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Hartley-by-the-Sea #1
Rainy Day Sisters
The USA Today bestselling author presents a heartfelt novel about two sisters struggling toward new lives and loves.
Welcome to Hartley-by-the-Sea in England’s beautiful Lake District, where two sisters who meet as strangers find small miracles tucked into the corners of every day....
When Lucy Bagshaw’s life in Boston falls apart, thanks to a scathing editorial written by her famous artist mother, she accepts her half sister Juliet’s invitation to stay with her in a charming seaside village in northern England. Lucy is expecting quaint cottages and cream teas, but instead finds that her sister is an aloof host, the weather is wet, windy, and cold, and her new boss, Alex Kincaid, is a disapproving widower who only hired her as a favor to Juliet.
Despite the invitation she offered, Juliet is startled by the way Lucy catapults into her orderly life. As Juliet faces her own struggles with both her distant mother and her desire for a child, her sister’s irrepressible optimism begins to take hold. With the help of quirky villagers, these hesitant rainy day sisters begin to forge a new understanding…and find in each other the love of family that makes all the difference.
Includes a Preview of Kate Hewitt’s Next Novel
Welcome to Hartley-by-the-Sea in England’s beautiful Lake District, where two sisters who meet as strangers find small miracles tucked into the corners of every day....
When Lucy Bagshaw’s life in Boston falls apart, thanks to a scathing editorial written by her famous artist mother, she accepts her half sister Juliet’s invitation to stay with her in a charming seaside village in northern England. Lucy is expecting quaint cottages and cream teas, but instead finds that her sister is an aloof host, the weather is wet, windy, and cold, and her new boss, Alex Kincaid, is a disapproving widower who only hired her as a favor to Juliet.
Despite the invitation she offered, Juliet is startled by the way Lucy catapults into her orderly life. As Juliet faces her own struggles with both her distant mother and her desire for a child, her sister’s irrepressible optimism begins to take hold. With the help of quirky villagers, these hesitant rainy day sisters begin to forge a new understanding…and find in each other the love of family that makes all the difference.
Includes a Preview of Kate Hewitt’s Next Novel
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2015
296 people are currently reading
3124 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hewitt
874 books1,685 followersKate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 259 reviews
October 16, 2015
Rainy Day Sisters: A Hartley-by-the-Sea Novel by Kate Hewitt is a 2015 NAL publication.
Stories like this one are like comfort food, and are good for the soul. I loved the quirky, offbeat village, the characterization and development, and while I prefer sunny, warm climates, Harley-by-the-Sea is perhaps a magical place, one I hope to visit again sometime for more heartwarming and uplifting stories.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To the read the full reviews click this link:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
Stories like this one are like comfort food, and are good for the soul. I loved the quirky, offbeat village, the characterization and development, and while I prefer sunny, warm climates, Harley-by-the-Sea is perhaps a magical place, one I hope to visit again sometime for more heartwarming and uplifting stories.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To the read the full reviews click this link:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
April 25, 2019
Kate Hewitt is a incredible writer. I truly felt the deep bone chilling cold in the rainy Lake District in England. But best of all were her characters. The profound insight she gives to each of her characters was nothing short of stunning. This must have been one of the first books that I had the feeling that I REALLY knew everyone and actually understand why they acted and were like they were. And because of this they all touched my heart.
I recommend this novel to anyone who would like to read a heartwarming story with breathtaking descriptions of people and places. The next book in this series (Now and Then Friends) is already on my "to read" list.
I recommend this novel to anyone who would like to read a heartwarming story with breathtaking descriptions of people and places. The next book in this series (Now and Then Friends) is already on my "to read" list.
February 12, 2018
So I ended up enjoying this first book so much I went and bought books #2 and #3 and finished them this weekend. I love books that go back to either the same character over time and or the same community and you get to follow up with characters. "Rainy Day Sisters" is the first book in the Hartley-by-the-Sea series by Kate Hewitt.
"Rainy Day Sisters" follows two main characters, half sisters Juliet and Lucy. Juliet is older than Lucy by about 10 years I think. Juliet and Lucy are not close. Their famous artist mother, Fiona, moved to Boston more than two decades ago with Lucy and left Juliet behind to fend for herself. Lucy is going through a terrible time after a horrible review (written by her own mother) comes out in the press before her first gallery showing. Juliet offers her a place to stay in Hartley where she can lick her wounds and hide for a bit. Problem is that Juliet almost wishes Lucy gone as soon as she arrives. Both sisters definitely have a lot to learn about each other.
I honestly loved both characters so much while reading this. Juliet is reluctant to let anyone in. When your mother tells you she never wanted you and does her best to not acknowledge your existence it's hard. And Juliet is resentful from all of the love she sees that Fiona gave Lucy when she was a child that she never got. Juliet is running a bed and breakfast and has her two shelter dogs and she thinks that may be enough. When Lucy comes to stay a lot of old wounds for her open up.
Lucy is reeling from her mother's betrayal as well as the ultimatum she gave her boyfriend blowing up in her face. Getting a temporary job at the local school should help Lucy keep things together, however, she finds herself crushing on the head of the school who makes Mr. Darcy look downright pleasant.
I loved the conversations that Juliet and Lucy eventually have. It takes a while for them to open up to each other though so don't expect things to just be fantastic a few chapters in. I think Hewitt did a good job showing how hard it would be to connect to someone you don't really know, but are expected to be close to due to blood ties.
The secondary characters were great. We are introduced to Rachel Campbell (she's one of the characters in book #2) in this one along with the love interests that I really did enjoy. We get introduced to many people in this one that are followed up in books #2 and #3.
I really enjoyed the writing and the flow of the book. Each chapter alternates between Juliet and Lucy. We also get some of the characters using Cumbrian words/dialect like areet for are you all right? I wish that we had more of that in this book with maybe a dictionary in the back, but for the most part you definitely got the gist of what people were saying.
Hartley-by-the-Sea is a pretty cool setting. It's a lake district in Northern England. Most of the townspeople have known each other for years and you get to read about the prior history of some of the residents that gets followed up in subsequent books.
I really loved this ending. Hewitt could have made it schmaltzy, but refrained. She was quite realistic that both sisters relationship was not going to magically get better. If you have a terrible mother through your childhood, chances are she's still going to be terrible when you're an adult as well.
