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Applemore Bay #2
The Flower Farm
Beth Fraser is a single mum of twins with a blooming flower farm business. The last thing she needs is Jack MacDonald landing with a crash in the middle of her precious baby plants - so it’s no surprise that they get off to a rocky start.
Beth’s spent the last few years growing her business, turning the overgrown walled garden of Applemore House into a beautiful and productive flower farm. Everything is going perfectly well - yes, her friends think she needs to find someone new, and no, she has no intention of looking - until her ex husband drops the bombshell that she’s going to have to find a way to make it pay more - and fast.
City boy Jack McDonald arrives in Applemore with something to prove. He’s carrying a secret from his past which drives him on, and he’s determined to make his new outdoor adventure centre a success. With his neighbour Beth unimpressed by his arrival, he’s the talk of the little coffee shop in the village. Can he find a way to show Applemore that the work he’s doing with troubled teens is vital - and will he acknowledge that what Beth thinks of him matters more than he’d care to admit?
Beth’s spent the last few years growing her business, turning the overgrown walled garden of Applemore House into a beautiful and productive flower farm. Everything is going perfectly well - yes, her friends think she needs to find someone new, and no, she has no intention of looking - until her ex husband drops the bombshell that she’s going to have to find a way to make it pay more - and fast.
City boy Jack McDonald arrives in Applemore with something to prove. He’s carrying a secret from his past which drives him on, and he’s determined to make his new outdoor adventure centre a success. With his neighbour Beth unimpressed by his arrival, he’s the talk of the little coffee shop in the village. Can he find a way to show Applemore that the work he’s doing with troubled teens is vital - and will he acknowledge that what Beth thinks of him matters more than he’d care to admit?
1 pages, Audio CD
Published March 18, 2025
1568 people are currently reading
1084 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Lucas
26 books556 followersRachael Lucas has written 15 novels for adults and teenagers, including the Carnegie nominated THE STATE OF GRACE, the top ten bestseller SEALED WITH A KISS and many more. She is also the author (as Rosie Curtis) of sweet holiday romance We Met in December, an Amazon Editors' Pick. Her novels have been translated into many languages, including Korean, Hungarian, Italian, Turkish, French, German, Latvian, Estonian, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, and more.
Sign up for Rachael's newsletter at rachaellucas.com, and find her on Facebook at facebook.com/rachaellucaswriter for behind the scenes news and updates.
Rachael lives by the seaside in the north west of England with her family and two very enthusiastic spaniels. When she's not writing at the kitchen table with a coffee by her side, she's out walking the dogs on the beach or the nearby pinewoods. She's a huge Kindle fan - her ten year old self would have been over the moon to be able to carry a whole library around in her pocket - and a lover of sweet, romantic, small town stories, which is exactly what she likes to write. She's a big Hallmark movie fan, wanted to be Anne of Green Gables when she was growing up, and Jo March was her literary heroine. (She still is.)
Rachael's books are full of warmth and gentle humour, as well as beautiful small town settings which give her readers an escape from everyday. Rachael has been described as having "a gift for capturing complex emotion and both romantic and platonic intimacy" and writing which "exudes positivity and warmth" which has received starred reviews in Publisher's Weekly. The British Guardian called her "honest, romantic and hilarious". Her teenage boys think she's a bit disorganised, and that she forgets to cook dinner when she's writing. (Luckily they don't get to leave a review.)
Sign up for Rachael's newsletter at rachaellucas.com, and find her on Facebook at facebook.com/rachaellucaswriter for behind the scenes news and updates.
Rachael lives by the seaside in the north west of England with her family and two very enthusiastic spaniels. When she's not writing at the kitchen table with a coffee by her side, she's out walking the dogs on the beach or the nearby pinewoods. She's a huge Kindle fan - her ten year old self would have been over the moon to be able to carry a whole library around in her pocket - and a lover of sweet, romantic, small town stories, which is exactly what she likes to write. She's a big Hallmark movie fan, wanted to be Anne of Green Gables when she was growing up, and Jo March was her literary heroine. (She still is.)
Rachael's books are full of warmth and gentle humour, as well as beautiful small town settings which give her readers an escape from everyday. Rachael has been described as having "a gift for capturing complex emotion and both romantic and platonic intimacy" and writing which "exudes positivity and warmth" which has received starred reviews in Publisher's Weekly. The British Guardian called her "honest, romantic and hilarious". Her teenage boys think she's a bit disorganised, and that she forgets to cook dinner when she's writing. (Luckily they don't get to leave a review.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
February 5, 2024
Three and a half stars,
The cute pink cover tells you this will be a sweet chick lit book and it is. Beth Fraser has spent the past couple of years growing her flower farm from scratch and turned the walled garden at Applemore House from an over grown jungle to a productive business. Divorced from husband Simon it has not been easy but she is a hard worker and determined to make her business a success while still caring for their preschool non identical twins. But a sudden change in circumstances threatens all her hopes and plans.
Meanwhile Jack McDonald arrives in the village of Applemore. He is determined to make a success of his outdoor activity centre working with troubled teenagers, despite knowing there are those who are far from thrilled with the plan of bringing troubled teenagers to their small village. Will he succeed and why is he so reticent about his past?
Beth is great and very easy to like and the three year old twins are cute. Beth’s sisters Polly and Charlotte and brother Lachlan and his wife Rilla are real and relatable. Jack is also easy to like, despite sometimes being a bit hasty in the way he goes about things.
A story of second chances, family, community, romance and the lengths people go to to help and protect family and others.
This is book 2 in the series about Applemore but it stands alone fine, since in usual form I had not read book 1. A sweet and enjoyable read, that started to drag a little in the middle but it picked up again. A feel good read which is want I wanted.
The cute pink cover tells you this will be a sweet chick lit book and it is. Beth Fraser has spent the past couple of years growing her flower farm from scratch and turned the walled garden at Applemore House from an over grown jungle to a productive business. Divorced from husband Simon it has not been easy but she is a hard worker and determined to make her business a success while still caring for their preschool non identical twins. But a sudden change in circumstances threatens all her hopes and plans.
Meanwhile Jack McDonald arrives in the village of Applemore. He is determined to make a success of his outdoor activity centre working with troubled teenagers, despite knowing there are those who are far from thrilled with the plan of bringing troubled teenagers to their small village. Will he succeed and why is he so reticent about his past?
Beth is great and very easy to like and the three year old twins are cute. Beth’s sisters Polly and Charlotte and brother Lachlan and his wife Rilla are real and relatable. Jack is also easy to like, despite sometimes being a bit hasty in the way he goes about things.
