What do you think?
Rate this book
Nunswick Abbey #1
Lost in Love: The Nunswick Abbey Series, Book 1
A heart-warming, quintessentially English village novel, centered on the ruins of Nunswick Abbey . . .
Historical tour guide Anna Walker is determined to make a good impression on her new bosses, but juggling a full-time job with caring for her ailing father is putting her own health—and potentially his—at risk.
When she meets Dr. Katherine Atkinson, a charming yet intimidating new arrival to the village, Anna is infuriated by the doctor's attempts to convince her that her father needs professional full-time care. She's even more frustrated by her growing attraction to the classy, wealthy doctor.
Anna's determination to prove she can cope forces Katherine to divulge a painful event from her past that still haunts her, hopeful it will make Anna see sense before it's too late.
With Katherine's heart lost to the past and Anna's overwhelmed in the present, can the two women help each other overcome their struggles and move forward? Will a curtain-twitching busy body curtail any blossoming attraction before it even has a chance to bloom?
Historical tour guide Anna Walker is determined to make a good impression on her new bosses, but juggling a full-time job with caring for her ailing father is putting her own health—and potentially his—at risk.
When she meets Dr. Katherine Atkinson, a charming yet intimidating new arrival to the village, Anna is infuriated by the doctor's attempts to convince her that her father needs professional full-time care. She's even more frustrated by her growing attraction to the classy, wealthy doctor.
Anna's determination to prove she can cope forces Katherine to divulge a painful event from her past that still haunts her, hopeful it will make Anna see sense before it's too late.
With Katherine's heart lost to the past and Anna's overwhelmed in the present, can the two women help each other overcome their struggles and move forward? Will a curtain-twitching busy body curtail any blossoming attraction before it even has a chance to bloom?
Audible Audio
First published October 16, 2021
141 people are currently reading
1655 people want to read
About the author
Emily Banting
10 books451 followersEmily Banting is an award-winning and bestselling author of contemporary sapphic romance featuring LGBTQ+ characters and plenty of British humour. History obsessed, she throws her sapphic leading ladies into historic buildings and environments at every opportunity, and believes strongly in representing women over forty in literature.
Broken Beyond Repair received the following awards:
GOLDIE WINNER 2024: AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR (ANGELA DAWE)
GOLDIE WINNER 2023: THE ANN BANNON POPULAR CHOICE BRONZE AWARD
WINNER OF THE LESFIC BARD AWARD 2022: ROMANCE
WINNER OF THE LESFIC BARD AWARD 2022: COVER DESIGN
WINNER OF THE QUEER INDIE AWARDS 2022: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
And a 2023 GCLS Goldie finalist in
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE LONG NOVEL
The second book in the South Downs Romance Series was a 2024 GCLS Goldie finalist in CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE LONG NOVEL 2024
Join her Readers’ Club and receive a free sapphic novella www.emilybanting.co.uk/freebook
Hit the "FOLLOW" button for notifications about offers and new releases!
Find her here:
WEBSITE - emilybanting.co.uk
FACEBOOK - @emilybantingauthor
TWITTER - @Emily_Banting
INSTAGRAM - @emilybanting
TIKTOK - @emilybantingauthor
AMAZON - www.amazon.com/author/emilybanting
GOODREADS - goodreads.com/Emily_Banting
BOOKBUB - bookbub.com/authors/emily-banting
Broken Beyond Repair received the following awards:
GOLDIE WINNER 2024: AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR (ANGELA DAWE)
GOLDIE WINNER 2023: THE ANN BANNON POPULAR CHOICE BRONZE AWARD
WINNER OF THE LESFIC BARD AWARD 2022: ROMANCE
WINNER OF THE LESFIC BARD AWARD 2022: COVER DESIGN
WINNER OF THE QUEER INDIE AWARDS 2022: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
And a 2023 GCLS Goldie finalist in
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE LONG NOVEL
The second book in the South Downs Romance Series was a 2024 GCLS Goldie finalist in CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE LONG NOVEL 2024
Join her Readers’ Club and receive a free sapphic novella www.emilybanting.co.uk/freebook
Hit the "FOLLOW" button for notifications about offers and new releases!
Find her here:
WEBSITE - emilybanting.co.uk
FACEBOOK - @emilybantingauthor
TWITTER - @Emily_Banting
INSTAGRAM - @emilybanting
TIKTOK - @emilybantingauthor
AMAZON - www.amazon.com/author/emilybanting
GOODREADS - goodreads.com/Emily_Banting
BOOKBUB - bookbub.com/authors/emily-banting
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
October 7, 2021
Anna is a 30-something researcher that has had to upend her life to move back to her small English hometown to take care of her ailing father. She has no trust of doctors after her experience with them when her mother was dying. So it is no surprise that she is wary of her dad's new doctor. And it is awfully annoying that the new doctor is so attractive.
Katherine is the 49 year old doctor who just moved to town recently. She is trying to get back to some semblance of normal life at the persuasion of her best friend.