"Rainy Day Sisters" follows two main characters, half sisters Juliet and Lucy. Juliet is older than Lucy by about 10 years I think. Juliet and Lucy are not close. Their famous artist mother, Fiona, moved to Boston more than two decades ago with Lucy and left Juliet behind to fend for herself. Lucy is going through a terrible time after a horrible review (written by her own mother) comes out in the press before her first gallery showing. Juliet offers her a place to stay in Hartley where she can lick her wounds and hide for a bit. Problem is that Juliet almost wishes Lucy gone as soon as she arrives. Both sisters definitely have a lot to learn about each other.
I honestly loved both characters so much while reading this. Juliet is reluctant to let anyone in. When your mother tells you she never wanted you and does her best to not acknowledge your existence it's hard. And Juliet is resentful from all of the love she sees that Fiona gave Lucy when she was a child that she never got. Juliet is running a bed and breakfast and has her two shelter dogs and she thinks that may be enough. When Lucy comes to stay a lot of old wounds for her open up.
Lucy is reeling from her mother's betrayal as well as the ultimatum she gave her boyfriend blowing up in her face. Getting a temporary job at the local school should help Lucy keep things together, however, she finds herself crushing on the head of the school who makes Mr. Darcy look downright pleasant.
I loved the conversations that Juliet and Lucy eventually have. It takes a while for them to open up to each other though so don't expect things to just be fantastic a few chapters in. I think Hewitt did a good job showing how hard it would be to connect to someone you don't really know, but are expected to be close to due to blood ties.
The secondary characters were great. We are introduced to Rachel Campbell (she's one of the characters in book #2) in this one along with the love interests that I really did enjoy. We get introduced to many people in this one that are followed up in books #2 and #3.
I really enjoyed the writing and the flow of the book. Each chapter alternates between Juliet and Lucy. We also get some of the characters using Cumbrian words/dialect like areet for are you all right? I wish that we had more of that in this book with maybe a dictionary in the back, but for the most part you definitely got the gist of what people were saying.
Hartley-by-the-Sea is a pretty cool setting. It's a lake district in Northern England. Most of the townspeople have known each other for years and you get to read about the prior history of some of the residents that gets followed up in subsequent books.
I really loved this ending. Hewitt could have made it schmaltzy, but refrained. She was quite realistic that both sisters relationship was not going to magically get better. If you have a terrible mother through your childhood, chances are she's still going to be terrible when you're an adult as well.
October 4, 2015
Fiona Bagshaw had not a maternal bone in her body, and for most of their lives, her two daughters have lived apart: Juliet in England and Lucy in Boston. Fiona has become a rather famous artist and relishes that world.
But after a humiliating experience because of her mother, Lucy has fled to Cumbria in the Lake District, and to the small village of Hartley-by-the-Sea. Home to Juliet, who owns a Bed and Breakfast.
Juliet had invited her and even arranged for a short-term job for Lucy in the primary school.
Juliet is somewhat abrasive, while Lucy is friendly, open, and wears her heart on her sleeve.
Immersing myself in the world of Rainy Day Sisters was a cozy and delightful experience. I felt like I was a part of their world, and loved discovering why the sisters (half-sisters, as Juliet often pointed out) had been separated, and what would need to happen before they connected completely.
I rooted for each of the sisters as they struggled to overcome the rejections their mother had handed out, and I hoped, for their sake, that Fiona would somehow make amends and help them heal. But could that even happen at this late date? And even if Fiona made overtures, would the sisters accept them? Would Juliet and Lucy find romance, despite their history?
I loved this book and recommend it for all who enjoy family stories, especially families fraught with dysfunction. 4.5 stars.
But after a humiliating experience because of her mother, Lucy has fled to Cumbria in the Lake District, and to the small village of Hartley-by-the-Sea. Home to Juliet, who owns a Bed and Breakfast.
Juliet had invited her and even arranged for a short-term job for Lucy in the primary school.
Juliet is somewhat abrasive, while Lucy is friendly, open, and wears her heart on her sleeve.
Immersing myself in the world of Rainy Day Sisters was a cozy and delightful experience. I felt like I was a part of their world, and loved discovering why the sisters (half-sisters, as Juliet often pointed out) had been separated, and what would need to happen before they connected completely.
I rooted for each of the sisters as they struggled to overcome the rejections their mother had handed out, and I hoped, for their sake, that Fiona would somehow make amends and help them heal. But could that even happen at this late date? And even if Fiona made overtures, would the sisters accept them? Would Juliet and Lucy find romance, despite their history?
I loved this book and recommend it for all who enjoy family stories, especially families fraught with dysfunction. 4.5 stars.
July 5, 2016
This charming story is almost as good as making a visit to Hartley-by-the-Sea! I so enjoyed it. I listened as an audio book & enjoyed the narration, the slow pace, the sweetness. You can read the synopsis & see if it's your kind of novel. I found it a worthwhile read. (It's also a clean read.)
February 7, 2017
Like the lovely aga on the cover, “Rainy day sisters” will leave you feeling warm and happy.
Set in the west of Cumbria, this novel features two sisters who are virtual strangers. They have the same mother, but they grew up on different continents and were rarely in touch. When Lucy, the younger sister, has a life crisis, she turns to her half sister Juliet. Unsure of her welcome, she travels across the ocean to stay for four months with her elder sister who runs a bed and breakfast in the seaside village of “Hartley-by-the-Sea”, population fifteen hundred. Her B&B hosts guests from far and wide, mostly people on walking holidays.
Juliet is a very solitary person. Lonely, but seemingly unable to let her guard down long enough to make friends. The outgoing Lucy is very intimidated of her half-sister, who gives her a cold welcome without so much as a hug. They tiptoe around each other, both physically and emotionally.
Juliet has arranged for Lucy to take a temporary position as a primary school receptionist/secretary. Lucy, who is an artist, has no skills to take to her new position and finds the job challenging. The head teacher, though very handsome, is taciturn and chilly in demeanor.
The girls had very different upbringings. Their mother, Fiona Bagshaw, is a prominent artist and an outspoken social commentator. Lucy had lived under her mother’s shadow in Boston, Mass. whilst Juliet, eleven years Lucy’s senior, was on her own in England. Juliet was estranged from her mother, who treated her coldly and didn’t so much as acknowledge her birthdays and Christmases over the years. She felt unloved and unwanted her entire life.
As early autumn turns to winter, Lucy’s warm effusiveness eventually breaks the ice around Juliet’s heart and the sisters gradually warm toward each other, but not without some stumbling blocks along the way. This change in Juliet causes her to open up to other people, especially the sheep farmer up the road.
