Magical Beginnings in Little Beaubrook

by Bella Brightside

Some places are special enough to heal hearts… Welcome to Little Beaubrook

In a tiny English village hidden away for decades, the mists are parting to reveal a manor which glows gold and tumbledown thatched cottages that have been waiting for the right people to rebuild them.

On moving in day, a diverse group of new neighbours have only two things in common. Their hearts have been broken in some way, and they’ve all signed a contract with some very strange stipulations, including buying one of the cottages for a pound. As Chair of the commonhold association, Albie Curville hopes that by sharing his late wife’s rules for living he can bring these reluctant strangers together to fulfil her dying wish before he runs out of time… and before they discover his secret.

When their newfound community – built on kindness, friendship and a manor with a long history of helping those in need – is threatened by an outside source, can they finally overcome their pasts to save Little Beaubrook and seize the second chances they deserve?

Come and visit this magical lost village for a cosy, feel-good story about love, found family, new beginnings and the healing power of community. Perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson, Jenny Colgan, Evie Woods and Phaedra Patrick.

Genres: Magical Realism, Cozy

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2026

About the author

Bella Brightside is a multi-published, award-nominated romance author who writes under several pen names including Nikki Moore and Ella Allbright, finding commercial success with her novel The Last Charm. Owned by a husband, large family and two naughty beagles, she drinks too much coffee, buys far too many books and spends her nights wondering how a sentient village would behave.

You can find her on Instagram at @authorbythesea1207 or TikTok @authorbysea

She is represented by the literary agent Rachel McMillan.

Reviews

[BookishKB · Rating 3 out of 5]

🌿🏡 ✨ Magical Beginnings in Little Beaubrook ✨🏡🌿

I have a feeling I might be in the minority here, but this one just wasn’t for me. I found myself relieved to finally finish it. The pacing felt very slow, and I had a hard time staying engaged.

That said, I can definitely see how other readers might enjoy this, especially if you love slow, character driven stories.

✨ What to Expect
• Found family
• Second chance
• Magical manor
• Multiple POV
• Small town
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: March 5, 2026
Thank you to Naughty Beagle Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[AMY (cosycornishchapters) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical beginnings in Little Beaubrook 💜✨️

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author herself and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. 😀

This was the book I never knew I needed to read! Huge thank you to @authorbythesea1207 for reaching out to me, as this beautiful book resonated with me, and healed me in ways I didn’t think possible. I cried, laughed and loved every part of this book. Everyone in Beaubrook has a heart in need of healing.

The book was character driven and well paced with raw and authenic situations and themes. I enjoyed reading different povs in each chapter. The magical element of this book was wonderful and something I wasn't sure of before reading but worked really well. What a super feel-good, cosy read; perfect for spring.

[Safa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC for this book

3.5⭐️This was such a beautiful novel. It was honestly straight up a hallmark movie. The writing and narration style reminded me so much of old children's cartoons or like early 2000's Disney sitcoms, complete with music and sound effects. This book was so cozy, a bit dramatic but I loved the happy endings to everything. It followed a group of people coming to this village to restore it. Everyone had problems or needed to work something out. By the end we saw resolutions and so much character development. I did not have trouble getting through the book at all! when I first started, I found the dramatic, straightfoward storytelling and clique lessons quite funny. Over the course of the book, they definitely grew on me! Even though we were following so many characters, I never felt lost while reading this book. Additionally, despite the book's length, I felt like a knew the character's very well by the end of it. I think this is a perfect book to binge whenever you are in a mood for something dramatic and cozy (again, Hallmark movie). I'd honestly recommend this for a snow night. That being said, it does discuss some sensitive topics and I would look at the trigger warnings before going forward with this book.