A story of second chances, family, community, romance and the lengths people go to to help and protect family and others.
This is book 2 in the series about Applemore but it stands alone fine, since in usual form I had not read book 1. A sweet and enjoyable read, that started to drag a little in the middle but it picked up again. A feel good read which is want I wanted.
December 2, 2025
A lovely, unchallenging follow-up to The Winter Cottage. We still get to check in with Rilla and Lachlan from the first book, but this time around the focus is on Beth Fraser; newly single mother of twin toddlers and owner of the titular flower farm. Lots of local colour and charm plus a little bit of drama. A very enjoyable way to pass the time on my daily walks. I've already bought book #3.
February 14, 2022
I’ve loved being back at Applemore with the Frasers. This time it’s Beth’s story and her flower farm business sounds amazing. I’d love the idea of a cut flower business but can appreciate the hard work involved.
I loved the chemistry between her and Jack, the hot Glaswegian and thought the build up of their relationship was perfectly timed.
With some great additional characters and seeing some old favourites, Lachlan and Rilla - this is a wonderful second story in the series and I can’t wait for the next one.
I loved the chemistry between her and Jack, the hot Glaswegian and thought the build up of their relationship was perfectly timed.
With some great additional characters and seeing some old favourites, Lachlan and Rilla - this is a wonderful second story in the series and I can’t wait for the next one.
December 31, 2022
We’re back at Applemore with the Fraser’s and another sweet romance. This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading them in order because it’s so much fun to get to know all the characters. I actually read the last one first and found it a little confusing because it was my first introduction to the Fraser’s and all the villagers. But I liked it so I went back and started the first book.
Beth Fraser and her siblings grew up at Applemore, a beautiful estate in the Scottish Highlands. As they grew up it was crumbling around them. After their father’s death the oldest sibling, Lachlan, inherits Applemore and when he sells his successful brewery there’s finally enough money to begin renovations.
Beth, who’s a single mom since divorcing her husband, loves the house, but prefers to live in a cozy farmhouse on the estate with her young twins. Since childhood her favorite part of the estate has been the walled garden which she’s turning into a profitable flower farm.
She’s had no interest in dating since her divorce but when handsome newcomer Jack McDonald opens an outdoor adventure center for troubled youths right outside the walls of her flower farm she has a hard time ignoring her attraction to him.
This is my favorite couple of the series so far. There’s a slow burn and lots of chemistry between them. And there’s a mystery about Jack’s past which is revealed before the end of the book.
I love visiting Applemore and will be sad to see this sweet series end.
Beth Fraser and her siblings grew up at Applemore, a beautiful estate in the Scottish Highlands. As they grew up it was crumbling around them. After their father’s death the oldest sibling, Lachlan, inherits Applemore and when he sells his successful brewery there’s finally enough money to begin renovations.
Beth, who’s a single mom since divorcing her husband, loves the house, but prefers to live in a cozy farmhouse on the estate with her young twins. Since childhood her favorite part of the estate has been the walled garden which she’s turning into a profitable flower farm.
She’s had no interest in dating since her divorce but when handsome newcomer Jack McDonald opens an outdoor adventure center for troubled youths right outside the walls of her flower farm she has a hard time ignoring her attraction to him.
This is my favorite couple of the series so far. There’s a slow burn and lots of chemistry between them. And there’s a mystery about Jack’s past which is revealed before the end of the book.
I love visiting Applemore and will be sad to see this sweet series end.
April 27, 2025
Eeeeee! This was exactly what I needed this spring! The coffee and gardening lingo were icing on the cake. Loved that it was a clean romance. Jack and Beth are adorable, the ways that their life stories were similar yet so different was a nice touch as well. Great spring read, I recommend!
January 11, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
nothing special, very cute, i still love applemore but somehow this one felt a little less magical than the first one
honestly i think they dragged out the slow burn too long bc there wasn't enough chemistry/tension between them to make it pay off lmao
nothing special, very cute, i still love applemore but somehow this one felt a little less magical than the first one
honestly i think they dragged out the slow burn too long bc there wasn't enough chemistry/tension between them to make it pay off lmao
April 23, 2025
This is such a sweet and unique story set in Scotland! Family, romance, FLOWERS ~ a perfect springtime read 🌺
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Source: Kindle Unlimited
December 17, 2025
Just what I needed - comforting, cute, small-town romance. You know what you get, there is nothing extraordinary, but sometimes you just need it!
August 11, 2024
A thouroghly enjoyable sweet, clean, fun read!
March 8, 2022
I love Applemore, glad to know there is more to come
June 13, 2024
I mit forårsflip virkede denne forside og originaltitlen “The Flower Farm” som den helt rigtige romance at læse – også eftersom jeg holdt af settingen i forgængeren “Vinter i Applemore”💐
Der er dog sket det mærkelige, at des længere tid, jeg læste eller har tænkt på den efter læsningen, des mere kritisk er jeg blevet over for den. Ja, jeg bliver næsten helt oprevet over at gå ind i det. Måske fordi det ærgrer mig, når denne bog egentlig havde så meget potentiale. Eller fordi det er frustrerende, at det er de samme punkter, som jeg finder problematiske i andre romancer😳
Før jeg når til dem, vil jeg dog fastslå, at det er en rigtig fin forårsbog, hvis man er til den klassiske romance med small town vibes om fraskilte forældre og en storfamilie knyttet til et skotsk gods, krydret med moderne emner. Det er et skønt karaktergalleri, og de føles egentlig virkelige nok og næsten lidt som ‘found family’. Til gengæld er den påståede ‘enemies-to-lovers-trope’ noget utroværdig🏡
Men settingen fejler intet, og hovedpersonen Polly svarer lidt til 40-års versionen af Emily fra Julie Clausens “Hvordan man bygger en enhjørningefarm”. Hun har gå-på-mod, er nede på jorden, har bogstavelig talt hænderne i den, og generelt er stemningen som en skotsk version af den danske bog🦄
Den anden hovedperson, Jack, er også jordbunden og forankret i naturen. Men samtidig er han udstyret med en bagage og nogle udfordringer, som skal udgøre bogens spændingsmoment. Dette virker dog lidt forceret, og han bliver for tydeligt en brik i forfatterens plotspil. Ligesom flere af bogens andre karakterer virker som påklædningsdukker for forfatterens ønske om at inddrage filosofiske pointer og virke woke. Det gør dem ganske vist til rare og “hele” mennesker, så bogen er ren feel good, samtidig med den tager nye som gamle emner op🧳