“Hartley-by-the-Sea” is in a part of England that I dream about. The friendly village and picture perfect views of the Western Lake District make for an idyllic setting for a novel. The charming Cumbrian customs and dialect add extra flavor to this excellent example of women’s fiction. I can’t wait to visit the village again in the next “Hartley-by-the-Sea” novel, “Now and then friends“.
The second novel in the series features different characters from the same charming village. We meet them only fleetingly in the first novel.
Quality women’s fiction, gorgeous setting, and a whiff of romance, make for escapist fiction at its finest.
I received a digital copy of this novel from Berkley/NAL via NetGalley. It was my pleasure to review it.
Set in the west of Cumbria, this novel features two sisters who are virtual strangers. They have the same mother, but they grew up on different continents and were rarely in touch. When Lucy, the younger sister, has a life crisis, she turns to her half sister Juliet. Unsure of her welcome, she travels across the ocean to stay for four months with her elder sister who runs a bed and breakfast in the seaside village of “Hartley-by-the-Sea”, population fifteen hundred. Her B&B hosts guests from far and wide, mostly people on walking holidays.
Juliet is a very solitary person. Lonely, but seemingly unable to let her guard down long enough to make friends. The outgoing Lucy is very intimidated of her half-sister, who gives her a cold welcome without so much as a hug. They tiptoe around each other, both physically and emotionally.
Juliet has arranged for Lucy to take a temporary position as a primary school receptionist/secretary. Lucy, who is an artist, has no skills to take to her new position and finds the job challenging. The head teacher, though very handsome, is taciturn and chilly in demeanor.
The girls had very different upbringings. Their mother, Fiona Bagshaw, is a prominent artist and an outspoken social commentator. Lucy had lived under her mother’s shadow in Boston, Mass. whilst Juliet, eleven years Lucy’s senior, was on her own in England. Juliet was estranged from her mother, who treated her coldly and didn’t so much as acknowledge her birthdays and Christmases over the years. She felt unloved and unwanted her entire life.
As early autumn turns to winter, Lucy’s warm effusiveness eventually breaks the ice around Juliet’s heart and the sisters gradually warm toward each other, but not without some stumbling blocks along the way. This change in Juliet causes her to open up to other people, especially the sheep farmer up the road.
“Hartley-by-the-Sea” is in a part of England that I dream about. The friendly village and picture perfect views of the Western Lake District make for an idyllic setting for a novel. The charming Cumbrian customs and dialect add extra flavor to this excellent example of women’s fiction. I can’t wait to visit the village again in the next “Hartley-by-the-Sea” novel, “Now and then friends“.
The second novel in the series features different characters from the same charming village. We meet them only fleetingly in the first novel.
Quality women’s fiction, gorgeous setting, and a whiff of romance, make for escapist fiction at its finest.
I received a digital copy of this novel from Berkley/NAL via NetGalley. It was my pleasure to review it.
September 15, 2015
Two sisters, almost total strangers, begin a journey towards connection and a sense of family. They do not gel immediately, yet perhaps underneath they are more alike than they initially experience. Rainy Day Sisters is set in the fictional town of Hartley-on-Sea in Cumbria, England. Ultimately this is a story of hope and connection and finding family as two sisters battle it out to find what they need.
Rachel the older sister, has set up a B&B, she is a rather self-contained, organised, lonely person. When her sister Lucy arrives to stay with her she is remote and clinical and rather disapproving of Lucy. She is very prickly. It was easy to dislike her, yet as the story unfolds, the more I understood her, the more I felt compassion for her.
Lucy has come from Boston to stay with her sister, she is an artist, but has been shamed by her mother, the esteemed artist Fiona Bagshaw, in the press and through social media. Lucy seeks refuge with Rachel and begins a job in the local school as a temp office worker. While she is not really skilled for the work she soon finds her way about and her compassion and understanding for the children soon see her involved in the local communtiy.
At the core of the sisters' lives is the influence their mother Fiona Bagshaw has had on their lives. She has been cold and unloving towards Rachel, who has felt jealous and angry with Fiona for the way she wanted Lucy. Yet it was never a bed of roses for Lucy either. She experienced some serious bullying at school because of her mother's 'art', and in general did not have a normal family experience.
I liked how the novel explored the mother/daughter relationship through Rachel and Lucy and also with a few of the families in the town. The importance of family, love and acceptance is highlighted, and how important the actions of a parent are. In so many ways this is echoed throughout the lives of the villagers.
The way the story developed was very believable, the characters felt very real, the town and its inhabitants adding flavour and impact to the story. I liked the way the story ended, not over the top, but realistic and promising.
Rachel the older sister, has set up a B&B, she is a rather self-contained, organised, lonely person. When her sister Lucy arrives to stay with her she is remote and clinical and rather disapproving of Lucy. She is very prickly. It was easy to dislike her, yet as the story unfolds, the more I understood her, the more I felt compassion for her.
Lucy has come from Boston to stay with her sister, she is an artist, but has been shamed by her mother, the esteemed artist Fiona Bagshaw, in the press and through social media. Lucy seeks refuge with Rachel and begins a job in the local school as a temp office worker. While she is not really skilled for the work she soon finds her way about and her compassion and understanding for the children soon see her involved in the local communtiy.
At the core of the sisters' lives is the influence their mother Fiona Bagshaw has had on their lives. She has been cold and unloving towards Rachel, who has felt jealous and angry with Fiona for the way she wanted Lucy. Yet it was never a bed of roses for Lucy either. She experienced some serious bullying at school because of her mother's 'art', and in general did not have a normal family experience.
I liked how the novel explored the mother/daughter relationship through Rachel and Lucy and also with a few of the families in the town. The importance of family, love and acceptance is highlighted, and how important the actions of a parent are. In so many ways this is echoed throughout the lives of the villagers.
The way the story developed was very believable, the characters felt very real, the town and its inhabitants adding flavour and impact to the story. I liked the way the story ended, not over the top, but realistic and promising.
May 29, 2020
Exactly what I was looking for! I wanted a book set in a small town or village in England with characters I could really imagine there. Most of all I wanted a story about real people and real hardships and not just a light rom com. Rainy day sisters is a healing story one that will continue on since it is a series. It has substance and heartache and raw emotions just like the English weather, and it also has heart, second chances, and most of all sisterly love. looking forward to the next book!
July 19, 2020
A "heartfelt" novel is enough to make me turn the other direction. But, my friend lent it to me and I had nothing else to do. It was ok.