This was a quick and enjoyable story about two very different people that fall into each other's lives and complement each other like a matching set of puzzle pieces. Where one is weak the other is strong and they each enhance the other's life.
What made this story interesting was their lives before meeting and the challenges those histories create for the present day.
My favorite thing to read is angst and this had a good amount of it. There were several points of conflict that needed to be resolved before things could move forward between them. I don't know if I completely believed in some of it. I felt like this was a bit instalove. I would have liked to have had more time with them to feel the falling. There were some questionable decisions and strange reactions. Mostly lack of communication. They were cute together just before things got complicated.
This had a quaint English town feel and it made me want to visit.
I recommend this to those who like to read about romance, age gap, family, past trauma, loss, caring for loved ones, tough decisions, letting go, moving on, and green smoothies.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Katherine is the 49 year old doctor who just moved to town recently. She is trying to get back to some semblance of normal life at the persuasion of her best friend.
This was a quick and enjoyable story about two very different people that fall into each other's lives and complement each other like a matching set of puzzle pieces. Where one is weak the other is strong and they each enhance the other's life.
What made this story interesting was their lives before meeting and the challenges those histories create for the present day.
My favorite thing to read is angst and this had a good amount of it. There were several points of conflict that needed to be resolved before things could move forward between them. I don't know if I completely believed in some of it. I felt like this was a bit instalove. I would have liked to have had more time with them to feel the falling. There were some questionable decisions and strange reactions. Mostly lack of communication. They were cute together just before things got complicated.
This had a quaint English town feel and it made me want to visit.
I recommend this to those who like to read about romance, age gap, family, past trauma, loss, caring for loved ones, tough decisions, letting go, moving on, and green smoothies.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2021
Anna Walker left her job as a researcher at the National Archives to come back home and help her widowed father navigate life with Parkinson’s. She likes her new job as a tour guide at Nunswick Abbey well enough. Dr Katherine Atkinson is new in town and first meets Anna when she brings her father to an appointment. Their relationship gets off on the wrong foot but the two women soon find a way to become friends, opening up about their past and all they’ve been through.
Emily Banting’s debut novel is an enjoyable read set in the English countryside. Anna’s father Henry is a really sweet character, and I liked Katherine’s best friend a lot too, as well as the wandering cat. The writing is a bit clumsy at times, and I’m over the miscommunication trope (although when the two MCs do communicate, they keep saying what they shouldn’t and not saying what they should), but the author bravely tackles a few heavy topics – grief, health issues, burnout – while maintaining the light romance tone in a way that makes me want to check out her future books.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emily Banting’s debut novel is an enjoyable read set in the English countryside. Anna’s father Henry is a really sweet character, and I liked Katherine’s best friend a lot too, as well as the wandering cat. The writing is a bit clumsy at times, and I’m over the miscommunication trope (although when the two MCs do communicate, they keep saying what they shouldn’t and not saying what they should), but the author bravely tackles a few heavy topics – grief, health issues, burnout – while maintaining the light romance tone in a way that makes me want to check out her future books.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2023
I read Banting’s Broken Beyond Repair I enjoyed that for the storytelling, character arcs, and writing style. I figured that is what I would get when reading any book by this author. Unfortunately, that isn't quite the case with this one. At least not for me.
We have one MC who returned to her childhood home to take care of her dad and an older MC as the local doctor. They meet and are pretty hostile toward each other, I don't see any chemistry beyond annoyance. Somehow they end up together, break it off pretty quickly and get back together after a pretty big fall out by declaring their love and you know what? Let's move in together. It all just happens too quickly for my liking and I don't see any of the character arc I prefer to read. The story is ok enough, nothing special. The characters are a bit mediocre, might call them flat. Oh, and if you are here for some smut - don't expect any in this one, it's fade-to-black (although we do get a tiny bit of teasing). Overall the story just doesn't deliver what I was hoping for.
I'm sorry to say this is a 2.5 star read, but on he low end of that… It's the easy-flowing writing that kept me reading this book, not the story or the characters.
We have one MC who returned to her childhood home to take care of her dad and an older MC as the local doctor. They meet and are pretty hostile toward each other, I don't see any chemistry beyond annoyance. Somehow they end up together, break it off pretty quickly and get back together after a pretty big fall out by declaring their love and you know what? Let's move in together. It all just happens too quickly for my liking and I don't see any of the character arc I prefer to read. The story is ok enough, nothing special. The characters are a bit mediocre, might call them flat. Oh, and if you are here for some smut - don't expect any in this one, it's fade-to-black (although we do get a tiny bit of teasing). Overall the story just doesn't deliver what I was hoping for.
I'm sorry to say this is a 2.5 star read, but on he low end of that… It's the easy-flowing writing that kept me reading this book, not the story or the characters.
January 9, 2022
Quiet, vanilla, warm book that added a bit of angst but nothing that blows the mind. My sort of book. Recommended and will read book 2. Thank you.
October 9, 2021
This is the first book by Emily Banting and wow I would never have guessed that. This is definitely an author with so much talent and I will keep my eyes out for more.
