly right, which is why I loved this book so much. Letting In Light is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it.
Will has plenty of secrets and Ellie slowly finds out more about him. He has his reasons to keep things silent. When his brother Finn moves back to the estate they start making plans for the future. There are things Finn doesn't speak about and Ellie desperately tries to fix things so everyone will be happy once more. Will she succeed or is she meddling in something she should have stayed away from?
Letting In Light is a beautiful story. Emma Davies has written an emotional novel with a lot of surprising elements. She's written about sensitive topics in a wonderful sympathetic way. Her story has a lot of depth and the main characters are all loveable and interesting. Ellie is a strong woman. She likes to bake and is always trying to make life better for the people she loves, which is an admirable quality. Will has his dark moods, but he's also sweet and caring. Finn is cheerful and charming. He's a kind man, but he also has things to hide and I couldn't wait to find out what his secrets were. Every main character in this book is fascinating, which made me curious to find out more.
Emma Davies has a great, warm writing style. Her story is easy to read and it has a cozy atmosphere. I didn't want it to end. I enjoyed reading about Rowan Hill very much and instantly loved this magical place. The vivid descriptions make it come to life really well and it's one of my favorite fictional settings now. The lovely inhabitants enhance the beauty of the place and they complete one another. Every detail is exactly right, which is why I loved this book so much. Letting In Light is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it.
March 30, 2015
I was drawn into the story so quickly, having started reading it, that I, despite knowing that my eyes were almost closing, continued reading. This book, my husband had to put back on the bedside unit more than once as I had fallen asleep reading it. I hasten to add that it was not the book that sent me to sleep but being completely knackered with all the events running up to my own bookshop/library launch. To me and from Emma's comments at the back of the book, this book took its time in coming to fruition. I don't doubt for a minute that anyone who wants to read it will enjoy it as much as I did. Emma has taken what is a very small community, in more ways than one from the outset, and turned it into what I hope will be and remain a self-suffient community almost( apart from the tourist trade that is!!) I fell in love with the characters, the scenery, as well as the whole concept of this book. Emma has a definite talent and I sincerely hope that she continues writing. I, for one, shall keep an eye out for her next novel and would like to know how things progress. The only thing I can say, that some may find a downside (though I sincerely hope they don't) is that this is a book full of adjectives which though a requirement of writing (occasionally too many to allow the story to flow properly). Having said that, I fully enjoyed Emma's book and it may just be me. I would recomment Emma's book to anyone that loves Romance, Chicklit, or just plain community spirit for that matter. I know that this is a rather late review in Emma's case (already being a best-seller), but hopefully an honest one and that it will encourage you to take the plunge and read Emma's book. I so thoroughly enjoyed it and towards the end there were even a few tears.... Enjoy reading this book as I know that you will.
February 28, 2015
Can I just start by saying I loved this book.
The ending of Ellie's long-term relationship has left her in a vacuum, unsure of what to do next.
Her friends, Jane and Jack. throw her a life-line by asking her to look after a house they have inherited.
Ellie immerses herself in village life.
The characters you meet are people you'd love to be friends with and the village is one you'd love to live in.
Emma Davies does touch on a subject not usually dealt with, but she does it with a great deal of sensitivity.
I would love to see a follow-up to this, chronically the fortunes of those involved with Rowan Hill.
Any one who enjoys a romance with a story behind it would love this,
I received this book via my bookclub.
The ending of Ellie's long-term relationship has left her in a vacuum, unsure of what to do next.
Her friends, Jane and Jack. throw her a life-line by asking her to look after a house they have inherited.
Ellie immerses herself in village life.
The characters you meet are people you'd love to be friends with and the village is one you'd love to live in.
Emma Davies does touch on a subject not usually dealt with, but she does it with a great deal of sensitivity.
I would love to see a follow-up to this, chronically the fortunes of those involved with Rowan Hill.
Any one who enjoys a romance with a story behind it would love this,
I received this book via my bookclub.
February 2, 2017
What a charming story, it starts off with a great prologue that introduces you to both Ellie and Will in unusual circumstances, and then the story starts properly a year later, and by that stage I was already hooked and eager to know more about everyone.
This may sound weird, but I felt really at peace while I was reading Letting In Light, I was really calm, and just transported to Rowan Hill, with its lovely set of characters who before long felt like old friends, but new at the same time, given the amount of complexity the brothers Will and Finn are hiding.
To me the sign of a good book is one where on a day where I'm absolutely shattered, and have the option of sleeping or reading on my commute to work, what wins without even thinking was continuing my enjoyment of Letting In Light. Not only did I stay awake, but I didn't really want to get off the train and stop reading. Not every book makes me feel like that.
This is Emma Davies' debut novel, and its an incredibly impressive debut. I loved reading about Ellie and all of her ideas for everyone, was intrigued by Will's troubled past, and the setting of Rowan Hill was simply superb. It has huge grounds and the way the story and the area develops is incredibly impressive, and I am already looking forward to my return to Rowan Hill, in Turn Towards the Sun.
Letting In Light was a gentle story that draws you in very early on, and doesn't release its grip on you. The passage of time moves forward quite regularly, so it feels as though you are just catching up in the key moments of their lives, and I loved this story of friendship, family and love.
July 27, 2016
Oh, goodness. Where to start on this one. I've not had the chance to read anything by Emma Davies previously. This one was pretty good! Interesting characters, a great storyline and smooth flow is exactly what I look for in a great book and this one had it all.
Okay ... before I go any further ... there were some ... translation issues for me. Yes, this book is written in English but there were quite a few words and phrases that really stumped me. For example: I need to get a ripple on. What the hell does that mean? No clue. Don pinny was another one, what the hell is a conker and for the love of everything warm and fluffy ... please tell me that chocolate digestives are cookies because it sounds like medicine for a rumbly stomach. If that's the case, I would not want to live in that town because EVERYONE eats digestives. Yeah, you can figure out what the words mean just by using deductive reasoning ... most of the time.