July 23, 2016
Juliet and Lucy are half sisters who have never really gotten to know each other. They are 11years apart and Lucy and their Mom moved to Boston when Lucy was only 6 and Juliet stayed in England. To say that they aren't close at the beginning of the novel is an understatement. Even though they don't really know each other, Juliet invites Lucy to her b&b in Hartley-by-the-Sea when her life in Boston falls apart. Juliet is very unfriendly and resentful of the life that Lucy lived with their mother and is very unfriendly to Lucy.
So now we have two sisters who dislike and resent each other but they still need each other. They both need family and need to learn to be each other's family despite their earlier feelings. Their struggle to learn whether they can depend on each other is the major theme of the novel.
The novel is very good. There were times that I didn't like either one of the sisters but once I understood their backgrounds, they became more likable. I enjoyed this book for the story and for the wonderful scenery in small town England.
So now we have two sisters who dislike and resent each other but they still need each other. They both need family and need to learn to be each other's family despite their earlier feelings. Their struggle to learn whether they can depend on each other is the major theme of the novel.
The novel is very good. There were times that I didn't like either one of the sisters but once I understood their backgrounds, they became more likable. I enjoyed this book for the story and for the wonderful scenery in small town England.
August 21, 2015
I love falling in love with a new novel, and this one charmed me from the start. Winsome characters, romance-worthy setting, and enough relationship drama to keep me up at nights. I can’t say enough good things about this one, including the fact that it’s clean. From page one, I loved sweet Lucy and her hopeless optimism. I ached for prickly Juliet while rooting for Lucy’s determination to crack her nut-hard shell. I relished the way these two estranged sisters found the complement in the other they each needed, leading them both to health and hope. And the romance they found along the way provided sweet icing on the cake.
Though I savored this lovely story over the course of several sunny, summer days, Rainy Day Sisters would make an even more delightful treat swallowed whole this fall on your next curl-up-beside-the-fire-with-a-cuppa rainy day.
Thanks to New American Library for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
Though I savored this lovely story over the course of several sunny, summer days, Rainy Day Sisters would make an even more delightful treat swallowed whole this fall on your next curl-up-beside-the-fire-with-a-cuppa rainy day.
Thanks to New American Library for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
September 17, 2015
Lucy and Juliet's mother is not a nurturing woman. Lucy and Juliet are not bosom buddies. According to the back cover "with the help of quirky villagers" they'll get over it. But quirky Peter and Alex are not reacting well to their own problems. etc.
This book was filled with prickly people. I don't think there was one "normal" person in the whole book to give readers a moment of rest between crises.
It's not a bad book, but you have to be in the mood for it or it'll cause you to throw it across the room. (According to Mary, I shouldn't throw it across the room--she hasn't read it yet and besides, it belongs to my sister.)
This book was filled with prickly people. I don't think there was one "normal" person in the whole book to give readers a moment of rest between crises.
It's not a bad book, but you have to be in the mood for it or it'll cause you to throw it across the room. (According to Mary, I shouldn't throw it across the room--she hasn't read it yet and besides, it belongs to my sister.)
October 19, 2015
Three and a half stars.
A novel about brokenness and healing, reality and hope.
The two male love interests, I found to be really well done and enjoyable. No insta-love here, but slow-builds, men with complexity, character and depth.
And a setting to rival all settings - the beautiful Lake District.
At times, a funny combination of being a little 'blah' and ordinary, yet often deep and meaningful. Chic lit, I suppose, but definitely not superficial. A cosy kind of read.
A novel about brokenness and healing, reality and hope.
The two male love interests, I found to be really well done and enjoyable. No insta-love here, but slow-builds, men with complexity, character and depth.
And a setting to rival all settings - the beautiful Lake District.
At times, a funny combination of being a little 'blah' and ordinary, yet often deep and meaningful. Chic lit, I suppose, but definitely not superficial. A cosy kind of read.
May 12, 2022
Is there a sequel? I kind of hope so. I need to know what happens to my new friends!
April 7, 2020
This charming novel is set in the tiny village of Hartley-by-the-Sea, where if you are visiting someone of the opposite sex after 9pm the residents begin to plan a wedding. Lucy and Juliet, the two main characters, are half sisters who have never been close and who have not seen one another for many years. Juliet, who runs a B&B, invites Lucy, who lives in Boston, to come to this seaside hamlet after Lucy suffers a traumatic breakup and an embarrassing incident with their mother.
Most of the novel is devoted to the two men to whom each of them is attracted: Alex and Peter. The relationships are slow to develop, and Hewitt describes the ups and downs with humor and sweetness. The outcome, although predictable, is enjoyable to read and heartwarming.
I related to several of the themes in this novel, such as sisterhood and its challenges, the atmosphere of a school, including the ever-present gossip and the difficulty of keeping one's professional distance when dealing with emotionally needy students.
I am anxious to read the next novel in the series, Now & Then Friends, which is excerpted at the end of this one.
Most of the novel is devoted to the two men to whom each of them is attracted: Alex and Peter. The relationships are slow to develop, and Hewitt describes the ups and downs with humor and sweetness. The outcome, although predictable, is enjoyable to read and heartwarming.
I related to several of the themes in this novel, such as sisterhood and its challenges, the atmosphere of a school, including the ever-present gossip and the difficulty of keeping one's professional distance when dealing with emotionally needy students.
I am anxious to read the next novel in the series, Now & Then Friends, which is excerpted at the end of this one.
November 24, 2018
Interesting but the characters were caught up in too much history. And Lucy started out as a little self absorbed. It took me half way through the book before it really started to hold my interest. Might even read the next in this series.
September 1, 2017
I enjoyed that.
What a horrible mother! I could identify a bit with the older sister and how her reaction to her parent's treatment messed up her character and interaction with others.
What a horrible mother! I could identify a bit with the older sister and how her reaction to her parent's treatment messed up her character and interaction with others.
August 31, 2022
I don’t have anything incredible to say about this book except that it was a nice heart felt book to read and in the end left me going to order the other books in the series…
April 5, 2025
A nice book with sister drama that would be a great book club book, as there’s a lot to talk about. 3.5 stars—probably because I’ve read so many great books lately that the bar is high. Looking forward to book two.
May 8, 2025
I enjoyed this story. It wasn’t a “Hallmark” story. It was difficult at times. I enjoyed the sisters element that was at the forefront.
March 29, 2023
I'm not sure why I enjoyed this as much as I did. It was totally predictable, so I guess I must have just been in the mood for this type of story.