Right from the start I fell in love with the storyline and the characters. Even if my heart needed a bit longer to warm up to Katherine than it did with Anna. But actually that’s not a surprise after reading the blurb. And well what’s actually more exciting and intriguing than a sexy ice queen doctor. 🥵☺️
Anna‘s days are way too full with earning the money she needs to care for her father while she does all the caring herself. There is no prospect of things getting better until she meets the ice queen Katherine. Well ok it’s definitely not love at first sight for Anna. Katherine that just moved to Nunswick is posh and closed off. In Anna’s eyes she is a bit of a know it all and not trusting any doctors doesn’t make it better.
Soon Anna realises that Katherine isn’t the one she thought she is. She is actually caring and thoughtful especially when it comes to Anna’s father. Slowly they grow closer and Katherine has to decide if she is able to share her past with Anna and give them a chance.
Several things happen from there that I don’t wanna reveal. Personally I was totally engrossed in the story and couldn’t wait to see what’s coming next. I felt with the lovable characters and just wanted them to finally find their happiness.
For me the journey of Anna and Katherine is a must read. It’s story about loss and the prospect of loss. It’s about learning to live and trust again and to realise what really matters in life. All of this combined with a writing style I fell in love with. I can’t wait for book 2 because their story definitely isn’t finished. 😊
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Right from the start I fell in love with the storyline and the characters. Even if my heart needed a bit longer to warm up to Katherine than it did with Anna. But actually that’s not a surprise after reading the blurb. And well what’s actually more exciting and intriguing than a sexy ice queen doctor. 🥵☺️
Anna‘s days are way too full with earning the money she needs to care for her father while she does all the caring herself. There is no prospect of things getting better until she meets the ice queen Katherine. Well ok it’s definitely not love at first sight for Anna. Katherine that just moved to Nunswick is posh and closed off. In Anna’s eyes she is a bit of a know it all and not trusting any doctors doesn’t make it better.
Soon Anna realises that Katherine isn’t the one she thought she is. She is actually caring and thoughtful especially when it comes to Anna’s father. Slowly they grow closer and Katherine has to decide if she is able to share her past with Anna and give them a chance.
Several things happen from there that I don’t wanna reveal. Personally I was totally engrossed in the story and couldn’t wait to see what’s coming next. I felt with the lovable characters and just wanted them to finally find their happiness.
For me the journey of Anna and Katherine is a must read. It’s story about loss and the prospect of loss. It’s about learning to live and trust again and to realise what really matters in life. All of this combined with a writing style I fell in love with. I can’t wait for book 2 because their story definitely isn’t finished. 😊
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
November 19, 2021
Lost in Love is a romance that features some heavier topics, particularly those around grief, illness, ageing and making tough life decisions. I really enjoyed these parts of the novel.
The romance between Anna and Katherine starts off really strong. Anna has just left a job she loved to move back to her small hometown village to look after her dad who has Parkinson's. She's run off her feet as his carer but also by working full time as a tour guide at the local Abbey. Katherine is the local doctor, who has just moved to the village after an upsetting life event. They meet on not-so-great terms, but soon after they thaw to each other.
What happens next though is a quick dive into instalove territory. Once they thawed to each other, they fall hard and very fast. This was slightly disappointing, as the romance would've been a lot stronger and more realistic if it was developed at a slower pace so they could truly get to know each other before developing such strong feelings.
As it is a romance, there's angst involved in their relationship and there's the inevitable break-up. I will admit that I found myself disengaging from the novel and the characters at this point, as it felt too contrived and then very rushed in its resolution. I also disliked the miscommunication between the two characters as well.
All in all, a good debut with a few teething problems. I hope to read more by Banting in the future.
The romance between Anna and Katherine starts off really strong. Anna has just left a job she loved to move back to her small hometown village to look after her dad who has Parkinson's. She's run off her feet as his carer but also by working full time as a tour guide at the local Abbey. Katherine is the local doctor, who has just moved to the village after an upsetting life event. They meet on not-so-great terms, but soon after they thaw to each other.
What happens next though is a quick dive into instalove territory. Once they thawed to each other, they fall hard and very fast. This was slightly disappointing, as the romance would've been a lot stronger and more realistic if it was developed at a slower pace so they could truly get to know each other before developing such strong feelings.
As it is a romance, there's angst involved in their relationship and there's the inevitable break-up. I will admit that I found myself disengaging from the novel and the characters at this point, as it felt too contrived and then very rushed in its resolution. I also disliked the miscommunication between the two characters as well.
All in all, a good debut with a few teething problems. I hope to read more by Banting in the future.
November 2, 2021
I am not normally inclined to go for romances that involve doctors, even less hospitals. I learned early in life, when during my training as a paramedic I spent six months at the university hospital of Hamburg in the emergency and accident reception, the intensive care ward and the prep room and the operating theatre, that more often than not the actual reality of work "romances" there is a desperate attempt, to save each other from succumbing to alcoholism. Yes, that often is the case for doctors and nurses alike.