Problemet med ovenstående, og egentlig alle mine kritikpunkter, er, at det bliver alt for tydeligt og forudsigeligt. Jeg er klar over, at det lidt ligger til genren. Og forfatteren har forsøgt at lægge twists ind, men opbygningen til disse (og alt andet) bliver alt for åbenlys. Et rigtigt klimaks eller twist må gerne indledes af easter eggs, men når det hele er indelysende fra start, sidder man som læser og bladrer gennem bogen “bare fordi”🥚
“Forår i Applemore” har virkelig meget potentiale med et fuldendt plot og gode karakterer. Men meget af dette ødelægges lidt af, at disse ting ikke får lov til at udfolde sig mellem linjerne. Det er nok, hvad man kalder, manglende tillid til læseren, der er på spild – eller sig selv. For Rachael Lucas skriver faktisk godt, men det er, som om hun ikke helt stoler på, at karaktererne eller læseren kan stå selv. Der bliver overforklaret noget så galt, og alt står direkte og gentagent, selvom det allerede lå mellem de forrige linjer📉
Eksempelvis finder jeg det (som i de fleste tilfælde) helt unødvendigt at have to synsvinkler. Hvilket jo næsten er et kompliment, da det skyldes, at karaktererne er så realistiske og godt beskrevet, at vi ikke behøver høre direkte, hvad de begge tænker. Det kunne vi godt selv have tænkt os til ud fra fx de ydre beskrivelser af scenerne og deres reaktioner💓
Når det hele bliver leveret så direkte sprogligt, forsvinder mystikken, spændingen og læserens opgave. Og det bliver altså lidt skørt at sidde og læse 300+ sider, hvor karaktererne hver især gentager for sig selv, at selvfølgelig burde de ikke falde for den anden, når nu de selv og alle omkring dem indrømmer fra start, at de allerede er det. Faktisk får vi som læser indblik i deres følelser, før de selv gør det, men igennem deres tanker, hvilket jo bliver et mærkeligt paradoks. Men igen kun fordi forfatteren er god nok til, at man kan fornemme alt det i det skjulte allerede🔁
Det er en hård anmeldelse og rating, som sikkert kun er udtryk for, at jeg ikke køber ind på genrens præmisser og træk. Det er nørderi og jo egentlig kun ganske få punkter, der desværre bare er gennemgående. Men det betyder ikke, at jeg ikke vil anbefale den som læseoplevelse!
Har man læst etteren i serien, er det et dejligt gensyn med Applemore og velkendte karakterer, som man lærer bedre at kende. Og selvom starten, som resten, blev for meget ‘tell’ i stedet for ‘show’, var det faktisk en helt acceptabel og fin måde, hun fik samlet op på, hvad der skete i bog et og efterfølgende. På sin vis en meget vellykket toer, hvis hovedkarakterer jeg var vildere med end etterens🌸
Det er i sandhed en wholesome læseoplevelse med blomster, familie, et tæt lille samfund og bjælkehytter. En bog til, hvis man ikke vil læse mellem linjerne, men stadig have livsvisdom og romance serveret sort på hvidt – i et regnbuefarvet blomsterunivers🪻
Det er muligt, at man slet ikke bemærker ovenstående, der for mig var irritationsmomenter. Jeg frygter lidt, at jeg bare som læser er gået lidt stykker efter at have nørdet skrivning, læsning og tilhørende teori og modeller så meget. Måske er “Forår i Applemore” faktisk en af de helt gode romancer grundet de styrker, jeg også anerkender, den har på mange parametre …? Måske ligger det direkte og forudsigelige bare til genren, eller jeg opfangede sporene lidt for hurtigt …?
Jeg vil elske at høre, hvad du tænker!
⭐3,5 ud af 5⭐️
“Selv mens han skrev, var der en stemme i baghovedet, der sagde ham, at måske — kun måske — betød alt det, som han troede var vigtigt, i virkeligheden mindre.“
Der er dog sket det mærkelige, at des længere tid, jeg læste eller har tænkt på den efter læsningen, des mere kritisk er jeg blevet over for den. Ja, jeg bliver næsten helt oprevet over at gå ind i det. Måske fordi det ærgrer mig, når denne bog egentlig havde så meget potentiale. Eller fordi det er frustrerende, at det er de samme punkter, som jeg finder problematiske i andre romancer😳
Før jeg når til dem, vil jeg dog fastslå, at det er en rigtig fin forårsbog, hvis man er til den klassiske romance med small town vibes om fraskilte forældre og en storfamilie knyttet til et skotsk gods, krydret med moderne emner. Det er et skønt karaktergalleri, og de føles egentlig virkelige nok og næsten lidt som ‘found family’. Til gengæld er den påståede ‘enemies-to-lovers-trope’ noget utroværdig🏡
Men settingen fejler intet, og hovedpersonen Polly svarer lidt til 40-års versionen af Emily fra Julie Clausens “Hvordan man bygger en enhjørningefarm”. Hun har gå-på-mod, er nede på jorden, har bogstavelig talt hænderne i den, og generelt er stemningen som en skotsk version af den danske bog🦄
Den anden hovedperson, Jack, er også jordbunden og forankret i naturen. Men samtidig er han udstyret med en bagage og nogle udfordringer, som skal udgøre bogens spændingsmoment. Dette virker dog lidt forceret, og han bliver for tydeligt en brik i forfatterens plotspil. Ligesom flere af bogens andre karakterer virker som påklædningsdukker for forfatterens ønske om at inddrage filosofiske pointer og virke woke. Det gør dem ganske vist til rare og “hele” mennesker, så bogen er ren feel good, samtidig med den tager nye som gamle emner op🧳
Problemet med ovenstående, og egentlig alle mine kritikpunkter, er, at det bliver alt for tydeligt og forudsigeligt. Jeg er klar over, at det lidt ligger til genren. Og forfatteren har forsøgt at lægge twists ind, men opbygningen til disse (og alt andet) bliver alt for åbenlys. Et rigtigt klimaks eller twist må gerne indledes af easter eggs, men når det hele er indelysende fra start, sidder man som læser og bladrer gennem bogen “bare fordi”🥚
“Forår i Applemore” har virkelig meget potentiale med et fuldendt plot og gode karakterer. Men meget af dette ødelægges lidt af, at disse ting ikke får lov til at udfolde sig mellem linjerne. Det er nok, hvad man kalder, manglende tillid til læseren, der er på spild – eller sig selv. For Rachael Lucas skriver faktisk godt, men det er, som om hun ikke helt stoler på, at karaktererne eller læseren kan stå selv. Der bliver overforklaret noget så galt, og alt står direkte og gentagent, selvom det allerede lå mellem de forrige linjer📉
Eksempelvis finder jeg det (som i de fleste tilfælde) helt unødvendigt at have to synsvinkler. Hvilket jo næsten er et kompliment, da det skyldes, at karaktererne er så realistiske og godt beskrevet, at vi ikke behøver høre direkte, hvad de begge tænker. Det kunne vi godt selv have tænkt os til ud fra fx de ydre beskrivelser af scenerne og deres reaktioner💓
Når det hele bliver leveret så direkte sprogligt, forsvinder mystikken, spændingen og læserens opgave. Og det bliver altså lidt skørt at sidde og læse 300+ sider, hvor karaktererne hver især gentager for sig selv, at selvfølgelig burde de ikke falde for den anden, når nu de selv og alle omkring dem indrømmer fra start, at de allerede er det. Faktisk får vi som læser indblik i deres følelser, før de selv gør det, men igennem deres tanker, hvilket jo bliver et mærkeligt paradoks. Men igen kun fordi forfatteren er god nok til, at man kan fornemme alt det i det skjulte allerede🔁
Det er en hård anmeldelse og rating, som sikkert kun er udtryk for, at jeg ikke køber ind på genrens præmisser og træk. Det er nørderi og jo egentlig kun ganske få punkter, der desværre bare er gennemgående. Men det betyder ikke, at jeg ikke vil anbefale den som læseoplevelse!
