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Ivy Lane #1-4
Ivy Lane
Tilly Parker needs a fresh start, fresh air and a fresh attitude if she is ever to leave the past behind and move on with her life. As she seeks out peace and quiet in a new town, taking on a plot at Ivy Lane allotments seems like the perfect solution.
But the friendly Ivy Lane community has other ideas and gradually draw Tilly in to their cosy, comforting world of planting seedlings, organizing bake sales and planning seasonal parties.
As the seasons pass, will Tilly learn to stop hiding amongst the sweetpeas and let people back into her life – and her heart?
But the friendly Ivy Lane community has other ideas and gradually draw Tilly in to their cosy, comforting world of planting seedlings, organizing bake sales and planning seasonal parties.
As the seasons pass, will Tilly learn to stop hiding amongst the sweetpeas and let people back into her life – and her heart?
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2014
165 people are currently reading
1484 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Bramley
66 books1,130 followersCathy Bramley is the author of the best-selling romantic comedies Ivy Lane, Appleby Farm, Wickham Hall, Conditional Love and The Plumberry School of Comfort Food. She lives in a Nottinghamshire village with her family and a dog.
Her recent career as a full-time writer of light-hearted, romantic fiction has come as somewhat of a lovely surprise after spending eighteen years running her own marketing agency. However, she has been always an avid reader, never without a book on the go and now thinks she may have found her dream job!
Cathy loves to hear from her readers. You can get in touch via her website www.CathyBramley.co.uk Facebook page Facebook.com/CathyBramleyAuthor or on Twitter twitter.com/CathyBramley
Her recent career as a full-time writer of light-hearted, romantic fiction has come as somewhat of a lovely surprise after spending eighteen years running her own marketing agency. However, she has been always an avid reader, never without a book on the go and now thinks she may have found her dream job!
Cathy loves to hear from her readers. You can get in touch via her website www.CathyBramley.co.uk Facebook page Facebook.com/CathyBramleyAuthor or on Twitter twitter.com/CathyBramley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
January 2, 2015
As of right now, I'm still trying to process my thoughts on Tilly Parker's story because it was just so bloody brilliant, so if I begin to ramble and make no sense at all, then that's my excuse!
In Ivy Lane, we're introduced to Tilly Parker. Cathy begins to reveal to the reader that there is something that has led Tilly to her new destination, although the exact reason isn't revealed until a later point within the story. It's fair to say that I was intrigued instantly and my mind was whirring with all of the possible reasons as to why Tilly was there. She was beginning a new job in the local primary school, she was looking for peace and solitude, and all of these things pointed to Tilly's past and something dramatic which must have happened to make her want to start completely anew. Tilly's past remains a mysterious for quite a while which is something that I just adored. Every now and then, something would cause Tilly's eyes to swim with tears, and it became apparent that as the story progressed, I was getting closer and closer to figuring out what had happened to her before Ivy Lane. I found myself warming to Tilly immediately, not just because it was obvious that she'd suffered some sort of tragedy, but because she was just so damn likeable! Self-deprecating at times, comical, friendly and genuine, Tilly Parker was a woman who I could definitely see myself being friends with. What I loved the most though, without a shadow of a doubt, was Tilly's transition. Looking back now, from Spring to Winter, Tilly undergoes such a marvellous change and it truly warms my heart. Avoiding friendship and keeping herself to herself is Tilly's main plan of action when she first steps onto Ivy Lane territory, but as the seasons pass, her determined wall of solitude is chipped away at, and by the time winter arrives, Tilly Parker is like a brand new person. This change that takes place was incredibly beautiful to witness from a reader's perspective, and I was in awe of Cathy's superb talents when it came to matters of the heart. The entire Ivy Lane story was a big bundle of friendship, love, letting go of the past and welcoming in all that is new, positive and uplifting. It was a pure pleasure to journey alongside Tilly, and to watch her push through the surface and blossom into this new sparkling being, much like one of the seedlings of Ivy Lane itself.
I think Cathy's decision to begin each new part of Tilly's story with a new season was genius. Not only did it enhance the whole gardening and weather themed feel of the story, but it had me thinking beforehand of all that I had to look forward to in the upcoming months! Whilst reading in summer, I found myself excited about what would be happening in October during Halloween, and in December for Christmas! The colourful, engaging inhabitants of the Ivy Lane allotments drew Tilly in despite her best efforts to not become involved with any of them, and it wasn't long until Tilly was planning social events and getting dressed up in a witches outfit! Along with the changing seasons came the changing weather. The sunshine swapped places with frost, and this of course affected the delights that the Ivy Lane gardeners would plant on their allotments! It was busy and thrilling and even though I'm the least green-fingered person in the world, I had this crazy urge to turf soil, plant potatoes and carrots, and to assemble my own little greenhouse! I just think that Cathy has got such a wonderfully cosy package with her Ivy Lane story. Everything fits so perfectly and I could honestly see myself living alongside Tilly and the rest of the Ivy Lane lot very, very happily. The atmosphere was inviting and I honestly cannot fault the author for a single thing. This is what reading is about; finding a place that feels so comfortable and homely that you'd love to visit and meet the characters, and maybe get a lesson or two in gardening while you're at it!
Ivy Lane is written in first person narrative from Tilly's point of view, but that didn't stop me from feeling as if I knew the other characters just as well. There were so many fabulous people to meet, and each time a new name or face popped up, I think my smile grew bigger and bigger. Gemma, who Tilly finds herself sharing half of a plot with at Ivy Lane allotments, turns out to be another main character with her own story going on alongside Tilly's. The two became friends quickly, and Gemma was a completely joy to be around. I looked forward to seeing her each and every time that Tilly toddled off to her plot, and adored the dialogue between them both. Despite Tilly not wanting to get too close to anyone after what had happened to her previously, Gemma slips into her heart very quickly, and it was a beautiful thing to watch happen. The same goes to most of the other Ivy Lane characters too, from Mia, Gemma's teenage daughter, to Alf, an elderly man who gives the best advice and who Tilly becomes very fond of. All walks of life could be found in Ivy Lane, and I constantly found myself looking forward to diving back into the story whenever the chance arose.
Ivy Lane itself was like a little slice of paradise. At first, Tilly thinks this because it's going to offer peace and quiet to her, something which is much needed, but as the seasons continue to change, it becomes so much more than that. What was once seen as a place of alone time quickly turns into Tilly's escape. Surrounded by friends and chatter and business, it's almost as if life takes over and says, "Come on Tilly, it's time to let go now. Here are some friends, here are some vegetables. Work your magic and be happy." Quite simply, Ivy Lane felt like home. A place of comfort and happiness and positivity.
Becca's Books is giving Ivy Lane by Cathy Bramley five gorgeous cupcakes! I adored this story from page to page. I loved the characters, the atmosphere that immediately drew me in, the fresh veg and, of course, Tilly Parker. I feel as if I've made a new friend, learnt a new hobby, and watched someone go on a real adventure. This story will remain with me for a very long time, and I recommend it to EVERYBODY! Uplifting, emotional at times, but all in all, Ivy Lane is the perfect escape and I could escape there again and again and again.