I thought that the plot of the book was interesting ... a massive amount of time passes while in the book and even though there are large chunks of time missing from being explained or delved into, it wasn't a bad thing. Davies somehow accounted for these chunks and had the book flow steadily along. I really enjoyed the pacing of everything that happened within the book.
Some books you just speed through because you can't wait to see what happens next and you're just so caught up in what excitement is bubbling up that you just blow through it. This book is the opposite ... you go slow and by taking your time, the entire plot is really enhanced because it's almost as if you're on this journey with the characters and not just watching it from afar.
Basically, this was a great book. Until I got to the ending. For some reason, the emotions fell really flat for me. There were these earth-shattering revelations that the characters were going through and they just weren't as emotionally invested in the revelations or the outcome as they seemed to let on. I hope that made sense ... I didn't feel it from the characters. I didn't feel the despair or happiness or anything else that I would have thought would be a big character building moment.
Good book, I'll probably read another by this author in the future but I will probably shy away from it if it is over 500 pages again. That is just A LOT all at once. I think that it could have been broken into two books and played out beautifully. Just my opinion though.
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
June 29, 2021
I listened to this on audio through KU and I really enjoyed it.
The story was well though out and the characters were mostly likeable.
Looking forward to listening to others by the author.
The story was well though out and the characters were mostly likeable.
Looking forward to listening to others by the author.
June 19, 2016
Title: Letting In Light
Author: Emma Davies
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Letting In Light" by Emma Davies
My Thoughts...
This was quite a special good read that will give the readers a good look of 'friendship, love, with a community like [Rowan Hill] heartbreaking, to hope and even forgiveness.' The two main characters Ellie Hesketh and Will McKennan are very interesting, caring people however also fallible with each having their own baggage and even some dark secrets. Now, to add the rest of the secondary characters who were well drawn from [Ben, Helen, Finn, Gina, Alice, Prudence, Jane, Jack] to name a few that the reader will get a well told intriguing story that you will find it hard to put down till the end keeping you entertained. I don't want to leave out the beautiful description of Rowan Hill with its beautiful setting of the scenery that seems to comes alive as this author presents to the reader and I don't want to leave out the tea and lemon drizzle cake that was so important in this read! Now to put the icing o the cake how this author was able to present the 'secrets and revelations' that will come out from this read was very well done. That ending was quite a very interesting one that was very captivating definitely putting a closure to what all had gone on there in this village of Rowan Hill.
Be ready for a story that you will find 'warm, genuine, entertaining, heartbreaking' and still such beautiful read that you will find it hard to put down this well written novel until the very end.
Author: Emma Davies
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Letting In Light" by Emma Davies
My Thoughts...
This was quite a special good read that will give the readers a good look of 'friendship, love, with a community like [Rowan Hill] heartbreaking, to hope and even forgiveness.' The two main characters Ellie Hesketh and Will McKennan are very interesting, caring people however also fallible with each having their own baggage and even some dark secrets. Now, to add the rest of the secondary characters who were well drawn from [Ben, Helen, Finn, Gina, Alice, Prudence, Jane, Jack] to name a few that the reader will get a well told intriguing story that you will find it hard to put down till the end keeping you entertained. I don't want to leave out the beautiful description of Rowan Hill with its beautiful setting of the scenery that seems to comes alive as this author presents to the reader and I don't want to leave out the tea and lemon drizzle cake that was so important in this read! Now to put the icing o the cake how this author was able to present the 'secrets and revelations' that will come out from this read was very well done. That ending was quite a very interesting one that was very captivating definitely putting a closure to what all had gone on there in this village of Rowan Hill.
Be ready for a story that you will find 'warm, genuine, entertaining, heartbreaking' and still such beautiful read that you will find it hard to put down this well written novel until the very end.
August 14, 2016
A heartwarming read about relationships, secrets, guilt and forgiveness set in a picturesque village in the heart of England.
It's mostly lighthearted and undemanding. However, there is a very serious element which isn't revealed until after halfway through and then it does get a little darker. The author has an effortless and relaxed style of writing which is easy to read. There are some wonderful and vivid descriptions. I really liked the characters - they all have their own issues and problems along with their individual foibles just as we all have. They seemed true to life and people who one would wish to know. They always seemed to be eating cake and the world is put to rights with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and a slice of lemon drizzle! Sounds good to me! There is a satisfying ending which is left on an optimistic and hopeful note.
It's a lovely, engaging story which I very much enjoyed reading and one which I was I sorry to finish.
Reviewed for Netgalley and the publishers.
August 10, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed Letting In Light from the first page to the last. If it's the first time I've read an authors book I know it's special when I look to see if there are any more. I will be one of the first to buy any more that Emma Davies writes. I also hope that in the future we hear more from the wonderful people of Rowan Hill.
I am not very eloquent when writing reviews, and only do so when I've really loved a book hoping that others read it. Also I find it hard as I don't like to write spoilers, there is nothing worse when I read them before reading a book. The characters both lead and supporting took me to their hearts. The storyline was interesting and had me rooting for all the people within the community, whilst at times tugging on the heart strings. Letting In Light was a truly wonderful read that I read in days.
I am not very eloquent when writing reviews, and only do so when I've really loved a book hoping that others read it. Also I find it hard as I don't like to write spoilers, there is nothing worse when I read them before reading a book. The characters both lead and supporting took me to their hearts. The storyline was interesting and had me rooting for all the people within the community, whilst at times tugging on the heart strings. Letting In Light was a truly wonderful read that I read in days.
June 13, 2016
What a beautiful book- and I will be eagerly looking out for Emma’s next book The cover is enough to tempt you to pick it up and then you are drawn into the wonderful story and great characters. A lovely easy writing style allows you to lose yourself within the pages and leaves you feeling as though you know everyone so well and can imagine Rowan Hill. It becomes a real place to you. You become immersed in village life.