Audiobook
Narrator: Rosalyn Landor
Duration: 11:29:52
Audiobook
Narrator: Rosalyn Landor
Duration: 11:29:52
August 31, 2021
Even though the plot was predictable, I enjoyed this book because of the well drawn characters. I liked the fact that everything was tied up in a pretty bow at the end and would like to read another book with these great characters but, sadly, the author hasn’t written one.
September 21, 2015
Since becoming a reviewer and blogger I've avoided books which are impart of a series, purely due to the fact that with an ever growing TBR list, I can't guarantee that I will be able to read the following books, and I just have to know what happened.
So when I saw that Rainy Day Sisters was touring I "umm'd" and "ahh'd" over it for all of 30 seconds - just look at that beautiful, intriguing book cover that gives absolutely nothing away, yet makes perfect sense right from the start of the novel.
Rainy Day Sisters is a Hartley-By-The-Sea novel, the first in the series and is set a quaint little village in the Lake District.
It tales the tale of two sisters, bound together purely by the fact they have the same mother and is set over a four month time scale. The book is split into chapters giving the story from the prospective of the two girls in turn, although narrated from the third person.
Although at times I found the story a little predictable, it's a romance after all, the book flowed and and the pages kept turning, in fact I devoured the story in one sitting all bar my tea breaks!!
Lucy - is the younger of the two sisters and arrives at Juliets door from Boston after her life falls apart. Her, their, mother is a well known artist and has embarrassed Lucy in the most public and humiliating of ways. That thrown in with her losing her job and her relationship falling apart she escapes to the wet, cold and windy Cumbrian village.
Lucy is incredibly naive at some of the things that happen and as a reader you could just see how the out come was going to be.
She's also crazy, live and bubbly and surprises her self when she gets a new, albeit temporary job at the local primary school, and starts to form new friendships.
Over the course of the four months that she is there she also forms a strong bond with Alex, the head teacher. Alex has his own problems, a widower with two young daughters... Bella, a preteen with attitude and facing bullies at school, and 6 year old Poppy who you just couldn't help but fall for with her cute ways. Lucy has a tendency to fall head first and it's no different with Alex but as she's only there for a few months they keep their distance.
Juliet is the older sibling and is as tough as they come... On the outside. Lucy and their mother left her for Boston when she was at university and they've barely seen each other since, not that Juliet and her mother had a loving relationship to start with.
Juliet resents Lucy and when she arrives at her door she regrets agreeing her to come and stay instantly. She hasn't got the time for Lucy and her sob story, after all, she feels if it wasn't for Lucy hen she and her mum may have a relationship.
Juliet has her own troubles. She's lonely, clear as day lonely even though she lives in a small village where everyone knows everything about each other, but deep down she's hurt and heartbroken. She appears cold hearted due to rejection from her mother, not the only one to make her feel like that... She was also left to fend for herself when dealing with an ectopic pregnancy - I've been through this myself and know just how hard it is - and is now desperate for a child, someone she hopes will love her and need her.
Juliet appears to have only two real friends in the village, her neighbour Peter who had a thing for her but she's in denial about, and her cleaner Rachel.
Rainy Day Sisters brings Juliet and Lucy together but it's not a easy ride. Whilst Lucy just wants her sister to open up to her, Juliet can't help but find flaws in Lucy.
Just as they are getting somewhere, heir mother calls up and Lucy jumps like a lap dog back to Boston, leaving a gap in the bridge her and Juliet had almost mended, after almost declaring her feelings to Alex and telling the girls she was staying as it was her new home....
I loved reading this book, I've family in Cumbria and felt quite nostalgic reading about the weather, the sheep and village life as well as enjoying a good romantic story, well written with ups and downs.
The characters were easy to get to know and I'm hoping that the next book in the Hartley-By-The-Sea series picks up where it's left off as I'd love to know how Juliet and Lucy move forward as sisters plus how they are moving on with Peter and Alex respectively.
So when I saw that Rainy Day Sisters was touring I "umm'd" and "ahh'd" over it for all of 30 seconds - just look at that beautiful, intriguing book cover that gives absolutely nothing away, yet makes perfect sense right from the start of the novel.
Rainy Day Sisters is a Hartley-By-The-Sea novel, the first in the series and is set a quaint little village in the Lake District.
It tales the tale of two sisters, bound together purely by the fact they have the same mother and is set over a four month time scale. The book is split into chapters giving the story from the prospective of the two girls in turn, although narrated from the third person.
Although at times I found the story a little predictable, it's a romance after all, the book flowed and and the pages kept turning, in fact I devoured the story in one sitting all bar my tea breaks!!
Lucy - is the younger of the two sisters and arrives at Juliets door from Boston after her life falls apart. Her, their, mother is a well known artist and has embarrassed Lucy in the most public and humiliating of ways. That thrown in with her losing her job and her relationship falling apart she escapes to the wet, cold and windy Cumbrian village.
Lucy is incredibly naive at some of the things that happen and as a reader you could just see how the out come was going to be.
She's also crazy, live and bubbly and surprises her self when she gets a new, albeit temporary job at the local primary school, and starts to form new friendships.
Over the course of the four months that she is there she also forms a strong bond with Alex, the head teacher. Alex has his own problems, a widower with two young daughters... Bella, a preteen with attitude and facing bullies at school, and 6 year old Poppy who you just couldn't help but fall for with her cute ways. Lucy has a tendency to fall head first and it's no different with Alex but as she's only there for a few months they keep their distance.
Juliet is the older sibling and is as tough as they come... On the outside. Lucy and their mother left her for Boston when she was at university and they've barely seen each other since, not that Juliet and her mother had a loving relationship to start with.
Juliet resents Lucy and when she arrives at her door she regrets agreeing her to come and stay instantly. She hasn't got the time for Lucy and her sob story, after all, she feels if it wasn't for Lucy hen she and her mum may have a relationship.
Juliet has her own troubles. She's lonely, clear as day lonely even though she lives in a small village where everyone knows everything about each other, but deep down she's hurt and heartbroken. She appears cold hearted due to rejection from her mother, not the only one to make her feel like that... She was also left to fend for herself when dealing with an ectopic pregnancy - I've been through this myself and know just how hard it is - and is now desperate for a child, someone she hopes will love her and need her.
Juliet appears to have only two real friends in the village, her neighbour Peter who had a thing for her but she's in denial about, and her cleaner Rachel.
Rainy Day Sisters brings Juliet and Lucy together but it's not a easy ride. Whilst Lucy just wants her sister to open up to her, Juliet can't help but find flaws in Lucy.