In Ivy Lane, we're introduced to Tilly Parker. Cathy begins to reveal to the reader that there is something that has led Tilly to her new destination, although the exact reason isn't revealed until a later point within the story. It's fair to say that I was intrigued instantly and my mind was whirring with all of the possible reasons as to why Tilly was there. She was beginning a new job in the local primary school, she was looking for peace and solitude, and all of these things pointed to Tilly's past and something dramatic which must have happened to make her want to start completely anew. Tilly's past remains a mysterious for quite a while which is something that I just adored. Every now and then, something would cause Tilly's eyes to swim with tears, and it became apparent that as the story progressed, I was getting closer and closer to figuring out what had happened to her before Ivy Lane. I found myself warming to Tilly immediately, not just because it was obvious that she'd suffered some sort of tragedy, but because she was just so damn likeable! Self-deprecating at times, comical, friendly and genuine, Tilly Parker was a woman who I could definitely see myself being friends with. What I loved the most though, without a shadow of a doubt, was Tilly's transition. Looking back now, from Spring to Winter, Tilly undergoes such a marvellous change and it truly warms my heart. Avoiding friendship and keeping herself to herself is Tilly's main plan of action when she first steps onto Ivy Lane territory, but as the seasons pass, her determined wall of solitude is chipped away at, and by the time winter arrives, Tilly Parker is like a brand new person. This change that takes place was incredibly beautiful to witness from a reader's perspective, and I was in awe of Cathy's superb talents when it came to matters of the heart. The entire Ivy Lane story was a big bundle of friendship, love, letting go of the past and welcoming in all that is new, positive and uplifting. It was a pure pleasure to journey alongside Tilly, and to watch her push through the surface and blossom into this new sparkling being, much like one of the seedlings of Ivy Lane itself.
I think Cathy's decision to begin each new part of Tilly's story with a new season was genius. Not only did it enhance the whole gardening and weather themed feel of the story, but it had me thinking beforehand of all that I had to look forward to in the upcoming months! Whilst reading in summer, I found myself excited about what would be happening in October during Halloween, and in December for Christmas! The colourful, engaging inhabitants of the Ivy Lane allotments drew Tilly in despite her best efforts to not become involved with any of them, and it wasn't long until Tilly was planning social events and getting dressed up in a witches outfit! Along with the changing seasons came the changing weather. The sunshine swapped places with frost, and this of course affected the delights that the Ivy Lane gardeners would plant on their allotments! It was busy and thrilling and even though I'm the least green-fingered person in the world, I had this crazy urge to turf soil, plant potatoes and carrots, and to assemble my own little greenhouse! I just think that Cathy has got such a wonderfully cosy package with her Ivy Lane story. Everything fits so perfectly and I could honestly see myself living alongside Tilly and the rest of the Ivy Lane lot very, very happily. The atmosphere was inviting and I honestly cannot fault the author for a single thing. This is what reading is about; finding a place that feels so comfortable and homely that you'd love to visit and meet the characters, and maybe get a lesson or two in gardening while you're at it!
Ivy Lane is written in first person narrative from Tilly's point of view, but that didn't stop me from feeling as if I knew the other characters just as well. There were so many fabulous people to meet, and each time a new name or face popped up, I think my smile grew bigger and bigger. Gemma, who Tilly finds herself sharing half of a plot with at Ivy Lane allotments, turns out to be another main character with her own story going on alongside Tilly's. The two became friends quickly, and Gemma was a completely joy to be around. I looked forward to seeing her each and every time that Tilly toddled off to her plot, and adored the dialogue between them both. Despite Tilly not wanting to get too close to anyone after what had happened to her previously, Gemma slips into her heart very quickly, and it was a beautiful thing to watch happen. The same goes to most of the other Ivy Lane characters too, from Mia, Gemma's teenage daughter, to Alf, an elderly man who gives the best advice and who Tilly becomes very fond of. All walks of life could be found in Ivy Lane, and I constantly found myself looking forward to diving back into the story whenever the chance arose.
Ivy Lane itself was like a little slice of paradise. At first, Tilly thinks this because it's going to offer peace and quiet to her, something which is much needed, but as the seasons continue to change, it becomes so much more than that. What was once seen as a place of alone time quickly turns into Tilly's escape. Surrounded by friends and chatter and business, it's almost as if life takes over and says, "Come on Tilly, it's time to let go now. Here are some friends, here are some vegetables. Work your magic and be happy." Quite simply, Ivy Lane felt like home. A place of comfort and happiness and positivity.
Becca's Books is giving Ivy Lane by Cathy Bramley five gorgeous cupcakes! I adored this story from page to page. I loved the characters, the atmosphere that immediately drew me in, the fresh veg and, of course, Tilly Parker. I feel as if I've made a new friend, learnt a new hobby, and watched someone go on a real adventure. This story will remain with me for a very long time, and I recommend it to EVERYBODY! Uplifting, emotional at times, but all in all, Ivy Lane is the perfect escape and I could escape there again and again and again.
January 1, 2016
This book started really good, with an interesting story and a lovely setting, but it went down hill pretty quickly for me. It was too cliché and predictable. The main character Tilly was just too nice, sweet and unrealistic. I couldn't understand how she could make such a drama of being single for two years, come on you lost someone dear to you, it takes time for your heart to heal. I can't understand how the writer could make such a big deal out of it, like being single is terrible and Tilly's only way forward in life was to find a man, who could complete her. I didn't like the guy she ended up with, nor her views on him as her 'savior'. She could had been an amazing, strong women, but in the second half of the story she was becoming more weak and man-desperate. The last two chapters made me throw this book and yell at her, I cant remember last time I have been so angry with a book. I wish I could get my money back for this one. :(
November 13, 2021
Probably 3.5, it was good but not one of Cathy Bramley's best. A bit too long and drawn out. I wasn't totally convinced that Aiden was the man for Tilly!
June 27, 2019
Sweet, happy ending book.
June 9, 2017
A hug in a book. Wonderful!
September 8, 2016
'Ivy Lane' is about Tilly Parker who had a horrible time the last 18 months. She needs to get a new perspective in life, so she accepts a job as a primary school teacher in a small town called Kingsfield and takes on a plot in the 'Ivy Lane allotments' near her house. Soon Tilly starts to make friends with the other Ivy Lane gardeners and is being drawn more and more into their lovely world.
I adored the Ivy Lane people and their stories. They were all very cute. At first I wasn't really sure if all this gardening stuff would be for me but as it turned out: it was! Maybe that's because it was not that much gardening in the end. But still, I kind of want to own an allotment myself and grow fruits or whatever.
The atmosphere of the book was so cozy and nice all the time, I loved it. What I also loved was that Tilly's story is split into four parts, or four seasons more like, so we accompany her throughout one whole year. So we have one year to unravel Tilly's past and find a new meaning for her future life..
I am quite sad that the book is over now because I don't really want to say goodbye to Ivy Lane allotments. ♥
Oh, and the girl from 'Appleby Farm' appears towards the end of the book, so I already got to know her a tiny bit, which was nice because 'Appleby Farm' will be one of my next reads.