Friendship and romance run through the book along with a little tension along the way. Moving to the village is going to help with the healing process after Ellie goes through a break up. She’s staying in a crumbly house in exchange for helping to bring it back to life. She’s hoping that it will have the same effect on her life.
Emma is joining my list of authors to look out for and I’ve been lucky enough to win a signed copy to treasure on my ‘favourites’ bookshelf.
Friendship and romance run through the book along with a little tension along the way. Moving to the village is going to help with the healing process after Ellie goes through a break up. She’s staying in a crumbly house in exchange for helping to bring it back to life. She’s hoping that it will have the same effect on her life.
Emma is joining my list of authors to look out for and I’ve been lucky enough to win a signed copy to treasure on my ‘favourites’ bookshelf.
June 28, 2016
Great story! When I first read synopsis of this book, I knew it would be good. After all, it held most of my favorites - set in small village in England, had a couple of interesting male protagonists, had a great house and a great female protagonist. I was right on all counts. The setting was perfect. The descriptions could place me there if I closed my eyes, the characters were full of human foibles and the female was a little indecisive.
I loved the story of Ellie, Will and Finn. The plot was very well conceived and held together throughout the book.
I received this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the story of Ellie, Will and Finn. The plot was very well conceived and held together throughout the book.
I received this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2016
What a surprising book. The more I read of it the more I liked it. Unusual plot, and use of tenses. Questions kept me reading well into the night. Brilliantly finished and highly recommended, right down to the author's note at the end.
November 26, 2020
Have you ever started a book and you're not at all certain what you're in for? That would be an accurate description of Letting In Light for me when I borrowed it through Prime Reading. I don't often reach for true chick lit, because often the characters are shallow and have personalities that annoy me. And yet, I couldn't resist being drawn in.
What I like about Letting In Light:
The British slang - I am familiar with some of it. Other terms I have to derive from context. But there is some sort of additional charm in the book being "written British" that just contributed to my immersion in the story.
Ellie's cottage - The whole time I was reading, I just kept picturing the cottage in the movie The Holiday. I love when I can get a good mental image in my mind's eye.
The characters - I found them so eminently likable. They had depth and flaws, and their interactions, whether warm or tense, felt real to me, so beyond just likability, I actually cared about them. There was a kind of honesty to this book that I don't really expect from chick lit.
More than just romance - There was friendship and family and community. And while there was also romance, it wasn't overly sappy. I also appreciated that the bedroom scenes were more suggestion than explicit, because it felt more true to the character of the story itself.
What I didn't care for:
The cussing - Listen, I don't keep my consumption PG-13. But cussing in entertainment for me needs to serve a purpose, much like a bedroom scene. If it's gratuitous, it just feels lazy to me. I am thinking about 50% of it could have been edited out of this book and the effect would have been the same, if not improved. This didn't ruin the book for me but I wish it hadn't been there.
It turns out, I am really glad I was inexplicably drawn to a book in a genre toward which I don't typically gravitate. This was my first experience with an Emma Davies book. I will absolutely seek out more, if she continues to deliver characters and storytelling that live up to the bar she set for me with this one.
What I like about Letting In Light:
The British slang - I am familiar with some of it. Other terms I have to derive from context. But there is some sort of additional charm in the book being "written British" that just contributed to my immersion in the story.
Ellie's cottage - The whole time I was reading, I just kept picturing the cottage in the movie The Holiday. I love when I can get a good mental image in my mind's eye.
The characters - I found them so eminently likable. They had depth and flaws, and their interactions, whether warm or tense, felt real to me, so beyond just likability, I actually cared about them. There was a kind of honesty to this book that I don't really expect from chick lit.
More than just romance - There was friendship and family and community. And while there was also romance, it wasn't overly sappy. I also appreciated that the bedroom scenes were more suggestion than explicit, because it felt more true to the character of the story itself.
What I didn't care for:
The cussing - Listen, I don't keep my consumption PG-13. But cussing in entertainment for me needs to serve a purpose, much like a bedroom scene. If it's gratuitous, it just feels lazy to me. I am thinking about 50% of it could have been edited out of this book and the effect would have been the same, if not improved. This didn't ruin the book for me but I wish it hadn't been there.
It turns out, I am really glad I was inexplicably drawn to a book in a genre toward which I don't typically gravitate. This was my first experience with an Emma Davies book. I will absolutely seek out more, if she continues to deliver characters and storytelling that live up to the bar she set for me with this one.
August 26, 2018
Letting in light by Emma Davies.
Rowan Hill means many things to many people, but to Ellie Hesketh it represents new beginnings. Putting her life back together after a break-up is going to take time, but the crumbling country estate—as much in need of TLC as she is—seems the perfect place to do it.
But Ellie is not the only person for whom Rowan Hill is a refuge. There’s Will, damaged and complicated, whose secrets almost nobody knows. And Finn, his brother, who’s finally decided to stop running from his own past. As Ellie is drawn further into saving the estate, she can’t help but try saving the brothers too—and she’s sure she knows just how to go about it. The trouble is, she’s been accused of meddling before…
By turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, this story of friendship, forgiveness and unexpected romance reveals the lies we tell to hide dark secrets—and what can happen when we let in a little light.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. A lovely feel good read. 4*.
Rowan Hill means many things to many people, but to Ellie Hesketh it represents new beginnings. Putting her life back together after a break-up is going to take time, but the crumbling country estate—as much in need of TLC as she is—seems the perfect place to do it.
But Ellie is not the only person for whom Rowan Hill is a refuge. There’s Will, damaged and complicated, whose secrets almost nobody knows. And Finn, his brother, who’s finally decided to stop running from his own past. As Ellie is drawn further into saving the estate, she can’t help but try saving the brothers too—and she’s sure she knows just how to go about it. The trouble is, she’s been accused of meddling before…
By turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, this story of friendship, forgiveness and unexpected romance reveals the lies we tell to hide dark secrets—and what can happen when we let in a little light.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. A lovely feel good read. 4*.