Just as they are getting somewhere, heir mother calls up and Lucy jumps like a lap dog back to Boston, leaving a gap in the bridge her and Juliet had almost mended, after almost declaring her feelings to Alex and telling the girls she was staying as it was her new home....
I loved reading this book, I've family in Cumbria and felt quite nostalgic reading about the weather, the sheep and village life as well as enjoying a good romantic story, well written with ups and downs.
The characters were easy to get to know and I'm hoping that the next book in the Hartley-By-The-Sea series picks up where it's left off as I'd love to know how Juliet and Lucy move forward as sisters plus how they are moving on with Peter and Alex respectively.
January 4, 2022
I have been struggling to find a book lately that I can really get into. This was the right book at the right time. Wonderful charming story. A nice quiet seaside village in England where 2 sisters connect & repair the damage in their relationship.
August 8, 2015
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Rainy Day Sisters: A Hartley-by-the-Sea Novel by Kate Hewitt, © 2015
Rainy Day Sisters is set in the fictional village of Hartley-by-the-Sea. Come along as we explore this just released novel!
...beautiful places can be found just about anywhere, if you have the heart to look for them
--author Kate Hewitt, beautiful places
Kate Hewitt
I am newly discovering Kate's writings. Profusely beautiful in expression of what might be missed in a day. I like the descriptiveness as if you are a passenger able to take in the countryside.
A long journey to leave yourself behind? Four months could stretch out beyond expectations as unknown clues unravel.
What would it be like to finally reach your destination and pick up a new beginning? Lucy Bagshaw is about to find out as she joins her half sister, Juliet, and begins a new job, filling in for four months at a primary school. How hard could that be?
Alternating chapters give each of Lucy and Juliet's thoughts as they adjust to being "sisters-close-up." Lucy, the newcomer, learning the flow of Juliet's home with her two rescue dogs. Comical how with decisions to be made, diversions become time to walk the dogs. I like how they get to know each other.
“Because I’m living with you, and I realize I don’t even know you, not really. We’re sisters—”
“Half sisters.” It popped out before Juliet could keep herself from it, and Lucy blinked, clearly stung.
“Half sisters,” she agreed, “but we’re the only siblings we’ve got—”
“True enough, I suppose.”
--Rainy Day Sisters, 29
Juliet has a bed-and-breakfast ~ Tarn House ~ so a social place in the village as walkers or hikers stopover. Surrounded by farms and hillsides, Hartley-by-the-Sea, population fifteen hundred, is a quaint, quiet seaside village with passers-by enjoying the northern England countryside.
A lot of rainy tea-drinking days interfold these two sisters as they become acquainted as adult women. One with everything orderly and the other with self-expression floating about. They balance each other in a certain way, bringing out the characters of others in their vicinity. Juliet has been here ten years and finds Lucy able to bring others out within her few months ~ mainly because she asks them questions. I am hoping these families will continue in the following stories, and this is just an introduction to them.
I liked the openness in which the characters are eventually able to express themselves, after routine days, one after the other, mundane in themselves. Likely, because someone cared to ask and involve themselves in their lives. Especially with the gathering at the pub for the monthly quiz. That sounded like fun ~ sort of like a trivia contest.
***Thank you to author Kate Hewitt for inviting me to read and review the first book in her new series, Hartley-by-the-Sea, and to the publisher, New American Library, a division of Penguin Group, for sending me a review copy. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
Rainy Day Sisters: A Hartley-by-the-Sea Novel by Kate Hewitt, © 2015
Rainy Day Sisters is set in the fictional village of Hartley-by-the-Sea. Come along as we explore this just released novel!
...beautiful places can be found just about anywhere, if you have the heart to look for them
--author Kate Hewitt, beautiful places
Kate Hewitt
I am newly discovering Kate's writings. Profusely beautiful in expression of what might be missed in a day. I like the descriptiveness as if you are a passenger able to take in the countryside.
A long journey to leave yourself behind? Four months could stretch out beyond expectations as unknown clues unravel.
What would it be like to finally reach your destination and pick up a new beginning? Lucy Bagshaw is about to find out as she joins her half sister, Juliet, and begins a new job, filling in for four months at a primary school. How hard could that be?
Alternating chapters give each of Lucy and Juliet's thoughts as they adjust to being "sisters-close-up." Lucy, the newcomer, learning the flow of Juliet's home with her two rescue dogs. Comical how with decisions to be made, diversions become time to walk the dogs. I like how they get to know each other.
“Because I’m living with you, and I realize I don’t even know you, not really. We’re sisters—”
“Half sisters.” It popped out before Juliet could keep herself from it, and Lucy blinked, clearly stung.
“Half sisters,” she agreed, “but we’re the only siblings we’ve got—”
“True enough, I suppose.”
--Rainy Day Sisters, 29
Juliet has a bed-and-breakfast ~ Tarn House ~ so a social place in the village as walkers or hikers stopover. Surrounded by farms and hillsides, Hartley-by-the-Sea, population fifteen hundred, is a quaint, quiet seaside village with passers-by enjoying the northern England countryside.
A lot of rainy tea-drinking days interfold these two sisters as they become acquainted as adult women. One with everything orderly and the other with self-expression floating about. They balance each other in a certain way, bringing out the characters of others in their vicinity. Juliet has been here ten years and finds Lucy able to bring others out within her few months ~ mainly because she asks them questions. I am hoping these families will continue in the following stories, and this is just an introduction to them.
I liked the openness in which the characters are eventually able to express themselves, after routine days, one after the other, mundane in themselves. Likely, because someone cared to ask and involve themselves in their lives. Especially with the gathering at the pub for the monthly quiz. That sounded like fun ~ sort of like a trivia contest.
***Thank you to author Kate Hewitt for inviting me to read and review the first book in her new series, Hartley-by-the-Sea, and to the publisher, New American Library, a division of Penguin Group, for sending me a review copy. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
August 7, 2015
If you are looking for heartwarming, entertaining and real in a novel, then Rainy Day Sisters is just the book for you. And now that I have read it and fallen in love with the village of Hartley-by-the-Sea and some of the townspeople, I cannot wait for future books in this series by Ms. Hewitt.
Rainy Day Sisters is a primarily character-driven novel. Lucy leaves Boston after a public embarrassment to go to England to stay with her half-sister and seemingly find herself. Lucy imagines herself on a quintessential British holiday, however she doesn't realize how far out of the way Hartley-by-the-Sea is or how two cultures can speak the same language yet not be understood. She also pictured bonding and healing with her half-sister Juliet. However as expected in a book, things don't go as planned. But sometimes things that aren't planned work out for the best.