I adored the Ivy Lane people and their stories. They were all very cute. At first I wasn't really sure if all this gardening stuff would be for me but as it turned out: it was! Maybe that's because it was not that much gardening in the end. But still, I kind of want to own an allotment myself and grow fruits or whatever.
The atmosphere of the book was so cozy and nice all the time, I loved it. What I also loved was that Tilly's story is split into four parts, or four seasons more like, so we accompany her throughout one whole year. So we have one year to unravel Tilly's past and find a new meaning for her future life..
I am quite sad that the book is over now because I don't really want to say goodbye to Ivy Lane allotments. ♥
Oh, and the girl from 'Appleby Farm' appears towards the end of the book, so I already got to know her a tiny bit, which was nice because 'Appleby Farm' will be one of my next reads.
November 28, 2016
4.5 stars
Well, so that gardening and swapping plants and stuff didn't evoke any excitement in me. But apart from that, this story around Tilly and Ivy Lane's nice little community is really lovely.
After a tragedy, Tilly needs a fresh start and finds it in Kingsfield. Over the course of one year, you can not only witness her patch of the allotment blossom, but also herself and her friendship with her fellow gardeners.
I have to admit, the author totally got me lovestory-wise. In a good way. Most of the time I feared a certain outcome that I couldn't imagine to possibly turn out in a satisfactory way. Every appearance of the respective guy was either clumsily written or creepy. That dampened my mood a little while reading this book.
Fortunately, my fears didn't come true. Instead, I'm quite satisfied with the ending. So the story earned itself the glorious additional half a star.
Well, so that gardening and swapping plants and stuff didn't evoke any excitement in me. But apart from that, this story around Tilly and Ivy Lane's nice little community is really lovely.
After a tragedy, Tilly needs a fresh start and finds it in Kingsfield. Over the course of one year, you can not only witness her patch of the allotment blossom, but also herself and her friendship with her fellow gardeners.
I have to admit, the author totally got me lovestory-wise. In a good way. Most of the time I feared a certain outcome that I couldn't imagine to possibly turn out in a satisfactory way. Every appearance of the respective guy was either clumsily written or creepy. That dampened my mood a little while reading this book.
Fortunately, my fears didn't come true. Instead, I'm quite satisfied with the ending. So the story earned itself the glorious additional half a star.
March 6, 2015
For me everything about Ivy Lane is just perfect - the characters, setting, pace, intrigue, humour and romance all are served up in just the right quantities. I loved every page and waxed lyrical about it at every opportunity.
The story is about a character Tilly Parker and the people she meets and becomes friends with when she takes on a new hobby as an allotment owner. Tilly had moved to the area looking for a fresh start - from what, we're not told but, it does involve a man called James. She takes on an allotment as a way of seeking the outdoors and some solitude, a way to regain her equilibrium.
'Peace and solitude' - I could have told her finding that would be difficult - my husband had an allotment for several years and his 'allotment friends' as I called them were all different characters and ages from all walks of life - privacy and solitude don't go together when you become part of an allotment community.
Cathy had clearly done her research as he characterisations were so accurate. Our (that's the 'royal our') allotment was in the same condition as Tilly's when we took it over and all the surrounding allotment owners came and gave their advice, pitched in with tools and gossiped the day away :) With each person Tilly met I could draw on my memories of allotment life and say 'oh, she/he is just like....', or 'do you remember that day when....'.
Tilly Parker kept her cards close to her chest as to her reasons for turning up in Ivy Lane, but as the book progresses we see her opening up a little and seriously having her head turned romantically, not by one but two suitors. I loved the way her whole demeanour altered when she arrived at the allotment, totally relaxing and losing herself in the job at hand - her beautiful nature shining through time and time again when she gives time to others, putting their needs and feelings to the forefront of everything she does.
A highly amusing part of the book saw the allotment owners gearing up for a TV crews arrival. They were to film a new television programme set at the allotments. It was also time for the annual produce competition. Needless to say there was lots of primping and pruning done and not just to the allotments. I laughed and smiled so much reading all the antics, loving all the characters and their little ways both subtle and in your face.
It was great to be a voyeur, watching the story unfold - there are those that love the limelight and those that like to blend into the background. Secrets, jealousies and love share equal space on the page and I oohed and ahhed whilst Tilly found feelings surfacing that she'd kept battened down for so long. Her relationship with her new friend Gemma is another big favourite of mine, she makes me laugh, smile and groan in equal measures. Throughout the book there are a lot of sub-stories that Cathy throws out, reeling the reader in and then leaving them dangling. But none more so than halfway through the book!
With Ivy Lane Cathy has developed characters that are highly imaginable and feel to me like real people. Tilly Parker the main character in Ivy Lane develops and blossomed as the book progressed. I did think it was a stroke of genius and so very apt of Cathy to centre the story around an allotment where things grow with love and care. Just like Tilly, with all the love and support of her new friends on the allotments. Tilly very much kept her cards close to her chest as to how and why she has ended up in Ivy Lane but the third quarter of the book sees Tilly's story un-ravel but not before we see her character flounder a little.
The TV company comes back to show a preview of the series they filmed, a young offenders project begins on the allotments and let me just say that Tilly's confidence takes a bashing, jealousies arise, advice is given and new beginnings are forged.
Confidences are shared and Tilly reveals her past - it's clearly a huge relief to her to finally share her secrets and release the weight that she has been carrying around with her. This was a slightly more serious part with many differing emotions on display. There were still plenty of moments that had me laughing, smiling and groaning out loud though, imagining the antics going on, in and around the allotments Even when displaying her serious side Tilly still manages to make me smile - there is a vulnerability and dippy side that just makes me want to hug her and say bless!
As I drew close to the end of this book I was sad and eager at the same time - wanting to find out the final secrets and yet not wanting to because I knew the book would be over. Christmas approached with an hilarious baking competition and a party that finally sees romance blossom for Tilly but is it with Aiden or Charlie? You'll have to read it for yourself and find out.
I can let you into a little secret - Cathy has a new four part series out so we don't have to say goodbye to Ivy Lane totally as some of the characters cross over into the new series Appleby Farm.
I urge you all to go out and buy Ivy Lane, once you start reading you'll be hooked, line and sinker. This was perfect, enjoyable read that is uplifting and got better and better the more I read. Cathy has successfully showcased Ivy Lane and it's characters who all had depth and a story to tell. There's lots of humour, friendship and intrigue and this story is just like good chocolate - satisfying, dreamy and delicious but leaves you wanting just a little bit more.
The story is about a character Tilly Parker and the people she meets and becomes friends with when she takes on a new hobby as an allotment owner. Tilly had moved to the area looking for a fresh start - from what, we're not told but, it does involve a man called James. She takes on an allotment as a way of seeking the outdoors and some solitude, a way to regain her equilibrium.
'Peace and solitude' - I could have told her finding that would be difficult - my husband had an allotment for several years and his 'allotment friends' as I called them were all different characters and ages from all walks of life - privacy and solitude don't go together when you become part of an allotment community.