August 26, 2018
Letting in light by Emma Davies.
Rowan Hill means many things to many people, but to Ellie Hesketh it represents new beginnings. Putting her life back together after a break-up is going to take time, but the crumbling country estate—as much in need of TLC as she is—seems the perfect place to do it.
But Ellie is not the only person for whom Rowan Hill is a refuge. There’s Will, damaged and complicated, whose secrets almost nobody knows. And Finn, his brother, who’s finally decided to stop running from his own past. As Ellie is drawn further into saving the estate, she can’t help but try saving the brothers too—and she’s sure she knows just how to go about it. The trouble is, she’s been accused of meddling before…
By turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, this story of friendship, forgiveness and unexpected romance reveals the lies we tell to hide dark secrets—and what can happen when we let in a little light.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. A lovely feel good read. 4*.
Rowan Hill means many things to many people, but to Ellie Hesketh it represents new beginnings. Putting her life back together after a break-up is going to take time, but the crumbling country estate—as much in need of TLC as she is—seems the perfect place to do it.
But Ellie is not the only person for whom Rowan Hill is a refuge. There’s Will, damaged and complicated, whose secrets almost nobody knows. And Finn, his brother, who’s finally decided to stop running from his own past. As Ellie is drawn further into saving the estate, she can’t help but try saving the brothers too—and she’s sure she knows just how to go about it. The trouble is, she’s been accused of meddling before…
By turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, this story of friendship, forgiveness and unexpected romance reveals the lies we tell to hide dark secrets—and what can happen when we let in a little light.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. A lovely feel good read. 4*.
October 27, 2019
LOVED THIS BOOK. Emma Davies has a fantastic way of writing mature, thoughtful and diverse characters. This was another great read. There was a circuitous twist and it ramped up my desire to finish this book (in a joyful way). Meaning again "unputdownable". This one is a bit idealistic, but everything I wanted.
August 3, 2019
I loved all the characters in this, and their stories were so worth reading - I've barely put it down today, until I finished it.
Sadly, I have only 2 more of Emma's books to read, so I hope she's still writing more!
Sadly, I have only 2 more of Emma's books to read, so I hope she's still writing more!
August 3, 2020
This was a good, well written romance with well rounded characters and a very enjoyable read.
April 20, 2018
Great
This is one of the best laid and written books i have enjoyed with my kindles.. The characters were so well developed, it was fun. I'm a minor note, the book was also well edited, making it easy to read. Thank you
This is one of the best laid and written books i have enjoyed with my kindles.. The characters were so well developed, it was fun. I'm a minor note, the book was also well edited, making it easy to read. Thank you
October 2, 2014
When Ellie Hesketh is involved in a car accident, she’s comforted and rescued by a very handsome man with very blue eyes who goes by the name of Will. That’s all she knows about this mysterious man, or at least it is until she turns up to undertake some first aid training and who should be the teacher, but the handsome Will McKennan. The training isn’t as bad she Ellie fears and she even makes some new friends on the course. Unsure of herself and suffering from a crisis of confidence after having her heart broken by her ex Robbie and currently staying with her best friend, Jane, Ellie isn’t sure what direction her life is going in. But when the opportunity to house sit at the amazing Rowan Hill arises, it offers Ellie a much needed distraction and some breathing space to decide what she’s going to do next.
However she doesn’t quite get the peace and quiet she’s craving as her neighbour has a tendency to chop logs in the middle of the night and things take a very unexpected turn when the identity of this late-night-log-chopper is revealed…you guessed it…it’s Will McKennan.
Ellie soon learns that Will has a bit of a reputation for being anti-social, keeping himself firmly to himself and he also seems extremely grumpy and aloof. Village gossip hints that he’s gay and his wife left him because he wouldn’t give her a baby but this doesn’t deter Ellie from trying to get to know Will, and the more she does the more she starts to like him. Although it’s clear that Will is hiding some pretty big secrets and won’t let his guard down. When his brother, Finn, returns home it’s clear that he knows more than he’s letting on too.
However a distraction comes along in the form of a plan to transform the somewhat dilapidated Rowan Hill and its beautiful estate. As the three put their all into getting the plans approved, and working their magic to return Rowan Hill to its former glory, friendships are formed, alliances made and it’s not long before some shocking secrets are revealed, one by one…
Letting In Light was a novel I had not come across before and didn’t know much about until I was asked to review it. After a quick read of the synopsis I thought it sounded like the kind of read I would enjoy and as Emma Davies is a debut author I was keen to discover her writing. There’s always the possibility when reading new authors that you’ll find one who’s writing you just fall in love with… and in the case of Emma Davies and Letting In Light this is completely what happened!
Everything about the plot line made for utterly addictive reading. Firstly you’ve got Ellie’s story as she recovers from Robbie’s betrayal and tries to get her life back on track, then when she agrees to house sit and Will McKennan turns out to be her neighbour you get engrossed in their seemingly love/hate relationship…but then when she does get close to Will and it becomes clear he’s hiding so many secrets you’ll be tearing at the pages to find out what’s really going on, and then Finn turns up and things get a whole lot more mysterious. It felt like piecing together a very juicy jigsaw as you progress through the story.