So, I was glad to see here, that yes, there was a doctor involved, but the love interest was was neither nurse nor patient. It is mostly a warm hearted tale about two deeply scarred people, who struggle to get themselves sorted for a life together against all odds. The sideline of some cowardly homophobes trying to put a spanner in the works gives it spice and the lovely side charater Rebecca adds some wonderful dialogues to the story. In all it is a nice read, that leaves you with a satisfied smile on your face.
So, I was glad to see here, that yes, there was a doctor involved, but the love interest was was neither nurse nor patient. It is mostly a warm hearted tale about two deeply scarred people, who struggle to get themselves sorted for a life together against all odds. The sideline of some cowardly homophobes trying to put a spanner in the works gives it spice and the lovely side charater Rebecca adds some wonderful dialogues to the story. In all it is a nice read, that leaves you with a satisfied smile on your face.
March 26, 2022
Lovely low angst read. The novel's small village setting has such a cozy mystery vibe - I was wondering if there would be a criminal twist in the plot! Lol!
The MCs are older women who have gone through some hardships, and besides falling in love, they're facing personal challenges that come with that stage in life. I liked the writing and characters. Looking forward to more!
The MCs are older women who have gone through some hardships, and besides falling in love, they're facing personal challenges that come with that stage in life. I liked the writing and characters. Looking forward to more!
January 9, 2023
The pleasure and pain of village life. I always enjoy romances in a village setting and this was very enjoyable. Anna and Katherine came with their very full baggage and it took some plain talking to get through it. Add a father you’d like to have and it was both poignant and uplifting. Would that life always was. Worth reading.
November 9, 2021
Get lost in the very every day lives of two amazing women trying to trust enough to really live.
Anna is trying her best to start a new life while she helps her Dad as his health is having issues. They meet Dr. Katherine who will diagnose Parkinson disease and bluntly schools Anna. They each have a past that has yet to heal. Their spark of attraction takes a trying journey as they navigate all life throws at them. The characters are so complicated but have to find a way to open up. The author weaves a story with so many emotions and real life shortcomings we all face. It makes the journey more fun even if there are times when trust seems to be lacking. The banter, difficult conversations and strong connection is a gift to the story. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Anna is trying her best to start a new life while she helps her Dad as his health is having issues. They meet Dr. Katherine who will diagnose Parkinson disease and bluntly schools Anna. They each have a past that has yet to heal. Their spark of attraction takes a trying journey as they navigate all life throws at them. The characters are so complicated but have to find a way to open up. The author weaves a story with so many emotions and real life shortcomings we all face. It makes the journey more fun even if there are times when trust seems to be lacking. The banter, difficult conversations and strong connection is a gift to the story. I look forward to the next book in the series.
March 27, 2022
Giving very much mid. Everything felt so rushed and I definitely think I would’ve enjoyed this more if the romance was more drawn out and if there was more character development and depth.
October 13, 2023
Decent read, but as a doctor myself I wanted to smack some sense into Anna so many times. Why do you have to be so stubborn oof.
October 15, 2021
Anna is struggling to care for her father and hold down a full time job. The stress is taking a toll on her health. Katherine is the new Dr. for Anna’s father Harry. She gets off on the wrong foot try to get Anna to put her father in a care home. They banter back and forth as they become friends. It was an emotional journey for both women and it made me cry and laugh. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next one.
I received an arc copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I received an arc copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
January 3, 2022
Sweet
This was a sweet story that pulls at the heart strings in places. I loved Katherine's character, but I didn't get on so well with Anna. I kept wanting to slap some sense into her. If you are after a relatively quick read with some ups and downs, this is a good pick.
This was a sweet story that pulls at the heart strings in places. I loved Katherine's character, but I didn't get on so well with Anna. I kept wanting to slap some sense into her. If you are after a relatively quick read with some ups and downs, this is a good pick.
October 24, 2021
Slow burn romance at in the English countryside. Anna had to come back to the small town she grew up in to take care of an ailing father. Katherine is trying to change her bad luck &escape to the countryside to relax & start over. A date would have it, he father has an appointment with the new doctor in town.
This slow moving tale, is about letting go & accepting help. Each main character has their own journey to go on, but need each other to take that step. Love makes you do that which you thought you couldn't.
A sweet start to a new series.
I was given an advanced copy for a honest review.
This slow moving tale, is about letting go & accepting help. Each main character has their own journey to go on, but need each other to take that step. Love makes you do that which you thought you couldn't.
A sweet start to a new series.
I was given an advanced copy for a honest review.
March 8, 2023
"Lost in Love" yeah sure I wish this book had gotten lost at sea or something.
Oy gevalt, this was bad. I saw "lesbian age gap romance" and was like YES PLEASE THANK YOU and then I read it and was like OR NOT. These women are both middle-aged and yet acted, if not quite like high schoolers, certainly like college kids. Neither of them seemed able to think more than about one day ahead and both made foolish decisions based on impetuous emotions and literally zero thinking. I'm still completely unclear why Katherine kept the letter from the medical council a secret from Anna and instead pretended to just dump her. Just tell her what was happening! What was the damn problem with her knowing?