🚨🚨[Spoilers section Start]🚨🚨


- I loved the little detail about the voice in Harley's head being his heart doner. Especially her goodbye after the story ended
- I did not love Albie finding another lover but by the end, seeing the positive light it bought on his life, I didn't hate it
- I really appreciated Harley's character development
- I think Ariel and Gilly were actually written and crafted so brilliantly. From the get go, you could see that they weren't right for eachother. Yet, they tried so much to make it work. At the end, although I was glad they broke up, it still ached my heart.
- Harley and Kristen had the biggest miscommunication trope going on and I was eating it up










🚨🚨[Spoilers section End]🚨🚨







⭐"I haven't lived an extraordinary life, but I will always remember I once had an extraordinary love"
⭐"Clover is amazing and anything of any value is worth humbling yourself for,"
⭐" H- 'I hope you've found someone who treats you better'
M- 'Yes, I see her in the mirror everyday' "
⭐" 'I think they'll be okay now. I needed to know they would be. So, thank you.' There's a pause, a moment frozen in time and then in a voice throbbing with emotion, she adds, 'live a good life for me, Harley. Live a kind one.'
⭐"Sometimes you had to make peace with the fact some people were better apart, than together. You had to make peace with the way things were meant to be"

[Kaitlyn Pruitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much more than I was expecting. With so many different POVs, I was initially worried it would be hard to keep track of who was narrating. However, the author did an amazing job making each voice distinct, I always knew exactly who was speaking, even if I picked the book back up mid-chapter.

The found family element was incredibly wholesome and heartfelt. Every character experiences meaningful growth throughout the story, which made it such a rewarding read. Tori’s whole journey especially stood out to me, her development felt authentic and deeply moving.

I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a feel-good yet emotional found family story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC for this book.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a tiny English village hidden away for decades, the mists are parting to reveal a manor which glows gold and tumbledown thatched cottages that have been waiting for the right people to rebuild them.

On moving in day, a diverse group of new neighbours have only two things in common. Their hearts have been broken in some way, and they’ve all signed a contract with some verystrange stipulations, including buying one of the cottages for a pound. As Chair of the commonhold association, Albie Curville hopes that by sharing his late wife’s rules for living he can bring these reluctant strangers together to fulfil her dying wish before he runs out of time… and before they discover his secret.

When their newfound community – built on kindness, friendship and a manor with a long history of helping those in need – is threatened by an outside source, can they finally overcome their pasts to save Little Beaubrook and seize the second chances they deserve?

Happy Publication Day to @authorbythesea1207 and thank you so much for sending this ARC of your new book.

I absolutely loved this story, I loved the magic, the romance and the mystery. I liked all the characters, all their stories were extremely engaging. The story was so beautifully written that I did shed a few tears, especially towards the end.

How the characters came together and the sense of community was such a beautiful thing. The book was like a really big hug. I didn’t want it to end, I do hope there is a sequel.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Congratulations on such a stunning book @authorbythesea1207 it was an absolute joy to read. ❤️

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story took me by surprise in the best way. I expected a lighter cozier read, but instead found real emotional depth and a genuine attachment to the characters. I admit I even got choked up a few times. Each new inhabitant to Beaubrook carried some form of heartbreak, it could have been heavy, yet the story maintained an overall sense of hope and happiness. Truly a thoughtful, unique story about people navigating difficult situations and finding their way forward, finding a community, and finding healing.

If you enjoy cozy fiction with a bit of grit, this book is absolutely worth picking up! I can also see it being a great gateway read for more serious readers looking to explore the cozy genre. Highly recommend!

Thank you to the author for the gifted arc. This is my voluntary review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

(My rating 4.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads.)

What I loved:

🌹 The magical house! This was such a cute and clever way to enhance the story. Beaubrook’s quirks weren’t random but a direct reflection of each owners current mental state and I found that brilliant.

🌹 The Characters! They were complex, but by the end I adored each and every one of them. You wanted them to find contentment and get past the situations that brought them to Beaubrook.

🌹 The friendships! I’m always a sucker for found family and this story really did it well. We weren’t just told people were close, we were shown over and over again so I truly believed it.

What I didn’t love:

🌹 The British idioms did trip me up a few times. Not enough to really be a true complaint it just made me jump out of the story a few times to research what a word meant. Pootled along anyone? 😂

🌹 As with any character driven narrative it did take a moment to get invested in the story. Again, not a true complaint just a small reason for not giving 5 stars.

🌹 Tori’s pov. It was written in such an odd way I struggled to get through her chapters. For someone who is a professional writer I wouldn’t have expected this style. Where are her pronouns?!?

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to be invited to read an ARC of
Magical Beginnings in Little Beaubrook, it was an absolute pleasure to read.