There were aspects of Letting In Light that reminded me of Katie Fforde’s novels (and believe me that is a compliment of the highest order as I love Katie Fforde!) There’s that feel-good, exciting, romantic, ‘warm’ feel that Katie achieves and it’s definitely there in Letting In Light too. I love books that evoke a strong reaction in me to their characters and Emma does such a brilliant job of bringing Ellie, Will, Finn and the whole cast to life. Ellie is immensely likeable, Will is immensely gorgeous-sounding and I couldn’t help but fall a little bit in love with him, as I also did with Finn. They are characters you would want to know in real life, they’re funny, entertaining, yet sensitive, vulnerable and when all is said and done, only human, just like the rest of us. I wanted to take Will in my arms and give him a great big hug, but I also love how Ellie doesn’t take any crap from Will and she is basically the glue which, in the end, holds everything together. These are one set of characters that I would love to read more about in the very near future (*subtle hint*)
Emma’s writing also really made Rowan Hill come to life in the way that she described it. It was so easy to imagine the transformation and you can’t help but envisage Rowan Hill old and new and really get a picture of how beautiful it is.
I fell in love with Letting in Light, hook, line and sinker. It’s such a gorgeous novel, filled with great characters and intriguing plot lines which are both light and dark.
An additive, compelling but hugely romantic read which shows us that people are not always as they seem and as was the case with Will, there is always more than first meets the eye.
However she doesn’t quite get the peace and quiet she’s craving as her neighbour has a tendency to chop logs in the middle of the night and things take a very unexpected turn when the identity of this late-night-log-chopper is revealed…you guessed it…it’s Will McKennan.
Ellie soon learns that Will has a bit of a reputation for being anti-social, keeping himself firmly to himself and he also seems extremely grumpy and aloof. Village gossip hints that he’s gay and his wife left him because he wouldn’t give her a baby but this doesn’t deter Ellie from trying to get to know Will, and the more she does the more she starts to like him. Although it’s clear that Will is hiding some pretty big secrets and won’t let his guard down. When his brother, Finn, returns home it’s clear that he knows more than he’s letting on too.
However a distraction comes along in the form of a plan to transform the somewhat dilapidated Rowan Hill and its beautiful estate. As the three put their all into getting the plans approved, and working their magic to return Rowan Hill to its former glory, friendships are formed, alliances made and it’s not long before some shocking secrets are revealed, one by one…
Letting In Light was a novel I had not come across before and didn’t know much about until I was asked to review it. After a quick read of the synopsis I thought it sounded like the kind of read I would enjoy and as Emma Davies is a debut author I was keen to discover her writing. There’s always the possibility when reading new authors that you’ll find one who’s writing you just fall in love with… and in the case of Emma Davies and Letting In Light this is completely what happened!
Everything about the plot line made for utterly addictive reading. Firstly you’ve got Ellie’s story as she recovers from Robbie’s betrayal and tries to get her life back on track, then when she agrees to house sit and Will McKennan turns out to be her neighbour you get engrossed in their seemingly love/hate relationship…but then when she does get close to Will and it becomes clear he’s hiding so many secrets you’ll be tearing at the pages to find out what’s really going on, and then Finn turns up and things get a whole lot more mysterious. It felt like piecing together a very juicy jigsaw as you progress through the story.
There were aspects of Letting In Light that reminded me of Katie Fforde’s novels (and believe me that is a compliment of the highest order as I love Katie Fforde!) There’s that feel-good, exciting, romantic, ‘warm’ feel that Katie achieves and it’s definitely there in Letting In Light too. I love books that evoke a strong reaction in me to their characters and Emma does such a brilliant job of bringing Ellie, Will, Finn and the whole cast to life. Ellie is immensely likeable, Will is immensely gorgeous-sounding and I couldn’t help but fall a little bit in love with him, as I also did with Finn. They are characters you would want to know in real life, they’re funny, entertaining, yet sensitive, vulnerable and when all is said and done, only human, just like the rest of us. I wanted to take Will in my arms and give him a great big hug, but I also love how Ellie doesn’t take any crap from Will and she is basically the glue which, in the end, holds everything together. These are one set of characters that I would love to read more about in the very near future (*subtle hint*)
Emma’s writing also really made Rowan Hill come to life in the way that she described it. It was so easy to imagine the transformation and you can’t help but envisage Rowan Hill old and new and really get a picture of how beautiful it is.
I fell in love with Letting in Light, hook, line and sinker. It’s such a gorgeous novel, filled with great characters and intriguing plot lines which are both light and dark.
An additive, compelling but hugely romantic read which shows us that people are not always as they seem and as was the case with Will, there is always more than first meets the eye.
July 6, 2016
I didn't actually finish reading this book. It looks like it might contain a good beach-read story, but with 87 physical books in my bedside to-read stacks, this book just wasn't floating my boat. It came as a free Goodreads-sponsored giveaway, but within the first 1/8th or so of the book, when I'd said for the third time that I'd give it a last chance, I decided my time is more valuable to me than being kind to a freebie. I've tried to figure out exactly why I lost patience, and I've come up with three identifiable factors in my dissatisfaction.
First, the main character just rubs me the wrong way. For one thing, she's not believable. In the grips of a car accident, a person trapped as badly as she was wouldn't be so lighthearted with their humor and communication. They'd be in shock and distress, and their speech would evidence that. For another, I have a strong current intolerance of Me-centered people, and the handling of the first person narrative echoes a person I have no choice but to deal with in my life. In one paragraph just as I decided to stop reading, for example, almost every sentence began with "I this" and "I that." And yet another turn-off for me is the fact that this woman is still wallowing over a year after her nasty experiences (the accident and a breakup). Do I expect someone to be no longer impacted by that point? Of course they would be; but any grown adult character I can like (who hasn't had far worse happen to them than what she'd experienced) has already moved on a lot more than this woman had, rather than still being flummoxed enough for it to serious affect aspects of their life. I am probably being too harsh, but I'm currently not up to entertaining the victim personality.
Second, without even finishing the story and knowing for certain that my initial impression is correct, I really dislike the concept of people giving up on their marriages. To be fair, I could be completely off on what was going on with the dude and the woman he was with in the prologue. The main character's love situation was horrid and I harbor no negativity about her position. So this reason for losing interest in the book is really up in the air as possibly being completely invalid, depending on why the man was available.