Har man læst etteren i serien, er det et dejligt gensyn med Applemore og velkendte karakterer, som man lærer bedre at kende. Og selvom starten, som resten, blev for meget ‘tell’ i stedet for ‘show’, var det faktisk en helt acceptabel og fin måde, hun fik samlet op på, hvad der skete i bog et og efterfølgende. På sin vis en meget vellykket toer, hvis hovedkarakterer jeg var vildere med end etterens🌸
Det er i sandhed en wholesome læseoplevelse med blomster, familie, et tæt lille samfund og bjælkehytter. En bog til, hvis man ikke vil læse mellem linjerne, men stadig have livsvisdom og romance serveret sort på hvidt – i et regnbuefarvet blomsterunivers🪻
Det er muligt, at man slet ikke bemærker ovenstående, der for mig var irritationsmomenter. Jeg frygter lidt, at jeg bare som læser er gået lidt stykker efter at have nørdet skrivning, læsning og tilhørende teori og modeller så meget. Måske er “Forår i Applemore” faktisk en af de helt gode romancer grundet de styrker, jeg også anerkender, den har på mange parametre …? Måske ligger det direkte og forudsigelige bare til genren, eller jeg opfangede sporene lidt for hurtigt …?
Jeg vil elske at høre, hvad du tænker!
⭐3,5 ud af 5⭐️
“Selv mens han skrev, var der en stemme i baghovedet, der sagde ham, at måske — kun måske — betød alt det, som han troede var vigtigt, i virkeligheden mindre.“
April 24, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
"Ze ademde langzaam in en dompelde zich onder in de geur van zijn lichaam, in de geluiden van de doezelige bijen die buiten tussen de lavendel zoemden en in het gevoel van vriendelijkheid en vrijgevigheid, van vertrouwen en geborgenheid. Dat gevoel omarmde ze." 🪻🐝
In december heb ik genoten van 'Het winterhuisje in Applemore', het eerste deel in de Applemore Bay-serie. Ik vond Beth Fraser een leuk personage in dat boek, dus ik kon niet wachten om haar verhaal te lezen in het tweede deel van deze heerlijke feelgoodserie.
Ook dit deel wist me opnieuw te betoveren met de prachtige Schotse Hooglanden als setting en het knusse dorpje Applemore met zijn hechte gemeenschap. Het voelde meteen weer als thuiskomen. De auteur heeft zo'n beeldende schrijfstijl dat ik de prachtige bloemenkwekerij van Beth voor me zag en ik het lentezonnetje in Applemore bijna door de pagina's van het boek kon voelen.
Dit boek las nog vlotter dan het eerste deel, aangezien er naar mijn mening meer gebeurde, waardoor ik steeds geboeid was om verder te lezen. Ook vond ik het mooi dat in dit boek aandacht werd besteed aan jongeren die een moeilijke start hebben gehad en dat het outdoorcentrum van Jack hen een luisterend oor bood en een kans gaf om te ontsnappen aan hun situatie.
Het boek introduceert een aantal leuke nieuwe personages, zoals Danny, Miranda en Phoebe. Daarnaast kwamen een aantal oude bekenden weer terug: de Frasers, Rilla en Joan. Zowel de hoofdpersonages als de nevenpersonages werden goed uitgediept, en er was een goede balans tussen een opbloeiende romance, persoonlijke problemen en het wel en wee in een dorpsgemeenschap. De chemie tussen Beth en Jack was duidelijk merkbaar, en de opbouw van hun romance voelde perfect getimed en niet gehaast.
Dit boek kan als een standalone worden gelezen maar ik raad aan om in deel 1 te beginnen, aangezien in dit tweede deel een aantal personages weer terugkomen en het leuk is om hun achtergrondverhaal te kennen.
Al met al was dit boek een heerlijke mix van liefde, vriendschap, geheimen, tweede kansen, groei en familiebanden. De perfecte feelgoodroman om in de lente te lezen! 🌸🌷🌼
Tropes:
🏘 Small town setting
💕 Closed door romance (no 🌶)
🔥 Slow burn
🌸 Spring vibes
"Ze ademde langzaam in en dompelde zich onder in de geur van zijn lichaam, in de geluiden van de doezelige bijen die buiten tussen de lavendel zoemden en in het gevoel van vriendelijkheid en vrijgevigheid, van vertrouwen en geborgenheid. Dat gevoel omarmde ze." 🪻🐝
In december heb ik genoten van 'Het winterhuisje in Applemore', het eerste deel in de Applemore Bay-serie. Ik vond Beth Fraser een leuk personage in dat boek, dus ik kon niet wachten om haar verhaal te lezen in het tweede deel van deze heerlijke feelgoodserie.
Ook dit deel wist me opnieuw te betoveren met de prachtige Schotse Hooglanden als setting en het knusse dorpje Applemore met zijn hechte gemeenschap. Het voelde meteen weer als thuiskomen. De auteur heeft zo'n beeldende schrijfstijl dat ik de prachtige bloemenkwekerij van Beth voor me zag en ik het lentezonnetje in Applemore bijna door de pagina's van het boek kon voelen.