Cathy had clearly done her research as he characterisations were so accurate. Our (that's the 'royal our') allotment was in the same condition as Tilly's when we took it over and all the surrounding allotment owners came and gave their advice, pitched in with tools and gossiped the day away :) With each person Tilly met I could draw on my memories of allotment life and say 'oh, she/he is just like....', or 'do you remember that day when....'.
Tilly Parker kept her cards close to her chest as to her reasons for turning up in Ivy Lane, but as the book progresses we see her opening up a little and seriously having her head turned romantically, not by one but two suitors. I loved the way her whole demeanour altered when she arrived at the allotment, totally relaxing and losing herself in the job at hand - her beautiful nature shining through time and time again when she gives time to others, putting their needs and feelings to the forefront of everything she does.
A highly amusing part of the book saw the allotment owners gearing up for a TV crews arrival. They were to film a new television programme set at the allotments. It was also time for the annual produce competition. Needless to say there was lots of primping and pruning done and not just to the allotments. I laughed and smiled so much reading all the antics, loving all the characters and their little ways both subtle and in your face.
It was great to be a voyeur, watching the story unfold - there are those that love the limelight and those that like to blend into the background. Secrets, jealousies and love share equal space on the page and I oohed and ahhed whilst Tilly found feelings surfacing that she'd kept battened down for so long. Her relationship with her new friend Gemma is another big favourite of mine, she makes me laugh, smile and groan in equal measures. Throughout the book there are a lot of sub-stories that Cathy throws out, reeling the reader in and then leaving them dangling. But none more so than halfway through the book!
With Ivy Lane Cathy has developed characters that are highly imaginable and feel to me like real people. Tilly Parker the main character in Ivy Lane develops and blossomed as the book progressed. I did think it was a stroke of genius and so very apt of Cathy to centre the story around an allotment where things grow with love and care. Just like Tilly, with all the love and support of her new friends on the allotments. Tilly very much kept her cards close to her chest as to how and why she has ended up in Ivy Lane but the third quarter of the book sees Tilly's story un-ravel but not before we see her character flounder a little.
The TV company comes back to show a preview of the series they filmed, a young offenders project begins on the allotments and let me just say that Tilly's confidence takes a bashing, jealousies arise, advice is given and new beginnings are forged.
Confidences are shared and Tilly reveals her past - it's clearly a huge relief to her to finally share her secrets and release the weight that she has been carrying around with her. This was a slightly more serious part with many differing emotions on display. There were still plenty of moments that had me laughing, smiling and groaning out loud though, imagining the antics going on, in and around the allotments Even when displaying her serious side Tilly still manages to make me smile - there is a vulnerability and dippy side that just makes me want to hug her and say bless!
As I drew close to the end of this book I was sad and eager at the same time - wanting to find out the final secrets and yet not wanting to because I knew the book would be over. Christmas approached with an hilarious baking competition and a party that finally sees romance blossom for Tilly but is it with Aiden or Charlie? You'll have to read it for yourself and find out.
I can let you into a little secret - Cathy has a new four part series out so we don't have to say goodbye to Ivy Lane totally as some of the characters cross over into the new series Appleby Farm.
I urge you all to go out and buy Ivy Lane, once you start reading you'll be hooked, line and sinker. This was perfect, enjoyable read that is uplifting and got better and better the more I read. Cathy has successfully showcased Ivy Lane and it's characters who all had depth and a story to tell. There's lots of humour, friendship and intrigue and this story is just like good chocolate - satisfying, dreamy and delicious but leaves you wanting just a little bit more.
May 21, 2021
This is such a cosy contemporary with well built characters and a real community feel which is done so well.
March 11, 2015
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Ivy Lane centres on Tilly Parker who is making a fresh start in a quiet market town in Derbyshire. All she wants is some peace and quiet and she thinks the local Ivy Lane allotments will provide the perfect opportunity, as she can focus on the growth of the food on her little patch of earth, rather than on the terrible things that made her flea from her former life.
What Tilly hasn't taken into consideration was the daily hustle and bustle of the community at the allotments. Instead of getting to work quietly and with her head down, her fellow gardeners soon befriend Tilly and rope her in for an array of activities organised by the allotment committee. Against all odds she enjoys herself, and while it wasn't the peace she went out to seek, in a different way it also provides a perfect distraction from her former life. But ignoring her past, will Tilly ever be able to truly move on and find happiness?
Initially released in four individual digital parts, the whole novel has now been published and I whizzed through it at rapid speed as I fell in love with main character Tilly and her new friends at the Ivy Lane allotments. I have never been a big fan of gardening myself, but Cathy has sold it to me with her beautiful descriptions of Tilly's rewarding work on her own little space – not to mention the fact that you can meet gorgeous men while gardening, who knew?
And Tilly wasn't the only one I fell in love with. The aforementioned gorgeous men aside, I absolutely adored Alf, an elderly gentlemen who'd been taking care of his plot by himself after his wife of many years passed away; and beautician Gemma, who was not only a very funny character to read about but also became a genuine and close friend to Tilly.
Ivy Lane tells a heart-warming, sweet and uplifting tale of friendship, romance and getting your hands dirty. Filled to the brim with loveable characters, a compelling story and a tearjerker, or two, Cathy Bramley has one again shown what a fantastic writer she is. This is one of my favourite snuggle-up, cosy read of the year and I am already looking forward to Cathy's next book, which is the enticingly titled Appleby Farm!
Ivy Lane centres on Tilly Parker who is making a fresh start in a quiet market town in Derbyshire. All she wants is some peace and quiet and she thinks the local Ivy Lane allotments will provide the perfect opportunity, as she can focus on the growth of the food on her little patch of earth, rather than on the terrible things that made her flea from her former life.
What Tilly hasn't taken into consideration was the daily hustle and bustle of the community at the allotments. Instead of getting to work quietly and with her head down, her fellow gardeners soon befriend Tilly and rope her in for an array of activities organised by the allotment committee. Against all odds she enjoys herself, and while it wasn't the peace she went out to seek, in a different way it also provides a perfect distraction from her former life. But ignoring her past, will Tilly ever be able to truly move on and find happiness?
Initially released in four individual digital parts, the whole novel has now been published and I whizzed through it at rapid speed as I fell in love with main character Tilly and her new friends at the Ivy Lane allotments. I have never been a big fan of gardening myself, but Cathy has sold it to me with her beautiful descriptions of Tilly's rewarding work on her own little space – not to mention the fact that you can meet gorgeous men while gardening, who knew?
And Tilly wasn't the only one I fell in love with. The aforementioned gorgeous men aside, I absolutely adored Alf, an elderly gentlemen who'd been taking care of his plot by himself after his wife of many years passed away; and beautician Gemma, who was not only a very funny character to read about but also became a genuine and close friend to Tilly.
Ivy Lane tells a heart-warming, sweet and uplifting tale of friendship, romance and getting your hands dirty. Filled to the brim with loveable characters, a compelling story and a tearjerker, or two, Cathy Bramley has one again shown what a fantastic writer she is. This is one of my favourite snuggle-up, cosy read of the year and I am already looking forward to Cathy's next book, which is the enticingly titled Appleby Farm!