Third, unless you are a very good friend with great qualities to outweigh this downer, I really just don't care for pointless cussing. I find it disrespectful to others and expressive of contempt in general. If you've just busted your toe, or broken a plate you love, or lost two hours of work because the computer blitzed and you hadn't remembered to save anything - I get it. Cussing is perfect for such times to relieve anxiety and aptly express the moment. But to use profanity for no reason, you have to be a super good friend or my attention simply walks away. I wouldn't put a book down just because of Davies' admittedly fairly-low level of swearing use, but with other factors adding to my discontent, it is part of the picture.
I don't think this book merits a toss into the trash bin. Since it was a freebie, and I suspect that much of my dislike is personal rather than functional, I'll be passing it along to a friend who doesn't mind the cussing at all. Without that dislike there for her, the other factors may not add up to a "well, forget this book" feeling on that end. I may actually have missed out on a nice, romantic story by putting this down.
First, the main character just rubs me the wrong way. For one thing, she's not believable. In the grips of a car accident, a person trapped as badly as she was wouldn't be so lighthearted with their humor and communication. They'd be in shock and distress, and their speech would evidence that. For another, I have a strong current intolerance of Me-centered people, and the handling of the first person narrative echoes a person I have no choice but to deal with in my life. In one paragraph just as I decided to stop reading, for example, almost every sentence began with "I this" and "I that." And yet another turn-off for me is the fact that this woman is still wallowing over a year after her nasty experiences (the accident and a breakup). Do I expect someone to be no longer impacted by that point? Of course they would be; but any grown adult character I can like (who hasn't had far worse happen to them than what she'd experienced) has already moved on a lot more than this woman had, rather than still being flummoxed enough for it to serious affect aspects of their life. I am probably being too harsh, but I'm currently not up to entertaining the victim personality.
Second, without even finishing the story and knowing for certain that my initial impression is correct, I really dislike the concept of people giving up on their marriages. To be fair, I could be completely off on what was going on with the dude and the woman he was with in the prologue. The main character's love situation was horrid and I harbor no negativity about her position. So this reason for losing interest in the book is really up in the air as possibly being completely invalid, depending on why the man was available.
Third, unless you are a very good friend with great qualities to outweigh this downer, I really just don't care for pointless cussing. I find it disrespectful to others and expressive of contempt in general. If you've just busted your toe, or broken a plate you love, or lost two hours of work because the computer blitzed and you hadn't remembered to save anything - I get it. Cussing is perfect for such times to relieve anxiety and aptly express the moment. But to use profanity for no reason, you have to be a super good friend or my attention simply walks away. I wouldn't put a book down just because of Davies' admittedly fairly-low level of swearing use, but with other factors adding to my discontent, it is part of the picture.
I don't think this book merits a toss into the trash bin. Since it was a freebie, and I suspect that much of my dislike is personal rather than functional, I'll be passing it along to a friend who doesn't mind the cussing at all. Without that dislike there for her, the other factors may not add up to a "well, forget this book" feeling on that end. I may actually have missed out on a nice, romantic story by putting this down.
September 25, 2016
Rating 4.5 Stars
What a beautiful story! This was such a charming story of healing, love, forgiveness, and friendship. I was smiling and feeling all the feels during this book.
Our heroine, Ellie, relocates from the city to the countryside in an attempt to put her life back together following a terrible car accident and a bitter romantic break up. Our hero, Will, is caring for his ancestral home as he avoids people in an attempt to heal after the demise of his marriage and an incident (I just cannot reveal any more here), which has left deep emotional wounds.
I loved Ellie so much! She was such a wonderful person, who's confidence was destroyed when her ex attacked her character and personality in an attempt to justify his actions. She began to believe what he said to her, and began to doubt everything she did. The people on and around Rowan Hill helped build her back up, and let her see herself for the star that she really was.
Will, my heart ached for Will. Davies did such a great job of giving us peeks into the charm that was hidden beneath he pain, so I liked him even when it was not so easy to like him. Once his secret was revealed, tears escaped my eyes, but I found solace in the fact, that Will and Ellie had each other. I had faith that they could heal together, and with the help of their "family".
Davis gave us such fantastic supporting characters. I fell in love with them all, and wanted to pack a bag, and get a room on Rowan Hill. The community spirit was so lovely, and these people had such depth. They were fun and witty, but they loved fiercely and supported each other. It was a wonderful group to be a part of.
This book was like a warm hug, and it made me all warm and fuzzy and happy inside. Great chick-lit with a lot of substance.
What a beautiful story! This was such a charming story of healing, love, forgiveness, and friendship. I was smiling and feeling all the feels during this book.
It's not a feeling I've been used to experiencing much lately, but I'm encouraged that I can still recognise its warm hug.
Our heroine, Ellie, relocates from the city to the countryside in an attempt to put her life back together following a terrible car accident and a bitter romantic break up. Our hero, Will, is caring for his ancestral home as he avoids people in an attempt to heal after the demise of his marriage and an incident (I just cannot reveal any more here), which has left deep emotional wounds.
Ellie who finds the best in everyone but refuses to believe it about herself.
I loved Ellie so much! She was such a wonderful person, who's confidence was destroyed when her ex attacked her character and personality in an attempt to justify his actions. She began to believe what he said to her, and began to doubt everything she did. The people on and around Rowan Hill helped build her back up, and let her see herself for the star that she really was.
I realise now what I've found these past few months: joy, wonderment, admiration, honesty and friendship. And, more recently: passion, tenderness and love. All things I though I'd lost or that maybe I'd never had, certainly not for a long time.
Will, my heart ached for Will. Davies did such a great job of giving us peeks into the charm that was hidden beneath he pain, so I liked him even when it was not so easy to like him. Once his secret was revealed, tears escaped my eyes, but I found solace in the fact, that Will and Ellie had each other. I had faith that they could heal together, and with the help of their "family".