Juliet extends the invitation to her sister then wonders why she did it. She's not a total recluse, she runs a B&B but she doesn't have anyone really steady and involved in her life. She sees the townsfolk and talks to them and she and her neighbor Peter talk from time-to-time but she doesn't even realize that she doesn't have any close bonds. And she doesn't expect any to form with her half-sister who their mother took with them when she left England and left Juliet behind.
There are bumps in the road with the relationship between Juliet and Lucy, but I was always pulling for them. I wasn't sure if I liked Lucy at first but she grew on me. I liked Juliet and could relate to her (well except for the being estranged from her mother). Both women want something more but they don't realize that they will find that something more together.
It's a great, fun novel about finding yourself and learning to trust others and trust yourself and decisions you make. Of course the path isn't easy, but life isn't. There are funny moments, sad moments, and profound moments. The writing is great. I think Ms. Hewitt told this story very well, interspersing humor and wit with the serious aspects.
If you enjoy women's fiction or just a great relationship read with some hints at a romance plot then this is the book for you. There is something for everyone in this one. Sisters, friendship, romance, failed relationships, family squabbles, small village life, it's all in there. And I loved the setting. I want to go to Hartley-By-The-Sea. No the weather is not always ideal but somehow it does sound like that quintessential British village in the countryside. I felt like I was there getting to know Lucy and Juliet and the townspeople.
I loved this book, the characters, the writing, the storyline and I look forward to future books in this series. Give this book a chance and I think you will really enjoy it.
Review first appeared at My Reading Room Blog
Rainy Day Sisters is a primarily character-driven novel. Lucy leaves Boston after a public embarrassment to go to England to stay with her half-sister and seemingly find herself. Lucy imagines herself on a quintessential British holiday, however she doesn't realize how far out of the way Hartley-by-the-Sea is or how two cultures can speak the same language yet not be understood. She also pictured bonding and healing with her half-sister Juliet. However as expected in a book, things don't go as planned. But sometimes things that aren't planned work out for the best.
Juliet extends the invitation to her sister then wonders why she did it. She's not a total recluse, she runs a B&B but she doesn't have anyone really steady and involved in her life. She sees the townsfolk and talks to them and she and her neighbor Peter talk from time-to-time but she doesn't even realize that she doesn't have any close bonds. And she doesn't expect any to form with her half-sister who their mother took with them when she left England and left Juliet behind.
There are bumps in the road with the relationship between Juliet and Lucy, but I was always pulling for them. I wasn't sure if I liked Lucy at first but she grew on me. I liked Juliet and could relate to her (well except for the being estranged from her mother). Both women want something more but they don't realize that they will find that something more together.
It's a great, fun novel about finding yourself and learning to trust others and trust yourself and decisions you make. Of course the path isn't easy, but life isn't. There are funny moments, sad moments, and profound moments. The writing is great. I think Ms. Hewitt told this story very well, interspersing humor and wit with the serious aspects.
If you enjoy women's fiction or just a great relationship read with some hints at a romance plot then this is the book for you. There is something for everyone in this one. Sisters, friendship, romance, failed relationships, family squabbles, small village life, it's all in there. And I loved the setting. I want to go to Hartley-By-The-Sea. No the weather is not always ideal but somehow it does sound like that quintessential British village in the countryside. I felt like I was there getting to know Lucy and Juliet and the townspeople.
I loved this book, the characters, the writing, the storyline and I look forward to future books in this series. Give this book a chance and I think you will really enjoy it.
Review first appeared at My Reading Room Blog
February 4, 2016
Original review located at http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
RAINY DAY SISTERS When a Primal Relationship Goes Wrong
Audiobook provided by publisher for review. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
There are bad mothers and then there are selfish, terrible women who have children to serve some agenda other than motherhood. In this book we see two half-sisters. When Lucy undergoes a public humiliation and a break up her barely known to her sister invites her to stay with her in England. Mi casa is sort of your casa. The inn in question is in a small village and since Lucy is actually British, Juliet fixes her up with a job. At the job, Lucy makes friends.
Where Juliet’s experience of her mother was terrible it seems to have turned her into a hard, mirthless woman. Her Mother left her to go to the US with Lucy while she was in high school. Nevertheless she goes into the hospitality industry. This was a sticking point to me; Juliet is nearly anti-social. If she were the keeper of the inn where I was to stay, I would leave.
On the other hand, Lucy has grown up with their showy, self-aggrandizing mother. But she is much sunnier, given to ignoring what she doesn’t like, and fickle about her path.
The two together form a shaky alliance, bound to collapse on some front. Juliet resents Lucy because of their mother. There’s a big revelation that actually cements the two as sisters, and even friends. It takes time to get there.
This story is well-written and a sensitive portrayal of two people recovering from the failure of the most primal of life’s relationships: Mother and Child. Their shared mother gives them common ground but also sets them up for division. While Lucy’s open nature and willingness to give her all brings Juliet forward, Juliet’s steadfast nature gives her the support she never had maternally. It’s interesting that both characters suffer the same parent and grow up damaged, but one from abandonment and neglect and the other from a different kind of neglect.
I liked the description of the area including the use of local Yorkshire dialect.
I like the way the relationships develop; the way Juliet’s small town accepts Lucy even before Juliet fully does. Juliet’s anger is finally allowed to come out and its release allows her to grow into a kinder and gentler person. The only thing that really bothered me is how skewed Juliet’s personality is; she is barely socialized.
The pace is slow, like the pace of life in a small town.
Having difficult sibling relationships I felt I understood the story and that it “spoke to me.”
It was worth my time if a little slow.
RAINY DAY SISTERS When a Primal Relationship Goes Wrong
Audiobook provided by publisher for review. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
There are bad mothers and then there are selfish, terrible women who have children to serve some agenda other than motherhood. In this book we see two half-sisters. When Lucy undergoes a public humiliation and a break up her barely known to her sister invites her to stay with her in England. Mi casa is sort of your casa. The inn in question is in a small village and since Lucy is actually British, Juliet fixes her up with a job. At the job, Lucy makes friends.
Where Juliet’s experience of her mother was terrible it seems to have turned her into a hard, mirthless woman. Her Mother left her to go to the US with Lucy while she was in high school. Nevertheless she goes into the hospitality industry. This was a sticking point to me; Juliet is nearly anti-social. If she were the keeper of the inn where I was to stay, I would leave.
On the other hand, Lucy has grown up with their showy, self-aggrandizing mother. But she is much sunnier, given to ignoring what she doesn’t like, and fickle about her path.
The two together form a shaky alliance, bound to collapse on some front. Juliet resents Lucy because of their mother. There’s a big revelation that actually cements the two as sisters, and even friends. It takes time to get there.
This story is well-written and a sensitive portrayal of two people recovering from the failure of the most primal of life’s relationships: Mother and Child. Their shared mother gives them common ground but also sets them up for division. While Lucy’s open nature and willingness to give her all brings Juliet forward, Juliet’s steadfast nature gives her the support she never had maternally. It’s interesting that both characters suffer the same parent and grow up damaged, but one from abandonment and neglect and the other from a different kind of neglect.
I liked the description of the area including the use of local Yorkshire dialect.
I like the way the relationships develop; the way Juliet’s small town accepts Lucy even before Juliet fully does. Juliet’s anger is finally allowed to come out and its release allows her to grow into a kinder and gentler person. The only thing that really bothered me is how skewed Juliet’s personality is; she is barely socialized.
The pace is slow, like the pace of life in a small town.
Having difficult sibling relationships I felt I understood the story and that it “spoke to me.”
It was worth my time if a little slow.
September 28, 2015
Lucy's mother has ruined Lucy's life and she has to get away from it all. She leaves Boston and returns to England to live with her sister Juliet for a few months. Juliet has a bed & breakfast in Hartley-by-the Sea, which is a wonderful seaside village. What was supposed to be a healing stay is proving to be difficult when Juliet is far from welcoming and when Lucy's job for the time being proves to be tough. Lucy's boss Alex is strict and scary and she has to do her very best not to offend him.
Lucy tries to make the most of her stay in the village. She finds new friends easily which is something Juliet resents. There's nobody special in Juliet's life and she's very lonely. Lucy is determined to get along with her sister and every time they're taking a little step in the right direction. Juliet wants to let people in, but she's afraid, because she has so many wishes that might never be fulfilled. When they can finally talk about their mother the sisters finally bond a little. Will it be enough to get along and will they both find someone who will love them no matter what?
Rainy Day Sisters is a beautiful stories about two sisters who both had difficult childhoods because of their mother. She still influences their lives and the way they behave. They need to become their own person and when they finally get to know each other they have a chance to achieve that. I liked that aspect of the book a lot. Juliet is inaccessible, but she's also craving love. Opening up is scary and she tries to hide behind a mask of unfriendliness. It broke my heart because she deserves so much more. Lucy is such a kind and gentle person. Instead of being welcomed with open arms after the traumatic events in Boston she gets unfriendliness. She's resilient and strong and she's such a wonderful, open person that she will be able to defrost anyone. I loved that about her.
I like books about sisters and Rainy Day Sisters is a great one. It's such a touching story and I couldn't stop reading. I kept being really curious to find out what would happen next. Kate Hewitt switches between the sisters in her chapters. I think that works really well. Both Juliet and Lucy have a distinctive own voice and I was equally interested in either of them. The story is strong and there are many interesting moments. I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read a great quality romantic small town story with amazing main characters.
Lucy tries to make the most of her stay in the village. She finds new friends easily which is something Juliet resents. There's nobody special in Juliet's life and she's very lonely. Lucy is determined to get along with her sister and every time they're taking a little step in the right direction. Juliet wants to let people in, but she's afraid, because she has so many wishes that might never be fulfilled. When they can finally talk about their mother the sisters finally bond a little. Will it be enough to get along and will they both find someone who will love them no matter what?
Rainy Day Sisters is a beautiful stories about two sisters who both had difficult childhoods because of their mother. She still influences their lives and the way they behave. They need to become their own person and when they finally get to know each other they have a chance to achieve that. I liked that aspect of the book a lot. Juliet is inaccessible, but she's also craving love. Opening up is scary and she tries to hide behind a mask of unfriendliness. It broke my heart because she deserves so much more. Lucy is such a kind and gentle person. Instead of being welcomed with open arms after the traumatic events in Boston she gets unfriendliness. She's resilient and strong and she's such a wonderful, open person that she will be able to defrost anyone. I loved that about her.
I like books about sisters and Rainy Day Sisters is a great one. It's such a touching story and I couldn't stop reading. I kept being really curious to find out what would happen next. Kate Hewitt switches between the sisters in her chapters. I think that works really well. Both Juliet and Lucy have a distinctive own voice and I was equally interested in either of them. The story is strong and there are many interesting moments. I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read a great quality romantic small town story with amazing main characters.
August 17, 2015
I was given a copy of this book by Netgallery in exchange for an honest review.
Juliet and Lucy are half sisters, 11 years apart in age and barley know each other. Lucy having been brought up in America by their mother Fiona, a famous artist, and Juliet having been left behind in England as a teenager when her mother found fame and moved abroad. They are brought together by a mutual dislike of their thoughtless and egotistical mother, after she publicly shames Lucy's art work. In an uncharacteristic moment of weakness Juliet offers Lucy a way of escape, and a part time job. As the story unfolds the sisters learn to understand each other and work through old resentments and jealousies. With the security they find in each other, they begin to open up to new possibilities in other areas of their lives along the way. Even though the book has some dark underlying themes of rejection and heartbreak, it is a surprisingly heartwarming read. The characters are well rounded and likeable, and the book is descriptive and well written. This is a great easy read with a lot of ups and downs along the way. I hope there will be a sequel, as I felt the book ended quite abruptly, and left lots of possibilities for more story to follow.
Juliet and Lucy are half sisters, 11 years apart in age and barley know each other. Lucy having been brought up in America by their mother Fiona, a famous artist, and Juliet having been left behind in England as a teenager when her mother found fame and moved abroad. They are brought together by a mutual dislike of their thoughtless and egotistical mother, after she publicly shames Lucy's art work. In an uncharacteristic moment of weakness Juliet offers Lucy a way of escape, and a part time job. As the story unfolds the sisters learn to understand each other and work through old resentments and jealousies. With the security they find in each other, they begin to open up to new possibilities in other areas of their lives along the way. Even though the book has some dark underlying themes of rejection and heartbreak, it is a surprisingly heartwarming read. The characters are well rounded and likeable, and the book is descriptive and well written. This is a great easy read with a lot of ups and downs along the way. I hope there will be a sequel, as I felt the book ended quite abruptly, and left lots of possibilities for more story to follow.
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