Dit boek las nog vlotter dan het eerste deel, aangezien er naar mijn mening meer gebeurde, waardoor ik steeds geboeid was om verder te lezen. Ook vond ik het mooi dat in dit boek aandacht werd besteed aan jongeren die een moeilijke start hebben gehad en dat het outdoorcentrum van Jack hen een luisterend oor bood en een kans gaf om te ontsnappen aan hun situatie.
Het boek introduceert een aantal leuke nieuwe personages, zoals Danny, Miranda en Phoebe. Daarnaast kwamen een aantal oude bekenden weer terug: de Frasers, Rilla en Joan. Zowel de hoofdpersonages als de nevenpersonages werden goed uitgediept, en er was een goede balans tussen een opbloeiende romance, persoonlijke problemen en het wel en wee in een dorpsgemeenschap. De chemie tussen Beth en Jack was duidelijk merkbaar, en de opbouw van hun romance voelde perfect getimed en niet gehaast.
Dit boek kan als een standalone worden gelezen maar ik raad aan om in deel 1 te beginnen, aangezien in dit tweede deel een aantal personages weer terugkomen en het leuk is om hun achtergrondverhaal te kennen.
Al met al was dit boek een heerlijke mix van liefde, vriendschap, geheimen, tweede kansen, groei en familiebanden. De perfecte feelgoodroman om in de lente te lezen! 🌸🌷🌼
Tropes:
🏘 Small town setting
💕 Closed door romance (no 🌶)
🔥 Slow burn
🌸 Spring vibes
February 7, 2024
The second book in this delightful series is about a small village, Applemore Bay, in the Highlands of Scotland. The books centre around the Fraser family, 4 siblings (1 boy and 3 girls), who grew up in Applemore House. Now adults they have stayed in Applemore and each have different businesses.
Beth, a single mum to 18-month-old twins, runs a flower farm within the walled garden of Applemore House. When a new business opens up next door, the villagers are concerned that it will cause trouble in area, its an activity centre, mainly providing breaks for troubled teens. Jack is the manager of the centre.
Beth and Jack meet under difficult circumstances, which causes them problems at first. However, could there be something more between the two of them?
I really enjoy this series, a family saga sort of series with romance thrown in. Each book can be read as a standalone story, but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
Beth, a single mum to 18-month-old twins, runs a flower farm within the walled garden of Applemore House. When a new business opens up next door, the villagers are concerned that it will cause trouble in area, its an activity centre, mainly providing breaks for troubled teens. Jack is the manager of the centre.
Beth and Jack meet under difficult circumstances, which causes them problems at first. However, could there be something more between the two of them?
I really enjoy this series, a family saga sort of series with romance thrown in. Each book can be read as a standalone story, but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
October 31, 2024
Another easy read from Rachael Lucas. Something comforting about this series whereby you feel you know Applemore and each of the family members.
My only critique now having read two of the series, is that at times, the description of characters circumstances or storylines is more literal than needs be. As a reader , it's nice to receive hints as opposed to the entire story at once.
That being said, I will continue and complete the series are they are so light and easy to read.
My only critique now having read two of the series, is that at times, the description of characters circumstances or storylines is more literal than needs be. As a reader , it's nice to receive hints as opposed to the entire story at once.
That being said, I will continue and complete the series are they are so light and easy to read.
August 23, 2024
Mildly interesting, padded with repetitious descriptions and explanations. Frankly the basic premise of making a living by working like a dog 7 days a week creating bouquets just doesn’t seem too likely. This book was offered for free to encourage you to buy the other titles in the series. Didn’t work for me.
December 9, 2024
A simply cute and easy reading romance!
January 14, 2025
Hörbuch gehört - Nette Geschichte, aber hat mich jetzt nicht gefesselt
February 22, 2022
I loved being back in Applemore. I love that little Scottish village. The Fraser family are such a close knit family, each with their own strong personalities. This time we got to hear Beth’s story. A newly single mum to twins and new business owner of a flower farm. What a strong and resilient woman she is. Jack is her perfect companion, when he can get past his own demons. Beth helps Jack realise his own strength and allows him the space he needs to discover what he truly wants. I loved how they were both instantly attracted to each other yet fought against it, determined that they were better off alone. Their growing friendship was lovely and I loved that they seemed to be the last to know how the other felt, yet the whole village could see it from the start.
The descriptions of the flower farm were wonderful and at times I felt I was really there smelling all those beautiful flowers. I can’t wait to visit again.
The descriptions of the flower farm were wonderful and at times I felt I was really there smelling all those beautiful flowers. I can’t wait to visit again.
July 17, 2022
4.5 out of 5 stars
February 13, 2022
I love Rachael Lucas’s writing, and very much enjoyed The Winter Cottage, so The Flower Farm was a no-brainer for me.
It was great to rejoin all the characters from the first book, especially the Fraser family. They all have their own lives, but they support one another. This story focuses on Beth, who is running her flower farm, as well as bringing up her twins.
Applemore is a great setting, both the village and the surroundings. The flower farm and the woodland where the adventure centre is, make an excellent backdrop for a romance.
I really enjoyed this book, it was relaxing to read. Beth is a great character, and she works so hard! Jack is also an interesting character, he’s had a bit of a difficult past. I liked the way they interacted, and gradually fell in love. I think I’d have been a bit more angry with Jack (before forgiving him) when he suddenly reappeared though!
Overall, this was a lovely, relaxing read, full of appealing characters. I can’t wait to return to Applemore for the next instalment.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
It was great to rejoin all the characters from the first book, especially the Fraser family. They all have their own lives, but they support one another. This story focuses on Beth, who is running her flower farm, as well as bringing up her twins.
Applemore is a great setting, both the village and the surroundings. The flower farm and the woodland where the adventure centre is, make an excellent backdrop for a romance.
I really enjoyed this book, it was relaxing to read. Beth is a great character, and she works so hard! Jack is also an interesting character, he’s had a bit of a difficult past. I liked the way they interacted, and gradually fell in love. I think I’d have been a bit more angry with Jack (before forgiving him) when he suddenly reappeared though!
Overall, this was a lovely, relaxing read, full of appealing characters. I can’t wait to return to Applemore for the next instalment.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
February 22, 2022
Great story
Rachel makes the characters come to life. I feel as if I know them and can picture what they look like. Applemore also seems like a real village with all the characters living in it. A feel good story, can't wait for the next book in the series.