Will and Finn learned to trust one another again and remember how close they really are.
Davis gave us such fantastic supporting characters. I fell in love with them all, and wanted to pack a bag, and get a room on Rowan Hill. The community spirit was so lovely, and these people had such depth. They were fun and witty, but they loved fiercely and supported each other. It was a wonderful group to be a part of.
you've show us all how to dream dreams again. You've shown us how to fight for the things we love, and I hope you will never stop. I'm so glad the sun is shining today. It will make it so much easier to see that sometimes it's not only windows that let in the light.
This book was like a warm hug, and it made me all warm and fuzzy and happy inside. Great chick-lit with a lot of substance.
June 13, 2015
Believe it or not, I've been struggling a little with my reading recently - too much time on Twitter and Facebook, not enough time with a book in my hands. But when I picked up Letting In Light, I could tell I'd found something a little special.
I'll be really honest and say that you can tell it's a first novel - the opening section on the first aid course was a tad overlong I thought, although it's a necessary introduction to the key characters and their lives. But when Ellie moves to Rowan Hill the story really starts, the characters and setting come alive, and the writing gets into its stride too. Rowan Hill is wonderfully described - the lodge, the house, the outbuildings ripe for conversion, the woods and the rough bench on top of the hill with the magnificent view.
The author has an easy to read style, really enjoyable, with excellent powers of description - I love the passage she quotes above, but some of my equal favourites are some of the more mundane where she engages the characters in activities and brings them so vividly to life. I want to spend New Year's Eve flying paper planes from the hilltop, walk through the woods, be part of the wonderful community at Rowan Hill - in fact, having read the book, I really do feel I have been part of it all.
The characters are really well drawn - Ellie had me at her side (and on her side) throughout, I loved both Will and Finn, and some of the lesser characters like Alice and Prudence are quite wonderful. The secrets and revelations are so well handled, and help to make the book something a little different - and I totally loved the whole theme of following a dream and making it happen.
I'm so sorry I left the book so long Emma - it really deserves its ongoing success, I wish it a very happy book birthday, and I hope it won't be too long until we're able to read your next. I loved it.
I'll be really honest and say that you can tell it's a first novel - the opening section on the first aid course was a tad overlong I thought, although it's a necessary introduction to the key characters and their lives. But when Ellie moves to Rowan Hill the story really starts, the characters and setting come alive, and the writing gets into its stride too. Rowan Hill is wonderfully described - the lodge, the house, the outbuildings ripe for conversion, the woods and the rough bench on top of the hill with the magnificent view.
The author has an easy to read style, really enjoyable, with excellent powers of description - I love the passage she quotes above, but some of my equal favourites are some of the more mundane where she engages the characters in activities and brings them so vividly to life. I want to spend New Year's Eve flying paper planes from the hilltop, walk through the woods, be part of the wonderful community at Rowan Hill - in fact, having read the book, I really do feel I have been part of it all.
The characters are really well drawn - Ellie had me at her side (and on her side) throughout, I loved both Will and Finn, and some of the lesser characters like Alice and Prudence are quite wonderful. The secrets and revelations are so well handled, and help to make the book something a little different - and I totally loved the whole theme of following a dream and making it happen.
I'm so sorry I left the book so long Emma - it really deserves its ongoing success, I wish it a very happy book birthday, and I hope it won't be too long until we're able to read your next. I loved it.
June 12, 2015
Imagine having a boyfriend for twelve years, then telephoning him only to speak to his wife of eighteen months and finding out he has a six month old daughter.. This is what has happened to Ellie.
The story starts with a car accident that Will comes upon, and being a first-aider he helps the girl involved.
Letting in Light is a deliriously addictive read, once I picked it up I could not put it down. It is one that any reader will enjoy and love.
I loved Ellie’s character from the start, she is shy and unsure and Will is a man you instantly root for. And then there is Ben. There are rumors about Will, but are they true? and why does he seem so offhand. Letting in Light is a deliriously addictive read, once I picked it up I could not put it down. It is one that any reader will enjoy and love.
Letting in Light covers a topic that I have never come across in a story before, it is one of sadness and is covered very well by Emma Davies.
All the characters each have a story that makes them uniquely interesting and I liked them all. My absolute favorite was Patience, I felt a kind of sister-ship with her.
As many of you know I am not immediately drawn to romantic and girly chick-lit, but if you let me I will rave about this one. It is simply delightful.
Emma Davies has a hit on her hands with this book, it is fantastically written and every page has something that draws you in and keeps you entertained. This tale left me full of 'wants'.. I want friends like Helen and Jane, I want to live at Rowan Hill, I want tea and some lemon drizzle cake and I want to re-live what I have read by re-reading again and again. Letting in Light is a little gem of a book and I am delighted to recommend it to all.
Is it possible to love an author as much as her book?? Emma Davies is an author to watch out for.
The story starts with a car accident that Will comes upon, and being a first-aider he helps the girl involved.
Letting in Light is a deliriously addictive read, once I picked it up I could not put it down. It is one that any reader will enjoy and love.
I loved Ellie’s character from the start, she is shy and unsure and Will is a man you instantly root for. And then there is Ben. There are rumors about Will, but are they true? and why does he seem so offhand. Letting in Light is a deliriously addictive read, once I picked it up I could not put it down. It is one that any reader will enjoy and love.
Letting in Light covers a topic that I have never come across in a story before, it is one of sadness and is covered very well by Emma Davies.
All the characters each have a story that makes them uniquely interesting and I liked them all. My absolute favorite was Patience, I felt a kind of sister-ship with her.
As many of you know I am not immediately drawn to romantic and girly chick-lit, but if you let me I will rave about this one. It is simply delightful.
Emma Davies has a hit on her hands with this book, it is fantastically written and every page has something that draws you in and keeps you entertained. This tale left me full of 'wants'.. I want friends like Helen and Jane, I want to live at Rowan Hill, I want tea and some lemon drizzle cake and I want to re-live what I have read by re-reading again and again. Letting in Light is a little gem of a book and I am delighted to recommend it to all.