July 13, 2017
Cathy Bramley has wrote an amazing chick lit once again. I really enjoyed the story and felt myself connecting to Tilly instantly. I found her background story really interesting and was itching to know about what had happened to James. However, once I did find out I kinda wish I never did! It was a sad one!
Ivy Lane follows Tilly Parker's move to new neighbourhood Kingsfield, where she joins an allotment to get some peace and quiet. However, she soon realises this is the last thing she is going to get by going there! Soon she makes tons of friends and is starting to feel alive again after her husbands car crash.
What I really enjoyed with Ivy Lane and Appleby Farm (which is another of Cathy Bramley's books) is that they interlinked. Ivy Lane is set before Appleby Farm (although they are about completely different characters - some other characters slide in and out of the books). It was like a light bulb lit up inside my head when I was reading Ivy Lane and all of a sudden Freya popped up, that's when I realised that Gemma (Tilly's new best friend), is also is Appleby Farm! The linking of the stories and the characters is beautifully done and not confusing in the slightest.
The character of Charlie freaked me out a little (same as he did in Appleby Farm, I was never a huge fan), I know he was meant to come across as obsessive and over the top about Tilly but I still did find him a little strange! I loved Gemma and her relationship with Tilly and it actually made me want to get involved in some sort of community!
Overall, a fab book and an easy read. I couldn't put it down I enjoyed it so much! Can't wait to read more Cathy Bramley books. She is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
Ivy Lane follows Tilly Parker's move to new neighbourhood Kingsfield, where she joins an allotment to get some peace and quiet. However, she soon realises this is the last thing she is going to get by going there! Soon she makes tons of friends and is starting to feel alive again after her husbands car crash.
What I really enjoyed with Ivy Lane and Appleby Farm (which is another of Cathy Bramley's books) is that they interlinked. Ivy Lane is set before Appleby Farm (although they are about completely different characters - some other characters slide in and out of the books). It was like a light bulb lit up inside my head when I was reading Ivy Lane and all of a sudden Freya popped up, that's when I realised that Gemma (Tilly's new best friend), is also is Appleby Farm! The linking of the stories and the characters is beautifully done and not confusing in the slightest.
The character of Charlie freaked me out a little (same as he did in Appleby Farm, I was never a huge fan), I know he was meant to come across as obsessive and over the top about Tilly but I still did find him a little strange! I loved Gemma and her relationship with Tilly and it actually made me want to get involved in some sort of community!
Overall, a fab book and an easy read. I couldn't put it down I enjoyed it so much! Can't wait to read more Cathy Bramley books. She is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
August 2, 2019
I’m a big fan of Jennifer Crusie, for many reasons. One of which is that she is able to deal with relationship dynamics that are bad and toxic in a was that is both humorous and does not minimise how bad and toxic the relationship is. Love can make people do crazy things, things that are not always good for them, and this side of love is something that should be and is reflected in romance fiction. But love isn’t requited and instead of just refreshing a Facebook page for hours on end or doodling initials in a heart the obsessive behaviour is breaking into someone’s home or spreading lies about them. Which is toxic and awful and, statistically, really really bad for women. And as a genre that is primarily (though not entirely) written by women for women, normalizing stalking as sort of fundamentally harmless is terrible.
Which is what this book does. While heroine at least doesn’t end up with the guy who’s stalking her, the stalking is very much treated more as an irritating if harmless romantic persistance on the stalker’s part rather than a significant threat. Nobody ever says ‘this is bad and scary and not acceptable,’ he’s just seen as overly persistent and kind of possessive. And at the end of the book, after the full extent of his obsession has been revealed, she stays friends with him. Which is just kind of terrible.
The rest of the book is fine and the romance is unexceptional, though the hero and heroine spend way too little time together for me to find it really compelling.
Which is what this book does. While heroine at least doesn’t end up with the guy who’s stalking her, the stalking is very much treated more as an irritating if harmless romantic persistance on the stalker’s part rather than a significant threat. Nobody ever says ‘this is bad and scary and not acceptable,’ he’s just seen as overly persistent and kind of possessive. And at the end of the book, after the full extent of his obsession has been revealed, she stays friends with him. Which is just kind of terrible.
The rest of the book is fine and the romance is unexceptional, though the hero and heroine spend way too little time together for me to find it really compelling.
December 17, 2018
Someone that doesn’t know about gardening - be prepared to convert. Even in the slightest. Bramley makes it sound so fun and interesting. To sum it up, gardening is about hard work, reward for patience, accomplishment, peacefulness, and a sense of community.
Bramley is creating a build up - slow that for some it can be difficult to see. However it is most noticeable when Tilly puts on a dress for the first time in almost two years and is awaiting to tell her best friend about her past (James) however of course there is a sudden delay.
Cathy draws out all sorts of emotions, annoyance at Charlie at one point for how he behaved towards Tilly. Love towards some for friendship and love. Sadness for some characters. I really enjoy Bramley’s writing style. I cannot find a fault with it.
I love how the folks at Ivy Lane got judgemental, even Tilly when some people arrive later on the seasons however, following some good advice Tilly learns to trust and not judge after hearing some peoples stories. Even bringing back characters we have not met, with their background story we are reminded to not judge so harshly on people.
I really enjoyed this book throughout and my journey with Tilly throughout her development. I cannot find any faults with this book, 5 stars and to my favourites it is.
Bramley is creating a build up - slow that for some it can be difficult to see. However it is most noticeable when Tilly puts on a dress for the first time in almost two years and is awaiting to tell her best friend about her past (James) however of course there is a sudden delay.
Cathy draws out all sorts of emotions, annoyance at Charlie at one point for how he behaved towards Tilly. Love towards some for friendship and love. Sadness for some characters. I really enjoy Bramley’s writing style. I cannot find a fault with it.
I love how the folks at Ivy Lane got judgemental, even Tilly when some people arrive later on the seasons however, following some good advice Tilly learns to trust and not judge after hearing some peoples stories. Even bringing back characters we have not met, with their background story we are reminded to not judge so harshly on people.
I really enjoyed this book throughout and my journey with Tilly throughout her development. I cannot find any faults with this book, 5 stars and to my favourites it is.
March 8, 2015
I absolutely adored reading Ivy Lane. I was 3/4 way through reading the novel and I was experiencing that feeling you get when you don’t want something to end.
Cathy Bramley is another new author to me and will now be going on my favourites list.
This full length novel takes you through one year of the life of Tilly Parker, starting with Spring and ending at Winter.
The story flowed so well and at the end of each chapter I was eager to continue reading.
Cathy Bramley has created such memorable characters in Ivy Lane and I feel quite bereft that the story has finished. I do hope the characters will pop up in future stories (hint, hint) :)
I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of the story based around an allotment community and feel encouraged to try my hand at more adventurous gardening. I hope allotments are here to stay and inspire younger generations to enjoy nurturing land and seeds to life.
This was such a heartwarming story that left you feeling like you’d been wrapped in a big bear hug. It was a story of heartache and new beginnings, a story of friendship and fun times, a story of love and new hope.
A well deserved 5/5* read.
Cathy Bramley is another new author to me and will now be going on my favourites list.