Rachel makes the characters come to life. I feel as if I know them and can picture what they look like. Applemore also seems like a real village with all the characters living in it. A feel good story, can't wait for the next book in the series.
June 17, 2025
Raamat, millest kohe õhkub kevadet. Täpselt see õige väikeküla feel-good romaan, millega end suvehooaega lülitada. Ja kui sa ei otsi just midagi maailmamuutvat või väga sügavat, siis – ausalt – miks ka mitte?
Meil on Beth. Iseseisev, tugev naine, kes on keskendunud oma lillekasvatustalule, mida ta justkui käsitsi umbrohust üles kergitab. Kõik kontrolli all. Aga üllatus-üllatus, saatusesepp arvab teisiti. Lubagem tutvustada - Jack MacDonald, suurlinna mees oma minevikuvarjude ja probleemseid teismelisi hoomava tööga. Ehk siis tüüpiline ’kas ta on punane lipp või päästja’ olukord.
Bethi ja Jacki suhte algus on mõistagi konarlik. Mis siis, kui keegi lihtsalt maandub su hoovis – sõna otseses mõttes? Lendab karvu, selgab sulgi, õnneks vaibub kära ilma suuremate probleemideta. Ent Beth on ehitanud oma elu nullist uuesti üles ega vaja mingit kangelast, isegi kui kõik ümbritsevad seda soosivad. Aga… nagu ikka – kuidagi kisub ikka selle uustulnuka poole.
Lugemine iseenesest kulges kergelt – parajalt tempokas, vahest isegi natuke kiirustav. Lõpuks, kui suhe viimaks kergelt vormi võtma hakkas, kadus Jack minema ning vähemalt mulle kui lugejale tundus asi imelik. Veel kummalisemaks kiskus asi siis, kui mees lõpuks tagasi tuli ja Beth Jacki avasüli vastu võttis. Huvitav käitumine, veidi raskesti usutav, aga samas romantilise romaani puhul igati eeldatav lõpp.
Huvitavaim osa oli ehk Bethi ja tema eksabikaasa vaheline dünaamika, mille valu ja probleeme oli tunda läbi lehekülgede. Tore, et asjad laabusid ja uus teinepool nii mõistlik on, kuid mees ise.. Uhh! Kaksikud olid toredad, oleks võinud isegi rohkem raamatus figureerida. Ja kui jutt juba laste peale läks, siis Jacki tütre seiklused võtsid samuti veidi kummalise suuna. Oleks arvanud, et kui tüdruk juba isa juurde tuli, võinuks nad koos paar päeva veeta ning eemaloleku aega tasa teha, mitte juba teisel päeval tagasi lennata. Aga noh... ju pidi nii minema! 😊
Soe, armas, lohutav ja just selline, mida lugeda teki all või rannatoolis. Ei midagi maailma raputavat, aga täpselt see, mida lubas – romantika väikekülas, kevadlilledes uppuv talu ja veidi draamat kauba peale.
Meil on Beth. Iseseisev, tugev naine, kes on keskendunud oma lillekasvatustalule, mida ta justkui käsitsi umbrohust üles kergitab. Kõik kontrolli all. Aga üllatus-üllatus, saatusesepp arvab teisiti. Lubagem tutvustada - Jack MacDonald, suurlinna mees oma minevikuvarjude ja probleemseid teismelisi hoomava tööga. Ehk siis tüüpiline ’kas ta on punane lipp või päästja’ olukord.
Bethi ja Jacki suhte algus on mõistagi konarlik. Mis siis, kui keegi lihtsalt maandub su hoovis – sõna otseses mõttes? Lendab karvu, selgab sulgi, õnneks vaibub kära ilma suuremate probleemideta. Ent Beth on ehitanud oma elu nullist uuesti üles ega vaja mingit kangelast, isegi kui kõik ümbritsevad seda soosivad. Aga… nagu ikka – kuidagi kisub ikka selle uustulnuka poole.
Lugemine iseenesest kulges kergelt – parajalt tempokas, vahest isegi natuke kiirustav. Lõpuks, kui suhe viimaks kergelt vormi võtma hakkas, kadus Jack minema ning vähemalt mulle kui lugejale tundus asi imelik. Veel kummalisemaks kiskus asi siis, kui mees lõpuks tagasi tuli ja Beth Jacki avasüli vastu võttis. Huvitav käitumine, veidi raskesti usutav, aga samas romantilise romaani puhul igati eeldatav lõpp.
Huvitavaim osa oli ehk Bethi ja tema eksabikaasa vaheline dünaamika, mille valu ja probleeme oli tunda läbi lehekülgede. Tore, et asjad laabusid ja uus teinepool nii mõistlik on, kuid mees ise.. Uhh! Kaksikud olid toredad, oleks võinud isegi rohkem raamatus figureerida. Ja kui jutt juba laste peale läks, siis Jacki tütre seiklused võtsid samuti veidi kummalise suuna. Oleks arvanud, et kui tüdruk juba isa juurde tuli, võinuks nad koos paar päeva veeta ning eemaloleku aega tasa teha, mitte juba teisel päeval tagasi lennata. Aga noh... ju pidi nii minema! 😊
Soe, armas, lohutav ja just selline, mida lugeda teki all või rannatoolis. Ei midagi maailma raputavat, aga täpselt see, mida lubas – romantika väikekülas, kevadlilledes uppuv talu ja veidi draamat kauba peale.
February 15, 2022
Perfect spring read
Another fabulous book from Rachael Lucas. I have loved being transported to Scotland, and back to Applemore again. Am off to buy some flowers from our local flower farm, and wait for the next book!
Another fabulous book from Rachael Lucas. I have loved being transported to Scotland, and back to Applemore again. Am off to buy some flowers from our local flower farm, and wait for the next book!
May 24, 2024
Sehr süß!
Ich finde das Cover ist sehr süß und farbenfroh, was sofort meine Lust aufs Lesen geweckt hat.
Die Geschichte selbst ist eine süße Liebesgeschichte, perfekt für zwischendurch, dank des angenehmen Schreibstil der Autorin. Die Handlung ist zwar nicht übermäßig tiefgründig, aber einfach eine leichte Geschichte mit einem flüssigen Schreibstil.
Besonders gefallen hat mir das Setting in den schottischen Highlands und auch die Nebencharaktere sind sehr sympathisch. Die eher ungewöhnlichen Berufe der beiden Hauptcharaktere fand ich erfrischend und neu. Beths Gärtnerei hat mir richtig Lust auf Frühling gemacht und durch Jack wurde mir mal wieder klar, dass man auch mal über seine Vorurteile hinweggucken muss.