But of course that leads to another issue here, which is why in the hell Katherine would get involved with a patient's relative if she KNOWS that's verboten and could get her in trouble? Do not tell me it was just that the chemistry was too strong, because there was none. None at all. Zero. Zilch. One time I was walking through a park and there were two feral cats going at it under a picnic table and they had more chemistry than these two women. We're just told that they are super into each other, even falling in love, but we see nothing whatsoever to support that claim. So instead the answer to Katherine's dumbassery was basically "for the dramz" which gets a no from me, dawg.
I also couldn't stand how absolutely ignorant Anna was regarding her father's care, and it took someone else being like "hey maybe ask your dad what he wants" and then she's like "OMG YOU HECKIN GENIUS" and she asks him and he's like "I love this care home, don't make me leave" and then Anna's like "whoa, who would've thought" and I'm like ANYONE WHO REMEMBERED THAT THEIR FATHER WAS NOT IN A COMA AND COULD HAVE THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS. Also, her whole plan to work full time while somehow also being her dad's full-time caregiver was inane, and she only realized that when the social worker called her out, and then she says "k i'll quit" and I was like AND PAY FOR SHIT HOW, ANNA? You nincompoop.
The writing here was also...odd. Like a bit of an uncanny valley thing. Just the way the author worded some things was strange and I'd have to reread sentences a few times to make it make sense. It sort of felt like someone had written the book in another language and then put it through Google Translate without an actual human double-checking the result.
This sucked. Age-gapped lesbians deserve better!
Oy gevalt, this was bad. I saw "lesbian age gap romance" and was like YES PLEASE THANK YOU and then I read it and was like OR NOT. These women are both middle-aged and yet acted, if not quite like high schoolers, certainly like college kids. Neither of them seemed able to think more than about one day ahead and both made foolish decisions based on impetuous emotions and literally zero thinking. I'm still completely unclear why Katherine kept the letter from the medical council a secret from Anna and instead pretended to just dump her. Just tell her what was happening! What was the damn problem with her knowing?
But of course that leads to another issue here, which is why in the hell Katherine would get involved with a patient's relative if she KNOWS that's verboten and could get her in trouble? Do not tell me it was just that the chemistry was too strong, because there was none. None at all. Zero. Zilch. One time I was walking through a park and there were two feral cats going at it under a picnic table and they had more chemistry than these two women. We're just told that they are super into each other, even falling in love, but we see nothing whatsoever to support that claim. So instead the answer to Katherine's dumbassery was basically "for the dramz" which gets a no from me, dawg.
I also couldn't stand how absolutely ignorant Anna was regarding her father's care, and it took someone else being like "hey maybe ask your dad what he wants" and then she's like "OMG YOU HECKIN GENIUS" and she asks him and he's like "I love this care home, don't make me leave" and then Anna's like "whoa, who would've thought" and I'm like ANYONE WHO REMEMBERED THAT THEIR FATHER WAS NOT IN A COMA AND COULD HAVE THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS. Also, her whole plan to work full time while somehow also being her dad's full-time caregiver was inane, and she only realized that when the social worker called her out, and then she says "k i'll quit" and I was like AND PAY FOR SHIT HOW, ANNA? You nincompoop.
The writing here was also...odd. Like a bit of an uncanny valley thing. Just the way the author worded some things was strange and I'd have to reread sentences a few times to make it make sense. It sort of felt like someone had written the book in another language and then put it through Google Translate without an actual human double-checking the result.
This sucked. Age-gapped lesbians deserve better!
April 29, 2022
I completely enjoyed this romance! Filled with spirited characters and sharp dialogue, it entertains right from the start. Even though this romance tackles some heavy topics (i.e., aging parents, nursing homes and Parkinson’s disease), Lost in Love manages to maintain a lightness that is very appealing.
This novel is tagged as an enemies to lovers romance, but that’s a little misleading. When Anna Walker and Katherine Atkinson first meet, they don’t hate each. I wouldn’t even say they truly dislike each other. More than anything, they’re just annoyed with each other. Their first interaction is laced with frustration, not contempt; basically they get off on the wrong foot. However, during this initial meeting an awareness sparks between them. This awareness sits there and simmers until full-fledged feelings zip back and forth between them. They try to deny it, especially Katherine, but it is nearly impossible.
Both leading ladies are easy to like. They each have a vulnerability that’s relatable and believable. I did scratch my head a bit at their “will they/won’t they” moment. I found it strange that Katherine, a highly educated and intelligent woman, would put her career in jeopardy the way she did. I understand the heart wants what it wants, but…. Be that as it may, I did appreciate Anna’s direct approach to it all. She handles it better than many might.
The publisher touts this book as heartwarming, and it is definitely all of that. There are some very sweet and touching moments within these pages, for sure. I especially liked the way Katherine shows concern and care for Anna’s father. It is very endearing. I also enjoyed the affectionate exchanges between Katherine and her best friend Rebecca. The honesty and wisdom from her is priceless, making the storytelling really shine. Most heartwarming though is the subplot surrounding Anna’s father Harry. He is a real gem and brings a delightful presence to the storytelling.