Is it possible to love an author as much as her book?? Emma Davies is an author to watch out for.
October 14, 2016
This was one of those books that had been on my Kindle for quite a while, but time had conspired to keep stopping me reading it. So I've been extremely pleased to have picked it up again over the past couple of days and found myself totally caught up in Ellie's journey as she moves to Rowan Hill to help her try and move on from a difficult time in her life. A enjoyable read full of hope!
The setting of Rowan Hill and the village is perfect, and this is what Ellie soon falls in love with. Even the villagers who seem intent on causing trouble with their gossip, and wanting to know everybody elses business!
Her next door neighbour, Will, also seems to have his own secrets and past, and Ellie finds it difficult at first to read him, but the more time they spend with each other then the more they begin to understand their issues and why it maybe takes longer to gain trust with strangers.
Love how Ellie settles into life quite quickly at Rowan Hill and that it seems to help her gain confidence, which she then in turn uses to help others around her who aren't fulfilling their potential. She is a very likeable character and gains the trust of many and finds that her love of baking returns to help her way back after such a devastating episode in her life.
The setting of Rowan Hill and the village is perfect, and this is what Ellie soon falls in love with. Even the villagers who seem intent on causing trouble with their gossip, and wanting to know everybody elses business!
Her next door neighbour, Will, also seems to have his own secrets and past, and Ellie finds it difficult at first to read him, but the more time they spend with each other then the more they begin to understand their issues and why it maybe takes longer to gain trust with strangers.
Love how Ellie settles into life quite quickly at Rowan Hill and that it seems to help her gain confidence, which she then in turn uses to help others around her who aren't fulfilling their potential. She is a very likeable character and gains the trust of many and finds that her love of baking returns to help her way back after such a devastating episode in her life.
February 21, 2017
Started off well: I was impressed with the good, enjoyable-to-read writing style, and it was quite gripping and interesting initially.
By about 60% in, and all the way to the end, I was very tempted to give up on this book as it started to feel predictable, and although things happened, the meant-to-be-dramatic things didn't feel that interesting or dramatic (to me at least). Perhaps because they were a bit predictable or perhaps because you could see from a mile off that things were simply a silly, easy-to-forgive misunderstanding so the stakes weren't very high.
The whole book was also unfortunately lacking in reaching the reader on a deep, emotional level. Some books, the reader automatically finds themselves feeling what the characters are feeling because the descriptions are so well fleshed out, but in this book, the characters feelings weren't conveyed in a way that I could empathize or sympathize with. I never really connected to the characters in a deep way in this book.
Overall, a bit of a mediocre book, but not bad. There is still room for the author to grow. I do feel she has talent - there's a spark there; the potential to be truly great.
By about 60% in, and all the way to the end, I was very tempted to give up on this book as it started to feel predictable, and although things happened, the meant-to-be-dramatic things didn't feel that interesting or dramatic (to me at least). Perhaps because they were a bit predictable or perhaps because you could see from a mile off that things were simply a silly, easy-to-forgive misunderstanding so the stakes weren't very high.
The whole book was also unfortunately lacking in reaching the reader on a deep, emotional level. Some books, the reader automatically finds themselves feeling what the characters are feeling because the descriptions are so well fleshed out, but in this book, the characters feelings weren't conveyed in a way that I could empathize or sympathize with. I never really connected to the characters in a deep way in this book.
Overall, a bit of a mediocre book, but not bad. There is still room for the author to grow. I do feel she has talent - there's a spark there; the potential to be truly great.
September 24, 2016
I liked this story, it's about new beginnings and second chances. It's also about the importance of communication, and being supportive of the people you care about. This is one of those books that took me a long time to start reading, and then, it wasn't at all what I was expecting. It has the normal elements of this kind of books, the girl that is running from a bad relationship, the guy that's a jerk most of the time but has the sweet details that make him likeable.
There were too many secrets there, and I kind of get it, it was a very delicate issue, but at the same time I feel like it made everything more difficult. I like how the protagonists start accepting their love and working on it, how they grow and accepts their problems and their strengths. At the end everyone wins, the community, their friends. Is a new beginning and a happy one.
This is both a light and a deep reading, with a subject few authors explore, but that it's important, and just for that, it's worth reading.
There were too many secrets there, and I kind of get it, it was a very delicate issue, but at the same time I feel like it made everything more difficult. I like how the protagonists start accepting their love and working on it, how they grow and accepts their problems and their strengths. At the end everyone wins, the community, their friends. Is a new beginning and a happy one.
This is both a light and a deep reading, with a subject few authors explore, but that it's important, and just for that, it's worth reading.
June 9, 2016
My usual reading of choice is crime or psychological thriller but once in a while it is nice to read something different. I'm not sure what drew me to 'Letting in Light' but it was right on the money.
Ellie's life has been turned upside down, first by a car accident and then the break up with her long time boyfriend. As she struggles to decided where to go from here, her friend offers her a place to stay in return for doing up the house a bit. She is surprised to find that her neighbour is the person who helped her immediately after her car accident.
At first I thought this might be a bit 'Mills & Boon'y- "I hate him- Oh he's gorgeous-Ooooh!!" However there is more to this story. The characters are likable & plausible.The plot keeps you interested & all in all it was a good read.
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.
Ellie's life has been turned upside down, first by a car accident and then the break up with her long time boyfriend. As she struggles to decided where to go from here, her friend offers her a place to stay in return for doing up the house a bit. She is surprised to find that her neighbour is the person who helped her immediately after her car accident.
At first I thought this might be a bit 'Mills & Boon'y- "I hate him- Oh he's gorgeous-Ooooh!!" However there is more to this story. The characters are likable & plausible.The plot keeps you interested & all in all it was a good read.
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.
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