Second Act at Appleton Green: An absolutely heartwarming and uplifting romance about family, love and starting over

by Kate Forster

When the curtains close, a new beginning waits in the wings

After losing her voice before the audition of a lifetime, West End hopeful Lily Baxter flees to the one place that's always felt like her grandmother Violet's cosy cottage in the heart of Appleton Green.

Violet is overjoyed to have Lily back under her roof, even if it's not under the happiest of circumstances. As Lily muddles through lost dreams and what-ifs, Violet is quietly nursing her own worries-and hoping this unexpected visit might help them both them heal.

When charming local nurse Nick encourages Lily to join the village's amateur dramatics group, she reluctantly agrees - and soon finds herself swept up in script readings, prop-painting parties, and something that feels a lot like falling in love.

As opening night draws near, Lily must decide where her heart truly back in the bright lights of London, or centre stage in Appleton Green.

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Perfect for fans
Cosy romance
Small-town settings
Stories about starting over
Family love

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Readers LOVE Second Act at Appleton

'This is a proper cute read that is perfect for reading curled up on the sofa with a cup of tea.' - NetGalley reviewer, 5*

'A delightful read.' NetGalley reviewer, 5*

'A rare book makes me cry. It is a story about finding the confidence to be yourself... A beautful story.' - NetGalley reviewer, 5*

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2025

About the author

Novelist.

Reviews

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this story was broken up into acts like a show - it felt like the whole story was an interlude for Lily to help her decide what was next on her path.
The relationship between Lily and Violet was so special- the memories they shared between them so special.
This story is full of love, family and community and I really enjoy seeing Lily flourish at Appleton Green.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily Baxter finally gets the big break she has been yearning for, when the chance of a part in a West End musical comes her way, but on the day of the audition her voice disappears. Fearing she will never be able to sing again, Lily then gets the news that her beloved ninety-seven-year-old grandmother, Violet, is in hospital after a fall. Full of self-doubt, Lily heads home to Appleton Green to care for Violet, and ponder some big decisions.

Pippin Cottage is just the place for some rest and recuperation for both Lily and Violet, who has concerns of her own about making sure she leaves her family in a good place when she passes away. Then Violet's handsome nurse, Nick, appears on the scene. A budding friendship develops between Lily and Nick with the promise of something more... at least if Violet has anything to do with it.

When Nick encourages Lily to audition for a part in the local amateur production of My Fair Lady, she is worried her voice will fail her once again, but she soon gets caught up in the excitement of being on the stage that she thought she had lost. Does this mean she should return to London to pursue her stage career, or is Appleton Green where her future lies?

A Kate Forster book is always a treat, and this little interlude in the community of Appleton Green is full of lovely storylines about family, friendship, finding your path, and heart-warming romance - with lashings of musical theatre content too.

The story unfurls from the perspectives of Lily, and Violet. Letters Violet has written to her granddaughter over the years also pop up throughout the book, which help you to understand the strong bond that has been forged between them. Lily is at a crossroads, caught between the expectations of her mother, and her uncertainty about a stage career, but her time in Appleton Green helps her to rediscover herself - after all the misunderstandings and mishaps of scheming ex-girlfriends, stage dramas, health issues, confidence doubts, and family trials have been negotiated, of course.

New beginnings, gentle romance, and the guiding strength of Violet's wisdom drive the story, and Forster touches on loneliness, and the pitfalls of a life in the entertainment industry too. She uses the story well to make you laugh and cry, especially when it comes to the emotional ending, which left me with a full heart, tears in my eyes... and some cracking tunes from My Fair Lady in my head. Just the ticket for a wholesome summer read.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was always going to be hooked on any book that features an aspiring West End actress, especially when it opens with Lily auditioning for one of the biggest musicals around, and it not going smoothly.

So she decides to retreat and stay at her beloved Gran's for a few months, to see if she can start to feel herself, and get her mojo back.

But she meets Nick and is thrown head first into the world of am-dram, and a production of My Fair Lady.

All the descriptions of the show, mentions of the various musical numbers were definitely following the real version of this show, which meant I could picture things all the more clearly.