Da ich die tropes small-town und slow-burn romance, war dieses Buch genau das Richtige für mich und ich möchte auf jeden Fall mehr von der Autorin lesen!
Ich finde das Cover ist sehr süß und farbenfroh, was sofort meine Lust aufs Lesen geweckt hat.
Die Geschichte selbst ist eine süße Liebesgeschichte, perfekt für zwischendurch, dank des angenehmen Schreibstil der Autorin. Die Handlung ist zwar nicht übermäßig tiefgründig, aber einfach eine leichte Geschichte mit einem flüssigen Schreibstil.
Besonders gefallen hat mir das Setting in den schottischen Highlands und auch die Nebencharaktere sind sehr sympathisch. Die eher ungewöhnlichen Berufe der beiden Hauptcharaktere fand ich erfrischend und neu. Beths Gärtnerei hat mir richtig Lust auf Frühling gemacht und durch Jack wurde mir mal wieder klar, dass man auch mal über seine Vorurteile hinweggucken muss.
Da ich die tropes small-town und slow-burn romance, war dieses Buch genau das Richtige für mich und ich möchte auf jeden Fall mehr von der Autorin lesen!
April 26, 2024
In "Die kleine Gärtnerei in den Highlands" begleiten wir zwei Protagonisten, die aus unterschiedlichen Welten kommen. Während Beth Fraser mit vielen Geschwistern in einem Herrenhaus in Applemore aufgewachsen ist, hat Jack eine dunkle Vergangenheit. Doch dann werden sie Nachbarn und müssen auch noch zusammen für eine Filmdokumentation vor der Kamera stehen. Die Beziehung zwischen den beiden entwickelt sich langsam und jeder bringt sein Päckchen zu tragen mit. Ohne Spice und unauthentisches Drama hat es Spaß gemacht den beiden zu folgen. Das Dorf Applemore und seine weiteren Bewohner habe ich direkt ins Herz geschlossen. Ich werde auf jeden Fall die weiteren Bände der Reihe lesen, die sich um die anderen Fraser Geschwister drehen. Meine Lieblingsfigur ist Jack kleiner Terrier Archie und auch Beths kleine Zwillinge habe ich sehr ins Herz geschlossen. Das Lesen über eine Gärtnerei hat mir auf jeden Fall Lust darauf gemacht, selber mehr zu Gärtnern.
July 10, 2025
3,5/4⭐️
February 20, 2023
The Flower Farm by Rachael Lucas
Blurb
Beth Fraser is a single mum of twins with a blooming flower farm business. The last thing she needs is Jack MacDonald landing with a crash in the middle of her precious baby plants - so it’s no surprise that they get off to a rocky start.
Beth’s spent the last few years growing her business, turning the overgrown walled garden of Applemore House into a beautiful and productive flower farm. Everything is going perfectly well - yes, her friends think she needs to find someone new, and no, she has no intention of looking - until her ex husband drops the bombshell that she’s going to have to find a way to make it pay more - and fast.
City boy Jack McDonald arrives in Applemore with something to prove. He’s carrying a secret from his past which drives him on, and he’s determined to make his new outdoor adventure centre a success. With his neighbour Beth unimpressed by his arrival, he’s the talk of the little coffee shop in the village. Can he find a way to show Applemore that the work he’s doing with troubled teens is vital - and will he acknowledge that what Beth thinks of him matters more than he’d care to admit?
My Opinion
Rachael Lucas was an author that I stumbled upon a while ago but she is easily becoming one of my favourite authors. It was nice being amongst the characters of Applemore again. Beth is trying to find a way to generate more income from her flower farm business following an announcement from her ex-husband. A lovely relaxing read with a slow-burn romance.
Rating 4/5
Blurb
Beth Fraser is a single mum of twins with a blooming flower farm business. The last thing she needs is Jack MacDonald landing with a crash in the middle of her precious baby plants - so it’s no surprise that they get off to a rocky start.
Beth’s spent the last few years growing her business, turning the overgrown walled garden of Applemore House into a beautiful and productive flower farm. Everything is going perfectly well - yes, her friends think she needs to find someone new, and no, she has no intention of looking - until her ex husband drops the bombshell that she’s going to have to find a way to make it pay more - and fast.
City boy Jack McDonald arrives in Applemore with something to prove. He’s carrying a secret from his past which drives him on, and he’s determined to make his new outdoor adventure centre a success. With his neighbour Beth unimpressed by his arrival, he’s the talk of the little coffee shop in the village. Can he find a way to show Applemore that the work he’s doing with troubled teens is vital - and will he acknowledge that what Beth thinks of him matters more than he’d care to admit?
My Opinion
Rachael Lucas was an author that I stumbled upon a while ago but she is easily becoming one of my favourite authors. It was nice being amongst the characters of Applemore again. Beth is trying to find a way to generate more income from her flower farm business following an announcement from her ex-husband. A lovely relaxing read with a slow-burn romance.
Rating 4/5
April 8, 2024
Beth und ihre Gärtnerei
Die kleine Gärtnerei in den Highlands ist ein Liebesroman von Rachael Lucas und der zweite Band der Reihe Das Erbe von Applemore. Das 316-seitige Buch erzählt die Geschichte von Beth, die ihre eigene Gärtnerei betreibt und ihre Zwillinge großzieht.
In diesem Band werden die Leser die in Appelmore lebende Familie Fraser noch einmal besuchen, aber dieses Mal liegt der Schwerpunkt auf Beth. Als alleinerziehende Mutter mit kleinen Zwillingskindern verwandelte sie ihren überwucherten Garten in einer Gärtnerei und baute ihr Geschäft mit Hilfe ihrer Geschwister auf. Neben ihrer Farm wird ein Outdoor-Camp gebaut. Es gibt einige Meinungsverschiedenheiten zwischen den Campleitern Jack und Beth, aber mit der Zeit ändert sich ihre Beziehung.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin gefällt mir sehr gut. Die Sprache dieses Buches ist fließend und es ist sehr leicht und angenehm zu lesen. Die Autorin erweckt die Charaktere zum Leben und fängt die Erschöpfung der alleinerziehenden Mutterschaft und des Unternehmertums ein, was die Geschichte umso realer macht. Die Liebe zwischen Beth und Jack ist gut entwickelt und nicht so kitschig wie in anderen Liebesromanen, in denen man nicht weiß, was als Nächstes passieren wird. Außerdem waren die Beschreibungen über die Gärtnerei so wunderbar, dass ich manchmal das Gefühl hatte, all diese wunderschönen Blumen dort tatsächlich zu riechen.