Final remarks…
Lost in Love is a lovely read. It has an intriguing story arc, heartwarming subplot, well-developed characters and spunky dialogue. The conclusion, though a bit rushed, is a happy one and gives readers that HEA they crave. Overall, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this entertaining romance.
Strengths…
Tenderly told
Heartwarming subplot
Nice chemistry
Well-developed characters
Spirited dialogue
This novel is tagged as an enemies to lovers romance, but that’s a little misleading. When Anna Walker and Katherine Atkinson first meet, they don’t hate each. I wouldn’t even say they truly dislike each other. More than anything, they’re just annoyed with each other. Their first interaction is laced with frustration, not contempt; basically they get off on the wrong foot. However, during this initial meeting an awareness sparks between them. This awareness sits there and simmers until full-fledged feelings zip back and forth between them. They try to deny it, especially Katherine, but it is nearly impossible.
Both leading ladies are easy to like. They each have a vulnerability that’s relatable and believable. I did scratch my head a bit at their “will they/won’t they” moment. I found it strange that Katherine, a highly educated and intelligent woman, would put her career in jeopardy the way she did. I understand the heart wants what it wants, but…. Be that as it may, I did appreciate Anna’s direct approach to it all. She handles it better than many might.
The publisher touts this book as heartwarming, and it is definitely all of that. There are some very sweet and touching moments within these pages, for sure. I especially liked the way Katherine shows concern and care for Anna’s father. It is very endearing. I also enjoyed the affectionate exchanges between Katherine and her best friend Rebecca. The honesty and wisdom from her is priceless, making the storytelling really shine. Most heartwarming though is the subplot surrounding Anna’s father Harry. He is a real gem and brings a delightful presence to the storytelling.
Final remarks…
Lost in Love is a lovely read. It has an intriguing story arc, heartwarming subplot, well-developed characters and spunky dialogue. The conclusion, though a bit rushed, is a happy one and gives readers that HEA they crave. Overall, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this entertaining romance.
Strengths…
Tenderly told
Heartwarming subplot
Nice chemistry
Well-developed characters
Spirited dialogue
October 14, 2021
Great start. Pretty heavy medical diagnosis for a secondary character and I feel this is well handled among the life juggling one main is having to do!
I enjoyed this book. No niggles pulled me out and I feel the ethical dilemmas were handled well.
I enjoyed this book. No niggles pulled me out and I feel the ethical dilemmas were handled well.
January 20, 2023
I’m yet to read an Emily Banting book that I haven’t loved.
I don’t know if it’s because I’m an English lesbian living in a village but these books are just so cosy and cathartic to read (the book is also about English lesbians living in a cosy village/ town.) Is there angst? Yes, but it’s brief moments and quickly resolved. It’s just cute and mushy and a slow-burn that’ll leave you screaming at them to get their shit together. (Honestly perfection.)
This book is spice free (though I can’t yet speak for the others in the series) it’s fade to black and more focussed on emotions, passionate make outs and really this week was exactly what I wanted. It’s cute, sweet and the plot is fresh.
Also there’s a cute cat that deserves an honourable mention.
If you’re looking for a hallmark esq village romance with an age gap, tour guides and unfairly attractive doctors this is probably for you.
I marked it down a star only because I felt some of their life history was a little unbelievable at times (or Katherine is just seriously unlucky) but that was my only qualm with the whole story (that and I wanted more, but we’re given 2 extra novels in the series so I can’t complain.)
Rep: Lesbian MC’s, SC with Parkinson’s.
Thank you to Emily Banting for sending me a copy for an honest review.
TW’s listed below (please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.)
TW//CW// SC with Parkinson’s faces issues with condition such as a fall, MC is a carer and we see her struggles and own health issues arising from such, Car accident (not descriptive,) Loss of unborn child (not descriptive), Loss of loved one (in past), Heart attack, Age gap, Mild homophobia.
I don’t know if it’s because I’m an English lesbian living in a village but these books are just so cosy and cathartic to read (the book is also about English lesbians living in a cosy village/ town.) Is there angst? Yes, but it’s brief moments and quickly resolved. It’s just cute and mushy and a slow-burn that’ll leave you screaming at them to get their shit together. (Honestly perfection.)
This book is spice free (though I can’t yet speak for the others in the series) it’s fade to black and more focussed on emotions, passionate make outs and really this week was exactly what I wanted. It’s cute, sweet and the plot is fresh.
Also there’s a cute cat that deserves an honourable mention.
If you’re looking for a hallmark esq village romance with an age gap, tour guides and unfairly attractive doctors this is probably for you.
I marked it down a star only because I felt some of their life history was a little unbelievable at times (or Katherine is just seriously unlucky) but that was my only qualm with the whole story (that and I wanted more, but we’re given 2 extra novels in the series so I can’t complain.)
Rep: Lesbian MC’s, SC with Parkinson’s.