I loved all the musical references, in addition to the bond Lily has with her gran.

I couldn't get enough of this wonderful book, it was a joy to read, even if it did almost make me cry at one point, it just shows how much I cared for the characters.

Another gem of this book from an author I always love reading.

Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Sonia Bellhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily seems to be living her dream, getting call backs to audition for roles she wants. When her voice deserts her ,so does her confidence. She needs comfort and sanctuary and finds it with her perceptive grandmother Violet in Appleton Green. The two have always shared a deep bond of understanding.
It’s time for Lily to decide what her future holds, what she wants. The village has ( mostly) taken her to their heart. And there is local nurse Nick, who supports and encourages her. Yet, even in the village there is rivalry and jealousy. Does Lily want a lead role on stage, or something different in her life? Time to choose.
I enjoyed this book for the lovely relationship between Lily and her grandmother, Violet. Her relationship with her mother struck a chord and of course, I felt just a little bit in love with Nick! Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily's dream of the West End stage falters when her voice fails her, and she runs to the village where her grandmother lives and where she spent happy holidays as a child. Violet is feeling her years and is glad to have her beloved granddaughter's care and company. Lily heals, and Violet finds acceptance. Will Lily pursue her dream of fame, or is there something she wants more? The relationship between Lily and Violet is lovely, and both find solace in the other. It's a poignant story, especially Violet's letters to her granddaughter, Lily. There is friendship, community and a few characters who are less likeable, but all are integral to this complex story of love and learning to follow your true path.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily is an aspiring actress, but when she auditions for the lead role in Les Mis, her voice fails her.
Not sure what is going on, she heads to Pippin Cottage to look after her grandmother Violet. This is where Lily spent her summer holidays growing up.
Lily meets Nick, Violet's nurse, and he persuades her to audition for the local am dram.
Lily has a lot to think about. As well as a rival for the lead in the new village show, there is also romance on the cards.
A delightful read and one to race through easily.
Thanks to Aria and Aries for the invitation to read this in return for an honest review.

[Hannah Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a frustrating read. I would typically love a book like this but there were so many things that really jumped out, and not in a good way. First of all, Lily was not likeable at all for me. She was giving annoying, pity me vibes from the beginning.
Making demands of Nick to “sort it out” with Jess when they’d had maybe 3 interactions - what was that about?
Jess was completely awful, but it felt a little forced. Same with Paul and his horrible personality. Denise, also gross.
I will say though, Chapter 38 was gorgeously written and made me cry.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the author for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Gea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily Baxter is lacking confidence when her latest audition goes horribly wrong. She decides to head back to Appleton Green to spend some time with her grandmother, and where she spent many happy summers. At 97, Grandma Violet is still feisty, but she is also showing signs of her age. When Nurse Nick comes by to visit Violet, Lily is drawn to his kindness and caring nature. She is also talked into auditioning for the local amateur drama society production of My Fair Lady, and this gives her an opportunity to discover what she really wants for her life.

[Sarah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a failed audition for a West End show, Lily retreats yo her grandmother's cottage in Appleton Green to review her life and desires. A wonderful voyage of discovery. Great fun with a touch of romance.

[Kelly S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. Maybe the first book that’s made me teary-eyed (it was the grandma/granddaughter relationship), but things moved a bit too quickly towards the end.

[Joanne D'Arcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her big break in almost touching distance, Lily suddenly loses her voice. It just isn't there anymore, in a state of despair and with Violet, her elderly grandmother in hospital after a fall, Lily retreats to Appleton Green to make her next decisions.

On the pretext of looking after her grandmother, Lily suddenly finds herself involved in life in Appleton Green and with Nick the nurse who is tasked into looking after Violet, a friendship forms.

Whilst helping Violet he also starts to help Lily and encourages her to audition for the local drama society. Of course this is the barrier that she has to overcome, but can she do it without the past haunting her?

Where is Lily's heart set on being for the rest of her life?

A lovely warm story, which make for the perfect escapism and distraction. Plenty of laughter and tears, the best sort of story.