Alles in allem ist dies eine schöne, leichte Lektüre, perfekt für den Sommer. Ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Band dieser Reihe!
Die kleine Gärtnerei in den Highlands ist ein Liebesroman von Rachael Lucas und der zweite Band der Reihe Das Erbe von Applemore. Das 316-seitige Buch erzählt die Geschichte von Beth, die ihre eigene Gärtnerei betreibt und ihre Zwillinge großzieht.
In diesem Band werden die Leser die in Appelmore lebende Familie Fraser noch einmal besuchen, aber dieses Mal liegt der Schwerpunkt auf Beth. Als alleinerziehende Mutter mit kleinen Zwillingskindern verwandelte sie ihren überwucherten Garten in einer Gärtnerei und baute ihr Geschäft mit Hilfe ihrer Geschwister auf. Neben ihrer Farm wird ein Outdoor-Camp gebaut. Es gibt einige Meinungsverschiedenheiten zwischen den Campleitern Jack und Beth, aber mit der Zeit ändert sich ihre Beziehung.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin gefällt mir sehr gut. Die Sprache dieses Buches ist fließend und es ist sehr leicht und angenehm zu lesen. Die Autorin erweckt die Charaktere zum Leben und fängt die Erschöpfung der alleinerziehenden Mutterschaft und des Unternehmertums ein, was die Geschichte umso realer macht. Die Liebe zwischen Beth und Jack ist gut entwickelt und nicht so kitschig wie in anderen Liebesromanen, in denen man nicht weiß, was als Nächstes passieren wird. Außerdem waren die Beschreibungen über die Gärtnerei so wunderbar, dass ich manchmal das Gefühl hatte, all diese wunderschönen Blumen dort tatsächlich zu riechen.
Alles in allem ist dies eine schöne, leichte Lektüre, perfekt für den Sommer. Ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Band dieser Reihe!
October 26, 2025
My first Lucas read.
A Lovely story of how two people from very different “sides of the track”, get together.
Loved the setting where Beth grew up and worked.
The ex husband was a d*#¥ and yet she was so calm and level headed about his announcement 😂 I’d have said you can babysit 9 to 5 then, I’ll drop them off and pick them up after work seeing as you want to stay home with the kids 🙄 eee git … didn’t take long for his mind to be changed I noticed. That’s one of the reasons why he’s the Ex 😂
Jack -. His hidden past and “witness protection “ name change didn’t do him much good in the end. He wasn’t a face you forget. The “treat” turned out to be a nothing burger. Probably showed up in the story line too late for that to go anywhere. The baddies are still out there assumably.
Dad turned out to be a nice guy, looking out for his son.
Anna a typical 16 year old, it was easier to have her written in thousands of mikes away, but glad she was still there in the story.
The woke publisher would have loved Tom n Gav. 🙄 I nearly put the book down! Hit between the eyes in chapter 1.
Same sex
Divorce x 2
Run away mother due to same sex affair between father n friend . Omg the grave site 🙄
Crime boss father
Father in jail, father released
Mother not supportive or protective
Aristocrats
Nobody died of cancer 🤔 no one cut off body parts which was refreshing.
I may have skipped over it, but no premarital sex which is refreshing AND the story is pro marriage and children which is excellent.
A Lovely story of how two people from very different “sides of the track”, get together.
Loved the setting where Beth grew up and worked.
The ex husband was a d*#¥ and yet she was so calm and level headed about his announcement 😂 I’d have said you can babysit 9 to 5 then, I’ll drop them off and pick them up after work seeing as you want to stay home with the kids 🙄 eee git … didn’t take long for his mind to be changed I noticed. That’s one of the reasons why he’s the Ex 😂
Jack -. His hidden past and “witness protection “ name change didn’t do him much good in the end. He wasn’t a face you forget. The “treat” turned out to be a nothing burger. Probably showed up in the story line too late for that to go anywhere. The baddies are still out there assumably.
Dad turned out to be a nice guy, looking out for his son.
Anna a typical 16 year old, it was easier to have her written in thousands of mikes away, but glad she was still there in the story.
The woke publisher would have loved Tom n Gav. 🙄 I nearly put the book down! Hit between the eyes in chapter 1.
Same sex
Divorce x 2
Run away mother due to same sex affair between father n friend . Omg the grave site 🙄
Crime boss father
Father in jail, father released
Mother not supportive or protective
Aristocrats
Nobody died of cancer 🤔 no one cut off body parts which was refreshing.
I may have skipped over it, but no premarital sex which is refreshing AND the story is pro marriage and children which is excellent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2022
Oh, it was SO nice to be back in Applemore Bay - this time focussing on Jack and Beth. I know that when I read one of this authors books, I can be transported away from my everyday life and into a completely different place, which I enjoy thoroughly :)
Beth is a single mum of a set of twin toddlers and she is running a flower farm. She certainly has her hands full and has very little time or energy to think about romance.
Jack is running a program for "wayward teens" and trying to be a good dad to his teenager daughter, who lives with her mum in Paris. He also has very little time or energy to think about romance.
Somehow, these two end up in each other's orbit, which was inevitable since they are neighbours. Despite themselves, they find the other attractive but life has a way of getting in the way and turning their plans upside down.
I enjoyed the fact that this is a thoroughly modern love story, in terms of having to contend with exes who are not always cooperative and running businesses whilst trying to keep up with family and friends. The world is complicated these days but both Beth and Jack show how it can be done.
Something I also appreciated was Beth's family, who are close and yet very different to each other. Having met them in the first book in this series, it was lovely to see them pop up in this book as well and it makes me even more keen to read the next book in the series!
4.5 stars from me.
Beth is a single mum of a set of twin toddlers and she is running a flower farm. She certainly has her hands full and has very little time or energy to think about romance.
Jack is running a program for "wayward teens" and trying to be a good dad to his teenager daughter, who lives with her mum in Paris. He also has very little time or energy to think about romance.
Somehow, these two end up in each other's orbit, which was inevitable since they are neighbours. Despite themselves, they find the other attractive but life has a way of getting in the way and turning their plans upside down.
I enjoyed the fact that this is a thoroughly modern love story, in terms of having to contend with exes who are not always cooperative and running businesses whilst trying to keep up with family and friends. The world is complicated these days but both Beth and Jack show how it can be done.
Something I also appreciated was Beth's family, who are close and yet very different to each other. Having met them in the first book in this series, it was lovely to see them pop up in this book as well and it makes me even more keen to read the next book in the series!
4.5 stars from me.
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