Thank you to Emily Banting for sending me a copy for an honest review.
TW’s listed below (please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.)
TW//CW// SC with Parkinson’s faces issues with condition such as a fall, MC is a carer and we see her struggles and own health issues arising from such, Car accident (not descriptive,) Loss of unborn child (not descriptive), Loss of loved one (in past), Heart attack, Age gap, Mild homophobia.
October 15, 2021
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
I thought overall the story was very sweet and the characters were lovely. It had its ups and downs but for the most part didn't feel like too heavy of a read. The writing itself flowed well and it was easy to engage with. I do think the conflict at the end was resolved too quickly and it felt a bit rushed (a solid 4 stars for the majority of the story but 3.8 stars for the ending I'd say). However, I'm glad to see there will be a sequel because I feel like there is definitely more to explore. I look forward to reading more about these characters and seeing what happens next!
I would recommend this to anyone interested, but I will say that if you are purely looking for romance this is a little light on that aspect. Although it does have some nice moments its only about half the focus at most.
I thought overall the story was very sweet and the characters were lovely. It had its ups and downs but for the most part didn't feel like too heavy of a read. The writing itself flowed well and it was easy to engage with. I do think the conflict at the end was resolved too quickly and it felt a bit rushed (a solid 4 stars for the majority of the story but 3.8 stars for the ending I'd say). However, I'm glad to see there will be a sequel because I feel like there is definitely more to explore. I look forward to reading more about these characters and seeing what happens next!
I would recommend this to anyone interested, but I will say that if you are purely looking for romance this is a little light on that aspect. Although it does have some nice moments its only about half the focus at most.
March 15, 2022
Lost in Love
Emily Banting
MC Dr Katherine Atkinson & Anna Walker
New Beginning
Small Town
Anna Walker has a lot of pain from her mother’s death. She’s at a job she loves, and takes care of her father. She has little time for herself. She carry’s guilt from her mom’s death and doesn’t want to let her father down.
Dr. Katherine Atkinson is trying to recover from the death
of her wife and baby after a fatal car accident.
Katherine is told to slow down, decrease her stress due to her own health issues.
with less stress. Katherine decides to move to a small town and take a job at the clinic.
Katherine and Anna meet at the a clinic. Katherine is Anna father’s doctor.
The pair begins their journey. They come up on some big changes and issues that could cost Katherine her medical license.
I found Anna very frustrating. I loved the
kindness Katherine has for Anna’s father. And even the amazing understanding she has for Anna and what she is going through. Katherine wants a family and she can see a future with Anna.
I recommend this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emily Banting
MC Dr Katherine Atkinson & Anna Walker
New Beginning
Small Town
Anna Walker has a lot of pain from her mother’s death. She’s at a job she loves, and takes care of her father. She has little time for herself. She carry’s guilt from her mom’s death and doesn’t want to let her father down.
Dr. Katherine Atkinson is trying to recover from the death
of her wife and baby after a fatal car accident.
Katherine is told to slow down, decrease her stress due to her own health issues.
with less stress. Katherine decides to move to a small town and take a job at the clinic.
Katherine and Anna meet at the a clinic. Katherine is Anna father’s doctor.
The pair begins their journey. They come up on some big changes and issues that could cost Katherine her medical license.
I found Anna very frustrating. I loved the
kindness Katherine has for Anna’s father. And even the amazing understanding she has for Anna and what she is going through. Katherine wants a family and she can see a future with Anna.
I recommend this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 30, 2021
Lost on Love is a lesbian romance set in the English countryside. It follows the lives of Anna - a carer for her Father - and Katherine, a doctor, who works at the local surgery.
The storyline is cute. They're both likeable characters and the novel touches on themes of illness, loss and grief as well as romance.
My only reason for loss of one star was that I struggle with how familiar the two women became after one "professional encounter". That aside I enjoyed the development of the relationship between the two women.
Overall a promising first novel for Emily Banting. I'm keen to read more of her books.
The storyline is cute. They're both likeable characters and the novel touches on themes of illness, loss and grief as well as romance.
My only reason for loss of one star was that I struggle with how familiar the two women became after one "professional encounter". That aside I enjoyed the development of the relationship between the two women.
Overall a promising first novel for Emily Banting. I'm keen to read more of her books.
January 28, 2023
Lost in Love is a cute sapphic romance novel. I couldn’t put the book down after I started it (despite being on vacation in Paris!). I saw so much of myself in Anna’s character and felt so connected to this novel. It touches on some heavier topics such as grief and illness.
This novel had the perfect amount of angst and drama. I found it was easy to relate to the characters and their everyday struggles with real life problems. The story was adorable and was a nice light and fluffy read.
This novel had the perfect amount of angst and drama. I found it was easy to relate to the characters and their everyday struggles with real life problems. The story was adorable and was a nice light and fluffy read.
December 15, 2021
If you’re looking for a nice, easy read with likable main characters and relatively little drama then this is a good one for you. The dialogue flowed naturally and could clearly visualize the different parts of the quaint little village. The only down side was that I didn’t really feel any chemistry between our two main characters but it’s a decent read nonetheless.