This full length novel takes you through one year of the life of Tilly Parker, starting with Spring and ending at Winter.
The story flowed so well and at the end of each chapter I was eager to continue reading.
Cathy Bramley has created such memorable characters in Ivy Lane and I feel quite bereft that the story has finished. I do hope the characters will pop up in future stories (hint, hint) :)
I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of the story based around an allotment community and feel encouraged to try my hand at more adventurous gardening. I hope allotments are here to stay and inspire younger generations to enjoy nurturing land and seeds to life.
This was such a heartwarming story that left you feeling like you’d been wrapped in a big bear hug. It was a story of heartache and new beginnings, a story of friendship and fun times, a story of love and new hope.
A well deserved 5/5* read.
October 6, 2023
Voor mijn deelname aan de blogtour, georganiseerd door Zomer & Keuning mocht ik dit verhaal lezen en recenseren.
Om de beginnen is dit verhaal echt een leuke startguide om te gaan tuinieren.
Zelf heb ik totaal geen groene vingers, maar dit verhaal wist me zeker hierover enthousiast te maken.
Cathy beschrijft de situaties rondom het tuineren erg gedetailleerd, waardoor ik het idee had zelf aan het werk te zijn in de moestuin.
Je leest dit verhaal vanuit het ik-perspectief van Tilly.
Ik vond Tilly een erg prettig personage. Ze heeft een fijn karakter en door haar levenservaring brengt ze veel diepgang met zich mee.
Tilly heeft zich gaandeweg het verhaal erg mooi ontplooit, en ik vond het van de auteur een erg slimme zet om haar als hoofdpersonage te kiezen.
Ik vond het fijn dat zij het hoofdpersonage was, want de andere personages vielen me een beetje tegen.
Het waren er in mijn ogen best veel, en ik vond de personages niet allemaal even leuk. Dit is natuurlijk persoonlijk, maar sommige personages waren in mijn ogen meer een storende factor dan dat ze echt iets toevoegde.
Door de vele personages was ik af en toe een beetje de draad kwijt wie nu welke rol vervulde in het verhaal. Dit vond ik persoonlijk wel jammer.
Vooral in het begin had ik wat moeite om in het verhaal te komen.
Er gebeurde in mijn ogen te weinig om er direct een boeiend verhaal van te maken.
De eerste 100 pagina’s voelde voor mij dan ook een beetje als paginavullend en niet als een goede inleiding voor het verhaal.
De gebeurtenissen die in het begin voorkwamen werden pas richting het einde echt meespelend in het verhaal, en dan nog op een matig vlak.
Ik merkte wel meteen dat Tilly een pittige periode had meegemaakt, en was hier wel direct nieuwsgierig naar.
Richting het middenstuk werd het verhaal gelukkig wel wat beter.
Het verhaal kreeg door het emotionele aspect en een stukje rouwverwerking wel wat meer diepgang waar ik naar opzoek was.
Hierdoor werden mijn verwachtingen die ik mede door de flaptekst had gecreëerd toch redelijk waar gemaakt.
Het einde was voor mij een erg fijne afsluiter door dit verhaal, en wist voor mij wel een en ander goed te maken.
Het was niet echt een verassend einde, maar het paste wel goed bij het verhaal. Er zat zelfs een kleine plottwist welke ik niet aan had zien komen, dus dat was ook een pluspunt.
Ik vond het wel lastig om dit verhaal de juiste beoordeling te geven.
Uiteindelijk beoordeel ik dit met 3 sterren.
Om de beginnen is dit verhaal echt een leuke startguide om te gaan tuinieren.
Zelf heb ik totaal geen groene vingers, maar dit verhaal wist me zeker hierover enthousiast te maken.
Cathy beschrijft de situaties rondom het tuineren erg gedetailleerd, waardoor ik het idee had zelf aan het werk te zijn in de moestuin.
Je leest dit verhaal vanuit het ik-perspectief van Tilly.
Ik vond Tilly een erg prettig personage. Ze heeft een fijn karakter en door haar levenservaring brengt ze veel diepgang met zich mee.
Tilly heeft zich gaandeweg het verhaal erg mooi ontplooit, en ik vond het van de auteur een erg slimme zet om haar als hoofdpersonage te kiezen.
Ik vond het fijn dat zij het hoofdpersonage was, want de andere personages vielen me een beetje tegen.
Het waren er in mijn ogen best veel, en ik vond de personages niet allemaal even leuk. Dit is natuurlijk persoonlijk, maar sommige personages waren in mijn ogen meer een storende factor dan dat ze echt iets toevoegde.
Door de vele personages was ik af en toe een beetje de draad kwijt wie nu welke rol vervulde in het verhaal. Dit vond ik persoonlijk wel jammer.
Vooral in het begin had ik wat moeite om in het verhaal te komen.
Er gebeurde in mijn ogen te weinig om er direct een boeiend verhaal van te maken.
De eerste 100 pagina’s voelde voor mij dan ook een beetje als paginavullend en niet als een goede inleiding voor het verhaal.
De gebeurtenissen die in het begin voorkwamen werden pas richting het einde echt meespelend in het verhaal, en dan nog op een matig vlak.
Ik merkte wel meteen dat Tilly een pittige periode had meegemaakt, en was hier wel direct nieuwsgierig naar.
Richting het middenstuk werd het verhaal gelukkig wel wat beter.
Het verhaal kreeg door het emotionele aspect en een stukje rouwverwerking wel wat meer diepgang waar ik naar opzoek was.
Hierdoor werden mijn verwachtingen die ik mede door de flaptekst had gecreëerd toch redelijk waar gemaakt.
Het einde was voor mij een erg fijne afsluiter door dit verhaal, en wist voor mij wel een en ander goed te maken.
Het was niet echt een verassend einde, maar het paste wel goed bij het verhaal. Er zat zelfs een kleine plottwist welke ik niet aan had zien komen, dus dat was ook een pluspunt.
Ik vond het wel lastig om dit verhaal de juiste beoordeling te geven.
Uiteindelijk beoordeel ik dit met 3 sterren.
October 3, 2023
In Het jaar rond lees je het verhaal van Tilly. Het verhaal begint in de lente en eindigt in de winter, zo gaan we het jaar rond. Tilly is een gebroken vrouw en om zichzelf er weer bovenop te krijgen, neemt ze een stuk perceel op een volkstuin. Al snel wordt ze geholpen door alle andere mensen van de volkstuin. Er waren zoveel verschillende, leuke, lieve personages op de tuin. Je sluit ze allemaal in je hart.
Ook als je geen idee hebt van tuinieren, is dit boek ook aan te raden om te lezen. Want Tilly weet in het begin ook zeer weinig. Gelukkig is onder andere Charlie daar om haar te helpen. Op een gegeven moment wordt er een documentaire opgenomen op de volkstuin. Dit zorgt voor reuring in de tuin.
Mooi om te lezen hoe Tilly zich steeds meer open stelt voor andere mensen. In het begin was ze erg gesloten, maar hoe verder het jaar vordert, hoe meer ze groeit. Leuk detail is dat Tilly leerkracht is, dit wordt af en toe benoemd, maar heeft geen grote rol.
Klein minpuntje vond ik dat er af en toe erg grote sprongen in de tijd werden gemaakt, we misten dan bijvoorbeeld 6 weken, die werden even in 1 zin besproken. Aan de andere kant was er zo wel genoeg tijd om de dagen die beschreven werden, goed te beschrijven.
Het jaar rond is een boek dat je met een glimlach leest. Een fijne feelgood waarbij de focus niet op verliefdheid ligt, maar meer op afsluiten en verder gaan. Toch zit er genoeg liefde in het boek! ❤️ Ook liefde voor (moes)tuinieren. Ik kreeg al weer helemaal inspiratie voor volgend jaar ☺️
Ook als je geen idee hebt van tuinieren, is dit boek ook aan te raden om te lezen. Want Tilly weet in het begin ook zeer weinig. Gelukkig is onder andere Charlie daar om haar te helpen. Op een gegeven moment wordt er een documentaire opgenomen op de volkstuin. Dit zorgt voor reuring in de tuin.
Mooi om te lezen hoe Tilly zich steeds meer open stelt voor andere mensen. In het begin was ze erg gesloten, maar hoe verder het jaar vordert, hoe meer ze groeit. Leuk detail is dat Tilly leerkracht is, dit wordt af en toe benoemd, maar heeft geen grote rol.
Klein minpuntje vond ik dat er af en toe erg grote sprongen in de tijd werden gemaakt, we misten dan bijvoorbeeld 6 weken, die werden even in 1 zin besproken. Aan de andere kant was er zo wel genoeg tijd om de dagen die beschreven werden, goed te beschrijven.
Het jaar rond is een boek dat je met een glimlach leest. Een fijne feelgood waarbij de focus niet op verliefdheid ligt, maar meer op afsluiten en verder gaan. Toch zit er genoeg liefde in het boek! ❤️ Ook liefde voor (moes)tuinieren. Ik kreeg al weer helemaal inspiratie voor volgend jaar ☺️
May 31, 2021
Fyra årstider på Ivy Lane är en mysig, charmig och lättsam roman som har allt en bra feelgood ska ha. Läsaren får möta flera djupa, trovärdiga och mysiga karaktärer och handlingen är välskriven och härlig in i minsta detalj.
Författaren har skapat en charmig oas på Ivy Lane, det är inbjudande, trivsamt och familjärt. Jag hade mer än gärna velat ha en kolonilott där och mött alla unika karaktärer. Läsaren får följa karaktärerna genom fyra årstider vilket gav ett fint djup till både handling och personligheter, det kändes genomtänkt och unikt att få följa karaktärerna på det sättet.
Fyra årstider på Ivy Lane är en familjär feelgood som jag mer än gärna hade velat ha en fortsättning på. Jag fastnade snabbt för alla karaktärer och jag log, skrattade och fick glädjetårar under hela läsningens gång. Det var underbart att få läsa om Tilly och hennes resa till gemenskapen och samhörigheten på Ivy Lane. Tänk att få leva bland alla härliga karaktärer i denna bok, det hade jag inte tackat nej till.
Fyra årstider på Ivy Lane är den perfekta sommarboken som jag varmt, varmt kan rekommendera till alla feelgoodälskare där ute. Charmig, lättsam och oerhört mysig!
Författaren har skapat en charmig oas på Ivy Lane, det är inbjudande, trivsamt och familjärt. Jag hade mer än gärna velat ha en kolonilott där och mött alla unika karaktärer. Läsaren får följa karaktärerna genom fyra årstider vilket gav ett fint djup till både handling och personligheter, det kändes genomtänkt och unikt att få följa karaktärerna på det sättet.
Fyra årstider på Ivy Lane är en familjär feelgood som jag mer än gärna hade velat ha en fortsättning på. Jag fastnade snabbt för alla karaktärer och jag log, skrattade och fick glädjetårar under hela läsningens gång. Det var underbart att få läsa om Tilly och hennes resa till gemenskapen och samhörigheten på Ivy Lane. Tänk att få leva bland alla härliga karaktärer i denna bok, det hade jag inte tackat nej till.
Fyra årstider på Ivy Lane är den perfekta sommarboken som jag varmt, varmt kan rekommendera till alla feelgoodälskare där ute. Charmig, lättsam och oerhört mysig!
September 26, 2022
Koloni-liv 🌱
Föga kunde Tilly Parker ana vad hon gav sig in på när hon skaffade sig en kolonilott (ja, en halv faktiskt). Livet bland de muntra odlarna på Ivy Lane blev till en början alldeles överväldigande och inte alls den verklighetsflykt hon hade tänkt sig. Men varefter hon lär känna människorna och glädjen i odlandet märker hon att hon lämnar det jobbiga mer och mer bakom sig.
Det är inte utan att det spirar viss romantik bland rabarberblad och redskapsbodar.
”Fyra årstider på Ivy Lane” är en härlig, typisk brittisk feelgood. Det är lätt att skapa sig bilder av miljön och att lära känna karaktärerna.
Lättsmält och underhållande 🌱
🪴🪴🪴 av 5 🪴
#fyraårstiderpåivylane @cathybramley @piratforlaget @hedvig.lagerkvist.official #piratförlagetaudio #ljudbok @storytelsverige #caritasläsning2022 #77
Föga kunde Tilly Parker ana vad hon gav sig in på när hon skaffade sig en kolonilott (ja, en halv faktiskt). Livet bland de muntra odlarna på Ivy Lane blev till en början alldeles överväldigande och inte alls den verklighetsflykt hon hade tänkt sig. Men varefter hon lär känna människorna och glädjen i odlandet märker hon att hon lämnar det jobbiga mer och mer bakom sig.
Det är inte utan att det spirar viss romantik bland rabarberblad och redskapsbodar.
”Fyra årstider på Ivy Lane” är en härlig, typisk brittisk feelgood. Det är lätt att skapa sig bilder av miljön och att lära känna karaktärerna.
Lättsmält och underhållande 🌱
🪴🪴🪴 av 5 🪴
#fyraårstiderpåivylane @cathybramley @piratforlaget @hedvig.lagerkvist.official #piratförlagetaudio #ljudbok @storytelsverige #caritasläsning2022 #77
June 5, 2022
This was such a lovable, heartwarming story. And it really had me guessing up until the end! Sometimes the trajectory of the plot you can guess quite early on, but not with this one! I honestly had no idea who our main character, Tilly, would end up with. The hunky fireman Charlie or Adrian the director of Greenfingers, a TV show documentary visiting Ivy Lane.
It was great to have a story centred around the allotments and all the lovable and quirky characters who had plots there. I rapidly grew to love them all and Tilly was a fab main character. I wish this story could have gone on for longer!
Split up into the four seasons, each steadily furthered the story and I was fully invested right from the beginning. Cathy Bramley is a great author; I can’t wait to read more of her books now!
It was great to have a story centred around the allotments and all the lovable and quirky characters who had plots there. I rapidly grew to love them all and Tilly was a fab main character. I wish this story could have gone on for longer!
Split up into the four seasons, each steadily furthered the story and I was fully invested right from the beginning. Cathy Bramley is a great author; I can’t wait to read more of her books now!
June 20, 2018
Wow is all I can say to this book. Yet again Cathy Bramley has written another’s brilliant book. I thoroughly enjoyed Ivy Lane and I couldn’t put it down.
My favourite character had to be the main character Tilly, I just loved her.
Whenever I read a book I always try and get a picture in my head of what the characters look like and I had a vivid image of what Tilly Parker looks like.
I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed with Ivy Lane. It made me laugh out loud and cry.
All in all it was an absolutely brilliant book and I loved every minute of it.
My favourite character had to be the main character Tilly, I just loved her.
Whenever I read a book I always try and get a picture in my head of what the characters look like and I had a vivid image of what Tilly Parker looks like.
I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed with Ivy Lane. It made me laugh out loud and cry.
All in all it was an absolutely brilliant book and I loved every minute of it.
December 16, 2022
I’ve read this book but as the four part ebook series rather than this full length novel, which is why this hasn’t been included or added towards my 2022 reading challenge as the individual four ebooks have been added to it already.
To see my review for this book, then please visit the individual books on here which are as follows:
Ivy Lane series
1. Spring (2014)
2. Summer (2014)
3. Autumn (2014)
4. Winter (2014)
To see my review for this book, then please visit the individual books on here which are as follows:
Ivy Lane series
1. Spring (2014)
2. Summer (2014)
3. Autumn (2014)
4. Winter (2014)
January 14, 2018
I enjoyed this book, looking forward to reading more of the authors books
January 4, 2022
Tog mig halva boken innan jag kom in i den. Kanske ett gemensamt ansvar mellan mig och författaren, men lite långsam i min smak. Fast väldigt snäll berättelse, vilket är helt i min smak.
April 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this little slice of allotment / life rebuilding. (plus the recipes too). Heartwarming it says on the cover and it was.
Toast
Toast
January 16, 2023
Lovely easy read 🥰
May 23, 2024
Was een heerlijk boek, ik heb genoten🤍🌿
June 17, 2021
Har korrekturlyssnat
January 19, 2023
Life dealt with during seasons and soil- community help is key to healing
September 30, 2023
Na de ‘Patchworkfamilie’ is daar dan ‘Het jaar rond’! In het vierde vertaalde boek van Cathy Bramley ga je mee op reis door de vier seizoenen van het pittoreske Engelse dorpje Kingsfield, waar Tilly Parker hoopt te ontsnappen aan haar turbulente verleden. Tilly hoopt dat een verhuizing naar dit kleine dorpje en het starten van een nieuwe baan als juf haar daarbij zullen helpen.
Het is een feelgood, eenvoudig, schilderachtig boek met in de hoofdrol de volkstuinen aan Ivy Lane. Eentje waar je lekker mee op de bank kunt kruipen met wat chocolademelk en waarbij je hart breekt voor iemand die zichzelf en haar leven probeert op te pakken na traumatische periode. Ondanks dat Tilly een vriendelijke, sympathieke en ondernemende vrouw is, sleept ze aardig wat emotionele bagage met zich mee. Dat laatste verklaart ook haar initiële terughoudendheid tegenover de andere tuinierders.
In de hoop op rust en stilte ontdekt Tilly al snel dat de vriendelijkheid en goedbedoelde inmengingen van de kleurrijke dorpsbewoners onverwacht plezier in haar leven brengen. Een van die dorpsgenoten is Gemma: zij is een wispelturige, grappige dame en eigenlijk het tegenovergestelde van Tilly, maar dit maakt de dynamiek tussen hen des te beter. Ivy Lane is daardoor niet alleen een plek om groente te verbouwen, maar ook een plek waar levenslange vriendschappen worden gesloten. Het was mooi om te lezen hoe Tilly werd opgenomen in de gemeenschap en door de seizoenen heen langzaam begon te groeien en bloeien.
Het boek behandelt allerlei menselijke tekortkomingen en twijfels, maar illustreert ook hoe vriendelijkheid het verschil kan maken. Soms kun je al vroeg in het verhaal het plot raden, maar niet in dit boek! Ik had echt geen idee met wie Tilly uiteindelijk zou eindigen. De knappe brandweerman Charlie of Adrian, de regisseur van Greenfingers, een tv-show documentaire die Ivy Lane bezoekt.
Als je van een roman houdt met een Brits dorp en een moestuin als setting + een plot waarin een nieuw begin, vriendschap en liefde centraal staan, dan is dit boek zeker een aanrader.
Dank aan Zomer&Keuning voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Het is een feelgood, eenvoudig, schilderachtig boek met in de hoofdrol de volkstuinen aan Ivy Lane. Eentje waar je lekker mee op de bank kunt kruipen met wat chocolademelk en waarbij je hart breekt voor iemand die zichzelf en haar leven probeert op te pakken na traumatische periode. Ondanks dat Tilly een vriendelijke, sympathieke en ondernemende vrouw is, sleept ze aardig wat emotionele bagage met zich mee. Dat laatste verklaart ook haar initiële terughoudendheid tegenover de andere tuinierders.
In de hoop op rust en stilte ontdekt Tilly al snel dat de vriendelijkheid en goedbedoelde inmengingen van de kleurrijke dorpsbewoners onverwacht plezier in haar leven brengen. Een van die dorpsgenoten is Gemma: zij is een wispelturige, grappige dame en eigenlijk het tegenovergestelde van Tilly, maar dit maakt de dynamiek tussen hen des te beter. Ivy Lane is daardoor niet alleen een plek om groente te verbouwen, maar ook een plek waar levenslange vriendschappen worden gesloten. Het was mooi om te lezen hoe Tilly werd opgenomen in de gemeenschap en door de seizoenen heen langzaam begon te groeien en bloeien.
Het boek behandelt allerlei menselijke tekortkomingen en twijfels, maar illustreert ook hoe vriendelijkheid het verschil kan maken. Soms kun je al vroeg in het verhaal het plot raden, maar niet in dit boek! Ik had echt geen idee met wie Tilly uiteindelijk zou eindigen. De knappe brandweerman Charlie of Adrian, de regisseur van Greenfingers, een tv-show documentaire die Ivy Lane bezoekt.
Als je van een roman houdt met een Brits dorp en een moestuin als setting + een plot waarin een nieuw begin, vriendschap en liefde centraal staan, dan is dit boek zeker een aanrader.
Dank aan Zomer&Keuning voor het recensie-exemplaar!
March 25, 2017
Funny and sweet
I really loved the basic idea and the characters, as well as the setting. It was also pretty funny, but I wasn't completely satisfied with the love story. It was a bit too cliched and I just think that if a man is really into you he'll find a way to find you. And I don't like it when characters don't clarify misunderstandings but run away or disappear instead. All in all, it's a good comfort or beach reading.
I really loved the basic idea and the characters, as well as the setting. It was also pretty funny, but I wasn't completely satisfied with the love story. It was a bit too cliched and I just think that if a man is really into you he'll find a way to find you. And I don't like it when characters don't clarify misunderstandings but run away or disappear instead. All in all, it's a good comfort or beach reading.
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