Little Beaubrook is a beautiful manor house that has been converted into apartments. It is set in a small village that had been deserted for years and requires a lot of work to restore it back to it’s former glory The new owners of each apartment signed a commonhold agreement that involves regular meetings, work on the community allotments and ownership of a cottage, which they must start to restore and renovate within a year of their purchase. Each resident seems to have reasons for moving into the countryside they are escaping from their pasts and wanting a fresh start and in some cases to hide from reality. Albie, an elderly widow, is keen to build a proper community based on principles handed down to him by his late wife. He secretly posts simple phrases that should inspire, rules to live by, each day. The ultimate aim is to be kind to yourself and others, to form a true close community.

Each chapter of the book is headed with one of these thoughtful rules to live by eg “celebrate special occasions” and the name of the person the chapter is primarily about. As you might imagine much hope and joy unfold as true friendships are formed, secrets are revealed and a close community develops. The characters all healing and growing, showing kindness and understanding as time goes on. In the meantime the manor house and cottages seem to glow and improve with each positive development in their lives.

I loved the variety of characters each sympathetically viewed without judgement as they respond to their new environment and the kindness of others. Some of the backstories are quite emotive and I found myself shedding a few tears both in angst on their behalf then in happiness as they find their new path out of the darkness. The importance of kindness and the gentle support of community and found family is explored through the eyes of each character.

I thoroughly enjoyed my magical visit to Little Beaubrook and would happily revisit.

[Lottie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book genuinely surprised me in the best possible way. I went in with very little expectation and came out slightly emotionally compromised in that cosy, satisfied, “I need to sit with my feelings and also recommend this to everyone I know” kind of way.

There is something quietly special about how this story unfolds. It is not loud or overly dramatic, it simply wraps itself around you. The tone is gentle but immersive, and the sense of place, especially the manor, is beautifully done. The magical elements are subtle rather than showy, which makes them feel all the more enchanting. The roses, the shifting wallpapers, the little details that hint at a living, breathing magical space… they linger in your mind long after you have put the book down.

One of the strongest aspects for me was the character work. Multiple POVs can sometimes turn into a tangled web, but here each character felt distinct and grounded. I found myself understanding their voices, their motivations, and how they interconnected without ever feeling lost. By the end, it genuinely felt like I could walk into Little Beaubrook and recognise each of them immediately, which is always a sign the storytelling has done its job well.

The found family dynamic is another highlight. There is a real sense of people coming together, not because they are obligated to, but because they choose to, especially when the town is at stake. It gives the story a steady emotional core that balances the magic nicely. It is supportive without being saccharine, which is a difficult balance to strike.

Overall, this felt like a soft, comforting read with just enough stakes to keep things engaging. It made me laugh, it made me feel a bit teary in places, and it left me with that gentle, glowing aftertaste that is perfect for a spring read. A quietly magical, character-rich story that knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers it with charm.

Thank you Bella Brightside for providing this ARC of Magical Beginnings in Little Beaubrook in exchange for my review.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an utterly heartwarming, charming and just slightly magical novel.

I started reading this before I went to bed one night and quickly realised I should read at least one chapter from each of the main characters just to start getting to know our cast, and that then quickly turned into well I may as well read another one from each just to really get the various people straight in my mind. It's a large varied cast but they all have their reasons and needs for moving to Little Beaubrook.

And Albie is at the heart of it, trying to honour his late wife's wishes, and also tries to live his life by her rules for kindness.

There really is a hint of magic in this, as the house and then the village which they are trying to restore, is doing its own part, very subtly. It just shows that houses can really be sentient and also absorb previous resident's energies.

Toni's story is told via diary entries, and perhaps has the most character development of everyone, as she slowly starts to heal and gain confidence again. But everyone has something they are trying to find, rediscover about themselves, or a way of coming into their own. And although a very different group of strangers at the start, all living in apartments in the same building, Albie is instrumental in starting to turn it into a real community.

There is plenty of depth to the characters, and ultimately it's a book that made me smile a lot, and also made me hope that humanity could all be a lost more like the characters in this book. Kindness whether to yourself or to others if a philosophy that many more people should live by, and is especially relevant in the troubled times we find ourselves in.

I loved every second of this book. Just wonderful.

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical Beginnings in Little Beaubrook is the kind of story that feels like stepping into a warm kitchen on a cold morning, all soft light and second chances. The village itself is a delight — half‑hidden, half‑enchanted, and quietly waiting for the right people to breathe life back into its crooked cottages and golden‑lit manor. There’s a gentle magic threaded through every page, not the spell‑casting kind, but the quieter sort that comes from kindness, community, and the bravery it takes to start again.

What I loved most is how each new resident arrives carrying their own private heartbreak, yet the village doesn’t ask them to be anything other than exactly who they are. Albie Curville, with his late wife’s rules for living and his own secret tucked close to his chest, becomes the emotional anchor of the story. His hope — tentative, earnest, and tinged with grief — sets the tone for a narrative that believes deeply in the healing power of connection.

As the neighbours begin to stitch themselves into something resembling a family, the novel grows into a celebration of found community. And when an outside threat looms, it’s their shared vulnerability, not their perfection, that binds them together. The stakes never feel overwrought; instead, they’re rooted in the simple, universal desire to protect the place that finally feels like home.

Cozy, heartfelt, and quietly magical, this is a story about rebuilding — houses, lives, and the parts of ourselves we thought were lost for good. It’s a lovely escape into a world where hope is something you can hold in your hands, and where even the most tumbledown cottage has the potential to shine again.

With thanks to Bella Brightside, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Amy Hinton]

Oh my goodness... I LOVED this book!  Magical Beginnings in Little Beaubrook is a heartfelt and uplifting contemporary fiction that has a magical twist.  I did not know what to expect reading this book, but I absolutely LOVED it.  I cannot wait until it comes out to share with others. The magical healing of Little Beaubrook was just what the heart needed. This is a  true love story of second chance love through healing within ourselves, new beginnings and the healing power that comes from community. 

Albie Curtville wants to restore Little Beaubrook manor and cottages to the magic that his late wife, Rose, always thought it had. Having a diverse group of people moving into the manor, Albie knows that will help him do just that.  With each dealing with their own heartache and not everyone on board with the contract, he shows his appreciation that everyone is different, but they live together now and must build a community thriving on mutual respect and kindness – “Choose Kindness Every Day”, it was one of Rose’s rules for living. Through practicing kindness, not only to each other but to themselves, they are able to find a second chance at life and love. Through friendship, faith, grace, peace, joy, devotion, acceptance, kindness and a little magic they were able to overcome so much to build the community that Albie and Rose believed Little Beaubrook always had. 

Some places are special enough to heal hearts… Welcome to Little Beaubrook

If you are looking for a cozy and encouraging book that will put a smile on your face and heartwarming feel, make sure you do not pass this one up.  It has become my all-time favorite book!!! 💋

[Claire Rowlands · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Thank you to the author for this ARC copy. This is my honest, voluntary review.'

Book: Magical Beginnings in Little Beaubrook
Vibe: A warm hug in a book, a hot cup of tea, and a housing market miracle. ☕️🇬🇧
Stop checking Zillow. I found the ultimate real estate hack: a hidden English village where the cottages cost one single pound. 🪙 Yes, you read that right. One. Pound.
But before you pack your bags, there’s a catch (isn’t there always?). You have to sign a contract with some very specific "rules for living" and move in next to a bunch of strangers who are just as emotionally "tumbledown" as the thatched roofs. 🏚️❤️🩹

📝 THE LEASE AGREEMENT:
* The Location: A magical village that’s been hiding in the mist for decades.
* The Landlord: Albie Curville, the Chair of the association who is trying to honour his late wife’s wishes while hiding a secret that’s definitely NOT in the brochure. 🤫🎩
* The Neighbors: A group of heartbroken misfits who have nothing in common except their "Fixed-Upper" souls.
💖 WHY I’M MOVING IN (MENTALLY):
If you’re a sucker for the Found Family trope, this book is your new personality. It’s a story about healing, kindness, and what happens when a community decides to stand up to an "outside threat" to protect their little slice of magic.
It’s heartwarming, it’s mystical, and it’s a gentle reminder that even the most broken things—whether they are cottages or hearts—can be rebuilt with the right people by your side. 🛠️✨

THE VERDICT: Read this if you need a break from reality and want to believe in second chances (and bargain real estate).
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5 Glowing Manors
#Bookstagram #CozyReads #FoundFamily
#FeelGoodFiction #NewBeginnings

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical Beginnings in Little Beaubrook by Bella Brightside

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Some places are special enough to heal hearts… Welcome to Little Beaubrook

In a tiny English village hidden away for decades, the mists are parting to reveal a manor which glows gold and tumbledown thatched cottages that have been waiting for the right people to rebuild them.

On moving in day, a diverse group of new neighbours have only two things in common. Their hearts have been broken in some way, and they’ve all signed a contract with some very strange stipulations, including buying one of the cottages for a pound. As Chair of the commonhold association, Albie Curville hopes that by sharing his late wife’s rules for living he can bring these reluctant strangers together to fulfil her dying wish before he runs out of time… and before they discover his secret.

When their newfound community – built on kindness, friendship and a manor with a long history of helping those in need – is threatened by an outside source, can they finally overcome their pasts to save Little Beaubrook and seize the second chances they deserve?

My Opinion

Magical Beginnings in Little Beaubrook was a fun read. Bella Brightside has created a delightful cast of characters and even though Bella has utilised multiple POVs, the book was easy to follow. An uplifting read that I would highly recommend.

Rating 4/5

[amanda_coffee_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to start by saying that I had no idea what this book was about at first. I just knew I fell in love with the cover. Now, let me be honest for a couple of reasons: I haven’t read anything by this author before, and I know she writes under other pen names. I’m definitely going to check out those too. Also, this book took me a little while to finish because I didn’t want to leave the world or family that these characters have become. I really love the different perspectives and their heartbreak, so to speak.

I really felt a connection with each character for many different reasons.

I read all kinds of books, and I really enjoy a small-town family kind of book that gives you all the emotions in one book. Loss, grief, abuse, trauma, and peace. I have to say, I loved that each cottage was named to fit each person who lived in them.

I’m so glad the author reached out to me to read her book! It was such an amazing read to end 2025 with. Thank you for the characters and world that I needed to wrap up this year with.

About book A small old cottage that has been hidden for many decades. Albie who late wife who used to live here. But during the war her and her family had to leave. Albie wanted to restore the cottage and he did so to honor is wife Rose. But in doing so he has made some friends and unfortunate things happened. And these friends /neigbors become more than that. With a touch of magic that in the cottages.

[Kate Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can I not have fallen in love with Little Beaubrook and its residents? From the moment I met Albie Curville and his Brigadoon-esque mansion in stunning hills of Dorset/Hampshire I was intrigued. Add in the group of people he had selected to move into the manor while they renovated the cottages in the village, I was captivated.

I’m a huge fan of renovation reality programs so I loved getting to know each person as they accepted the challenge of rebuilding the rundown buildings whether enthusiastically or reluctantly. Each character had depth and wide ranging reasons why they needed not only a place to stay but a support network to help them heal. I particularly loved Tori, Harley and Clover.

This novel truly deserves having magical in its title. The magic softly grows in the background, its tendrils embracing each character as they face their issues and try to form the community they and the village needs. The blooming enchantment not only works on the characters but the reader leaving you warm, and uplifted.

Little Beaubrook is a beautiful place that captured imagination and my heart. In uncertain and scary times, books can provide a welcome escape which this one excels at. The gentle love, magic and reminder of the power of human connections within the pages of Magical Beginnings in Little Beaubrook makes this one of my favourite books I’ve read this year, it provides a bookish hug and will be one of of go to comfort rereads.

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical Beginnings in Little Beaubrook is the cosy healing story you didn't know you needed. With multiple POVs telling the story of this group of strangers as they slowly come together to rebuild and save the village they have all come to reside in. At first I thought I would struggle to keep up with the multiple people's part in the story but in the end its what brought the story together so beautifully. Each person has a distinctive writing and story telling style. Initially, I struggled with the blunt journal style of Tori's story but as she moves through her healing journey you really can feel how she moves through different parts of her story though how the writing transforms. I really enjoyed every residents story and how the subtle magic of this seemingly sentient building nudges them along in their healing journey. I loved how the magic was not over the top and just a subtle warm wholesome feel to it. It didn't overshadow the real magic, which was the community spirit and kindness that the residents showed towards each other and how they pulled together to save their home. Even though initially some were hesitant and not open to helping each other rebuild.

With all that said this is the perfect feel good read for spring with a well-rounded story that wraps up in such a amazing way.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in return for a honest opinion.

[Tayu · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - Cozy, hopeful, and warm

This book as felt like a warm hug from a grandfather that greats you with tea, buiscuits, and village gossip every week. It was great and so, so calming to read. In contemporary literature there is so much drama and action going on that it feels somewhat overwhelming at times. So, this book was a breath of fresh air with this cozy, magical realism village and estate.

All of the main characters in this book, that have POVs, are different and have different learning curves and development. Nevertheless, you can relate to all of them. Albie's optimism and romantic world view made me feel especially connected to him. Harley's stoic beginning and trust issues made me think of myself from time to time so his chapters felt like personal therapy sessions and made me also learn a lot myself. Same with Tori, although for different reasons. Her story was the most heartwarming to me and she actually became my favourite character although Harley and Kristen made me the most happy. Gilly was the hardest character to feel close to but the most I read, the more I got her and liked her in the end.

I enjoyed the different styles in which the chapteres are written in. It makes the book quite special and unique and that made me enjoy reading even more. Paired with the mysteries that are waiting to discover, it is what makes this book so good. I enjoy the writing so much and look forward to read more from Bella.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm as a hug, this sweet read about the power of kindness and the strength of communities will cheer you right up and encourage you to be generous with your love and time.

It follows Albie, an eccentric widower. His late wife Rose described her ancestral home - the village of Little Beaubrook - as a place for new beginnings, so when Albie is given the chance to restore it, he brings people in who need a second chance. From abuse survivor Tori, to ex-sportsman Harley who is hiding from the press, to arguing couple Gilly and Ariel, each of the town’s new residents has something they need to work through to move on. And, with the help of Rose’s ‘rules for life’ and a few little nudges from the magical, sentient village itself, they slowly come to trust each other and experience the change kindness can inspire.

I was bowled over by how much I enjoyed this. It’s optimistic, sweet, and a spotlight on the good we overlook in dark times. The budding relationships and found family are lovely, the character development is brilliant, and though it’s heavy on description at times, that means you can picture the idyllic setting. It would make for a beautiful movie you’d return to again and again for its heartwarming nature. And for the subtle magic of the village, which reacts to the moods of those who live within it.

If you’re looking for a read to brighten your day, I’d recommend picking this one up. Thank you to @authorbythesea1207 for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Keighley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to @authorbythesea1207 for the ARC copy of Magical Beginnings in Little Beaubrook - this is my honest, voluntary review ❤️

This is the first book by the author writing as Bella Brightside (a new genre = a new name), and I was so pleased to be chosen to read this ahead of its official release on March 5th, 2026.

Firstly, what a magical little book. It truly lives up to its name. I felt completely engrossed in the Manor and pictured it exactly as it appears on the cover ❤️

The characters were all so varied yet so real. I felt emotionally connected to each of them for different reasons and found myself rooting for them all. Watching their growth and development throughout the book was incredibly heartwarming.

I absolutely loved the magical aspects of the story - especially the Manor itself - and I definitely shed a few tears along the way (at one point I was in the bookshop hoping no one would walk in mid-tear 😂).

Lastly, I loved the subtle references to all the things I know the author loves (from following Bella on socials), which made the story feel even more personal and special.

A truly lovely book and a beautiful reminder to “always choose kindness, every day “ ❤️

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely little story. All of the residents in Little Beaubrook were hand selected by the owner to help rebuild the village and breathe new life into the homes there. What they don't know is that the owner lives among them in the form of a grandfatherly figure called Albie, never Albert.
Albie wants to honor his late wife who grew up in the main house by living by her truths and caring for those who live with him. By leaving little notes, holding meetings while they're on walks as a collective, and encouraging the residents to work together to rebuild the village, he seems to be doing just that. It helps that the manor has a little magic of its own to motivate the little group.
I absolutely loved this book. All of the characters bring with them some kind of grief, trauma, or even bad decisions that need a gentle touch and they are all relatable in a way. I'll admit that sometimes the story got a little confusing because there were so many people to keep straight but that didn't really detract from the overall cozy feel of the book. It's slow paced and has little hints of sweet romance in it which for me at the time I read it was exactly what I needed. Highly recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Corinne Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, heartwarming tale focusing on new chances and how folks can help each other out. This novel is set in this little, quiet English village, Little Beaubrook. And a few random people get asked to buy cottages for just a pound. Everyone shows up with their own baggage and dreams, not really knowing what this strange chance might lead to.

The newcomers settle in, and as they do, they get to know the villagers and the area. What starts as just a simple plan ends up becoming way more than friends connect and people get over their past issues. With its charming tiny houses and calm atmosphere, the village is a perfect place to get a fresh start.

At first I was a bit confused with the number of characters, but soon they all revealed their unique selves! Getting to know each of their background stories, their struggles, and seeing their best selves emerge was such a joy!

This is a hopeful story that emphasizes relationships and kindness. It’s a reminder that a bit of kindness can totally change someone’s life. If you like heartwarming stories about finding your place, making friends, and starting over, you’ll love this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Aida Rivero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical Beginnings in Little Beaubrook
By Bella Brightside
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
* Found Family
* Second Chances
* Sentient Setting
* Hidden World
* One-Pound Deal 
Magical Beginnings in Little Beaubrook is an absolute ray of sunshine! Set in a hidden English village that magically reappears after decades, the story follows a group of strangers—all nursing broken hearts—who move into tiny cottages for just one pound. Watching the manor glow and the gardens bloom as the characters heal is pure, cozy perfection. Bella Brightside has created the ultimate "found family" story that feels like a warm hug on a rainy afternoon!
The characters are so vivid and relatable, especially Albie Curville, who leads the community with his late wife’s sweet "rules for living." While it touches on real-life challenges like grief and health struggles, the focus is always on kindness, second chances, and the power of a supportive neighborhood. If you love a sprinkle of magical realism mixed with heart-melting friendship, this whimsical gem is a must-read for your 2026 TBR list!

10/10 Would recommend this book to all family and friends.

[Tea Leaves and Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some places are special enough to heal hearts - and, some books are too. That is exactly how I felt after reading Magical Beginnings in Little Beaubrook. Healed. What from? Impossible to say. But you cannot help but feel warmth and a sense of community just from being around the characters in this book whilst reading it. And what a cast of characters they were! I thought I would struggle to keep up with them all, but Bella writes in different voices so well that I was able to instantly know who I was reading about even without the chapter headings.

The importance of kindness, acceptance, forgiveness and understanding, were key throughout the books, and as the characters developed and Beaubrook came to life, I was captured by each and every storyline. I so hope we get to return one day.

Now, more than ever, we need books like this. Books that remind us that there is more to unite, than there is to divide.

Fans of gentle magical realism edging into cosy fantasy will really enjoy this book, in particular if you enjoyed Adrienne Young (A Sea of Unspoken Things), Sarah Addison Allen (The Sugar Queen) and Rachel Greenlaw (The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells.)

[Shirley Painter · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌸This was really enjoyable and uplifting read, full of community spirit, kindness and hope. Each character has moved to begin a fresh start in the quaint village of Little Beaubrook , all with the hope they can escape the demons that have been haunting them. Initially strangers they soon pull together and find that kindness and trust really do go a long way to making life feel happier and more fulfilling.

💙There were some serious issues dealt with by all the characters (such as depression, PTSD, fertility struggles and IVF, single parent life and grief) however they were sensitively dealt with and made the residents very relatable. It was uplifting to see them facing their troubles and breaking free from their past. The magic of the manor and the cottages that would heal or crack depending on the mood and behaviours of the residents really added to the charm.

🥰For me this felt like an adult version of an Enid Blyton classic magical story and I adored it. If only i could live in Little Beaubrook and thrive under their community spirit.

🙌🏻Favourite quote: ‘You have made us friends, a kindness tribe and community with purpose.’

[RAvenreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this ARC copy. This is an honest, voluntary review.

This story is about a magical lost village inhabited by a group of people who've all had their hearts broken in some way and need to heal. You'll enjoy it if you're looking for a cosy, feel-good story about love, second chances, found family, new beginnings and the healing power of community.

The book is set out in multiple povs, each one being the main character, generally I don't like multi pov books, but this works so well, Each character grows and evolves through the chapters by the end I felt like I really knew them, each character has their own story of heart break that is told in a way that felt so familiar and raw to the reader.

The plot was consistent, the slow burn romance, the found family, cosy magic was in my view perfect, I fell in love with this book, it had just the right amount of everything I was looking for.

For me, this book is everything I needed and more, it's one I will read again and again. It's cute, it's cosy, it's magical and I need more 💕

Easily 5 stars.

[Emma-Claire Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming, gently magical, and brimming with small-town charm. This is the kind of story that wraps around you like a favourite jumper.

I was so honoured when Bella asked me to read a pre-release copy of this book. After a long, dark and dreary winter - this book was the warm hug that I needed to repair my soul.

Bella's ability to create characters that weave themselves into the very fabric of your soul never ceases to amaze me, but once again, with Magical Beginnings, I found myself utterly entranced by the characters I soon felt became my friends.

This is a comforting read with an edge. I don't need to delve into the book's intricacies - I'll leave that to those who insist on posting spoilers in reviews - but tough topics are handled in a way that leaves you genuinely hopeful that this beautiful little place exists somewhere.

If you believe in the magical power of second chances, this story is one for you. Grab a blanket and a pot of tea and dive in - you won't be disappointed.

[Alison Barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does it really take to mend a broken heart?

Have you ever really thought about the answer to that question?

When a host of unique characters that initially don't seem to belong together, form an alliance and work towards a larger goal, strange things begin to happen. Yet is it the mending and healing of their deepest and darkest tragedies bringing magic to Little Beaubrook....or might it just be the other way around?

Who is really to say, and we all may never know.

Bella Brightside created a world that we as the reader, truly cannot help but get immersed in. I couldn't seem to read this book fast enough as I yearned to know more. To see this amazing story unfold, and these incredible characters lives continue to take shape.

With a hand on my heart, I can honestly say that this was a book that I did not want to end. It was a page turner to say the least.

Something within the pages of this book gave a change of perspective and truly allowed what is really important to become evident and completely crystal clear.

Pick up this book, and you surely will be changed for the better...I know I was.

[Teresa Nardo-Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be selected as an ARC reader by the author Bella Brightside to be released 5th March. This is a new genre for her and she smashes it.

It took me an age to find the right words to write a review for this cozy fantasy book, this is my honest review.

The story is based around a manor called Little Beaubrook, it has a big heart and a dash of magic. The characters who live here have complicated lives and are all brought together, this is where they and the magic of Little Beaubrook and how it’s beautifully written pull you in (you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and feel all emotions), each character is written wonderfully and you fall in love and root for each of them…….I’m not going to lie I’d like to know when I can move in.
As I was reading for those old enough to remember it it reminded me of the movie Brigadoon as Little Beaubrook holds magic too

I highly recommend that when this beautiful book comes out you get yourself a copy, I’m definitely getting myself a hard copy to keep to read again and again

[🌷𝓜𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭𝓲𝓽𝓱✨🎀📖 WildestDreamingReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for this ARC copy! I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Magical realism is a favorite genre of mine. There’s a lot of healing, wisdom and magic here in Little Beaubrook. This is a sweet book. I liked the sentient hidden village, the focus on romance for folks who may be older and the tackling and healing of some hard issues.

I struggled with some unrealistic dialogue and so many characters that it was hard to flush them out fully (and some were waaaaayy too toxic. I understand the point here was healing and forgiveness but there’s a line somewhere). There’s a character who writes in a journal in short hand; I understand and respect the thought process of that choice but struggled with it. Occasionally some pretty big conversations or topics were just a few sentences and then moved on and I’d have liked to have actually seen those scenes play out.

Thank you again for the opportunity to read and review! Every ARC is special and a treasure to me 💖

[mel_neverendingtbr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review

Little Beaubrook is a manor that’s been split up into apartments. It’s set in a little village that has been forgotten. Albie is the forefront of this storyline in that it’s his deceased wife’s wish that there is a community.

Every chapter was a daily rule that everyone had to follow to create a community. Every chapter has a name of the character that you would follow and what the rule of living was for that day.

As the story goes on you follow all the characters and get to know them more, you discover their friendships and hopes for the future. The Manor House and the cottages blossom with every positive thing that happens and crumble when things don’t go according to plan

What a beautiful story. I loved all the characters in this story and loved the magical elements. I enjoyed the daily rules for living that everyone had to follow.