March 15, 2022
Sweet age-gap romance
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: newbie author, favorite trope, unusual job, meet-cute - possibly other categories
Two women having significant loss try to navigate life before meeting each other. The characters were believable, the plot was charming, and there's a bit of an unsolved mystery that needs to be cracked. A great read.
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: newbie author, favorite trope, unusual job, meet-cute - possibly other categories
Two women having significant loss try to navigate life before meeting each other. The characters were believable, the plot was charming, and there's a bit of an unsolved mystery that needs to be cracked. A great read.
July 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I love Anna and Katherine. Anna's dad Harry is adorable as is Katherine's cat Victoria .The secondary characters are so interesting. I love Rebecca! You'll find this story to be cute and loving. It is worthy of 5 stars. Now on to books 2, 3, 4 etc!
May 11, 2025
This was so cute! But also sad and heartfelt. Both MC’s are going through so much! I just wanted them to get it together and be with each other! I’m looking forward to seeing what book two brings!
Written in third person with 2x POV’s. Age gap (11 years), return to hometown, coping with grief, rich girl/poor girl. Part of a three book series. Any scenes are F2B and presumed. Narrated by Lulu Russell.
Written in third person with 2x POV’s. Age gap (11 years), return to hometown, coping with grief, rich girl/poor girl. Part of a three book series. Any scenes are F2B and presumed. Narrated by Lulu Russell.
March 23, 2023
This sweet angsty romance is perfect for curling up with on a rainy day!
Anna and Katherine don’t have a smooth ride but it’s one you’ll want to take.
Emily Banting writes great character interactions with real, relatable dialogue
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next in the series.
Anna and Katherine don’t have a smooth ride but it’s one you’ll want to take.
Emily Banting writes great character interactions with real, relatable dialogue
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next in the series.
April 9, 2024
this was a huge let down after how much i enjoyed broken beyond repair
October 14, 2021
Lost in Love is an nice debut novel from author Emily Banting set in an idyllic English village. She brings us charming characters who have to overcome the events of the past in order to have the future they desire.
Anna Walker is caring for her ailing father after her mother's death, along with working a full-time job. When she accompanies him to meet his new doctor, she isn't impressed by Dr. Katherine Atkinson. Anna already has a distrust of doctors from events that transpired with her mother. Dr. Atkinson is infuriating, suggesting Anna's father needs full time care that she is unequipped to provide with her full time job. That and she's hot, so damn hot! That makes Anna dislike her even more because who needs a hot doctor getting all preachy with them.
Katherine confesses her interests in the ladies to the town chatterbox. That's so much easier than having to tell everyone and if she loses a few patients, she's ok with that. She came to the village from the city after suffering a tragedy. She is looking for a peaceful place she can relax and try to move on. Her meeting with Henry Walker and his daughter Anna is unnerving. Most patients and their families love her but Anna's obvious distrust is disturbing to her. It doesn't help that she is attracted to the prickly Anna.
They develop a tentative friendship and Katherine starts helping Anna with her father. I love Henry. He's a real sweetheart. He doesn't want his little girl to take on the burden of taking care of him while working so much. Katherine succeeds in getting Anna to start taking her own health more seriously, because you can't care for someone else without caring for yourself. Katherine and Anna are good characters. I want them to find happiness, that doesn't mean they don't get on my nerves with some communication issues.
Emily Banting paints a lovely picture of a charming English village with entertaining characters. I enjoyed this debut and look forward to what she brings us next.
ARC given by the author for an honest review.
Anna Walker is caring for her ailing father after her mother's death, along with working a full-time job. When she accompanies him to meet his new doctor, she isn't impressed by Dr. Katherine Atkinson. Anna already has a distrust of doctors from events that transpired with her mother. Dr. Atkinson is infuriating, suggesting Anna's father needs full time care that she is unequipped to provide with her full time job. That and she's hot, so damn hot! That makes Anna dislike her even more because who needs a hot doctor getting all preachy with them.
Katherine confesses her interests in the ladies to the town chatterbox. That's so much easier than having to tell everyone and if she loses a few patients, she's ok with that. She came to the village from the city after suffering a tragedy. She is looking for a peaceful place she can relax and try to move on. Her meeting with Henry Walker and his daughter Anna is unnerving. Most patients and their families love her but Anna's obvious distrust is disturbing to her. It doesn't help that she is attracted to the prickly Anna.
They develop a tentative friendship and Katherine starts helping Anna with her father. I love Henry. He's a real sweetheart. He doesn't want his little girl to take on the burden of taking care of him while working so much. Katherine succeeds in getting Anna to start taking her own health more seriously, because you can't care for someone else without caring for yourself. Katherine and Anna are good characters. I want them to find happiness, that doesn't mean they don't get on my nerves with some communication issues.
Emily Banting paints a lovely picture of a charming English village with entertaining characters. I enjoyed this debut and look forward to what she brings us next.
ARC given by the author for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews