Healing Hearts at The Forever Cottage

by Jill Steeples

💖💖 The continuation of Jill Steeples gorgeous escapist, heartwarming series, set in the beautiful Cotswold Countryside 🌼 Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Sarah Bennett 🏡 The winds of change are sweeping through the idyllic Cotswold village of Lower Leaping.

After a tumultuous few months, Tess Alexander is ready to welcome her first guests to The Garden Retreat, a beautiful lodge in the grounds of Hollyhocks Cottage.

With her daughter Hannah home from her travels in Australia and her mother, Marjorie, acting out of character, Tess has to juggle many demands on her attention. Even her flourishing relationship with dashing Rob Templeton is put to the test when he faces an emotional dilemma from his past and Barney, her beloved beagle, has her at her wits end.

Tess can weather most storms with the unbridling support of her close friends Dilly, Gina and Suzy but when a passing remark in the local pub causes her to question one of those friendships, she wonders who can she really trust?

Can Tess overcome the obstacles in her path to find the happy ending she truly deserves?

A heartfelt story of hope, renewal and that everyone can have a new beginning and second chance from bestselling author Jill Steeples.

Praise for Jill

‘A gorgeous setting and wonderful characters, just the loveliest place to cosy up and escape to' - Beth Moran

'I love a fresh start story and this was a fabulous one with a stunning setting and a lovely supporting cast of friends and family. Left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling' - Jessica Redland

'A warm hearted novel about starting over, friendship and family set in the beautiful Cotswolds. A great start to a new series.' - Della Galton

'Loved the relatable characters, picture postcard setting and the feel-good vibe - what's not to love' - Jo Bartlett

'I loved everything about The Forever Cottage; the setting, the characters, and especially the dog! It was a truly uplifting and heartwarming read, of friendship and second chances, that showed that whatever the situation, there is always hope for the future.' - Kim Nash

'I knew I was in safe hands from the very first page. Jill has such a fluid, easy way with words that I was drawn straight into the story.' - Sarah Bennett

‘I have read every one in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them all. This was my favourite I think, totally recommend these feel good books.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Loved being back at Primrose Woods/Hall and to another story in the series although this could be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading the full series for full enjoyment… This was another lovely read from this author within the beautiful setting of Primrose Hall and with an element of festive magic.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This is a delightful, warm and cosy read. Jill always writes such heart-warming books and never fails to disappoint.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Jill has been one of my favourite rom-com authors since I discovered her Dog and Duck series. She continues her excellent output her with a wonderfully warm and charming story.

Unknown Binding

About the author

Author also writes as J.E. Steeples

Jill Steeples lives in a small market town in Bedfordshire with her husband. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, crocheting, musical theatre, baking cakes, eating them and the occasional tipple.

From an early age she fell in love with the fabulously funny romances of Jilly Cooper, and vowed, one day, she would have a go at writing one of her own.

Jill started her career writing short stories, particularly those with a twist in the tail, and her work has appeared in popular women’s magazines around the world and in a number of charity anthologies.

Now she writes feel-good, uplifting fiction for Boldwood Books and her works include The Dog & Duck series and The Primrose Woods series.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Healing Hearts at The Forever Cottage, by Jill Steeples, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 2 in the Lower Leaping series. Tess has a lot going on, her daughter is back, she is opening a new retreat center, and her love life can use a pick me up. This was a feel good read, i enjoyed the characters.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Healing Hearts at The Forever Cottage
by Jill Steeples

We dive back into Lower Leaping, a stunning Cotswold village, where Tess reconnects with her family and friends following the events of the first book. Some time has passed, and we see her daughter, Hannah, settling in after her adventures in Australia. Tess's mother, Marjorie, is behaving in unexpected ways, adding an intriguing layer to the story. Meanwhile, Tess's relationship with Rob continues to flourish, especially now that he has his own home.

Jess’s close friends—Dilly, Gina, and Suzy—return, bringing their unwavering support and depth to the narrative. This story also introduces two engaging new characters, Danny and Michael, who add excitement and promise for future developments. I have no doubt that they will be significant in upcoming stories.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just like the first one, though I believe it could have been even stronger. I highly recommend reading the first book in the series to fully appreciate the journey. I highly recommend reading book one in the series first to get the full experience

[Kindle Book Worm By The Sea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Lower Leaping series, and you could definitely read this as a stand alone book. Although I would highly recommend reading the first book - The Forever Cottage, as this gives you much more background on the characters.
I loved this second book, although just not quite as much as the first. I feel rob was lacking in this one a bit. I hope that there are some more books with Danny and Michael as would very much like to get to know those characters more especially Danny and Dilly with the Christmas party. Also totally unexpected with Marjorie’s new hobby which had both Tess and Hannah thinking there was something seriously wrong with her. Overall a lovely easy read where I could escape yet again.

Thankyou to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.

[The Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

​A big thank you to NetGalley, author Jill Steeples, and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!
​I’m giving this one a solid 4 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ While I think you could probably dive into this as a standalone, I highly recommend reading book one in the series first to get the full experience!
​This was such a cozy, good read filled with lovable and relatable characters that you can't help but root for. I’ll be honest—I think I liked the first book just a tiny bit more, but this was still a delight. If you are a Hallmark movie lover, this book is basically a warm hug in paper form.
​Head over to my profile @TheLitWhisperer for more cozy romance recs!
​#TheLitWhisperer #HealingHeartsAtTheForeverCottage #JillSteeples #NetGalley #Cottagecore #HallmarkVibes #CozyRomance #SummerReads #BookSeries #RelatableCharacters #RomanceReader #FeelGoodBooks

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel good, cosy romance set in the Cotswolds. The second book in the Lower Leaping series but it can be easily read as a stand alone. I loved getting to know Tessa, her family, friends and dog Barney the Beagle. I enjoyed Tessa’s story of finding new love and building up a new business after a divorce whilst navigating issues with both her daughter and mother. The characters were all endearing, ai even found myself eventually feeling sympathy for ex-husband Charles who was quite annoying at the beginning. Her new romance with Rob was lovely, it was nice to see the two of them loving on together after their previous marriages failed. The Cotswolds Village and all its cottages sounded delightful- I was quite keen to come and stay in Tessa’s new B&B! A beautiful story of finding yourself and moving on.

[Nicola Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely step back in to the world of Lower Leaping, the cozy Cotswold village which is home to the main character Tess. In the first book, Tess has been married to Charles for 30 years when he shatters her world by saying he is leaving. In this new installment, Tess has moved on and is enjoying her relationship with Rob, looking after her adult daughter Hannah and building her new business. A warm and friendly woman, Tess has to navigate a few misunderstandings along the way, as the seasons head to the end of the year.

This is a delicious return to Hollyhocks cottage, with family meals, cozy chats and new love interests for some of the characters. I'm looking forward to the next in the series. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for a review.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but didn't love it. I haven't read the first book in the series so may have been move invested if I had, although it does do a good job at giving detail on what transpired so you don't feel like you are missing half the tale. In fact if I had read book one I could have potentially spent much of the first half skim reading the summary.

I couldn't warm to Hannah - for a woman who has travelled across the world and gone through some tragic events she came across as remarkably immature in her behaviour: I would have thought her around 17 if we weren't told otherwise.

Obviously Barney is the star of the show.

Worth picking up for a light summer read.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful follow up book from The Forever Cottage but it could be read as a standalone but I think you get better experience and enthusiasm if you read the first book first. Tess has started her garden retreat B&B and it isn't without it's challenges. Her daughter Hannah is back home and keeping Tess on alert with worries. Tess relationship with Rob is progressing or maybe not? And her ex husband Charles is still a pain. Barney her gorgeous dog is probably the only one that hasn't changed and is up to his usual doggy antics. Tess also hears something at the pub that has her questioning her friendships. I got all the warm hearted feels reading this delightful book.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful follow on to the first book. Tess is opening her annexe as a BnB, her relationship with Rob is blooming and her daughter is home and doing well. Through all the curveballs life throws at her throughout this story, she stands strong, finding a resilience within herself she didn't know she had. Of course, the support of her wonderful friends, both old and new, makes things easier to deal with. A fantastic, sweet, cozy story.
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Jill Steeples for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great addition to the Lower Leaping series and it was great to catch up with the characters from the previous book as well as meeting some new ones. Tess Alexander lives in Hollyhocks Cottage and has turned her beautiful lodge in the garden into The Garden Retreat. As she gets ready to welcome her first guests she also has deal with plenty of drama! Her daughter Hannah is home, her ex keeps turning up on the doorstep, her new relationship with Rob has a few issues and her mother Marjorie is acting very strangely, to name a few! . I loved how this flowed with the dramas being weaved in. The characters are well described and believable and with a gorgeous setting this leaves you with a heartwarming feeling. Looking forward to the next one

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

To describe Healing Hearts in one word it would be "sweet". This was a lovely feel good read following Tess along with her daughter Hannah and mother Marjorie. Part of the Lower Leaping series of books set in the Cotswolds, it reads perfectly as a standalone. The Healing Hearts title was appropriate with Tess and her family and friends all healing their hearts in one way or another throughout the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc for review.

[Roo · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Lower Leaping, a beautiful Cotswold village where Tess is opening up a new retreat. She’s exciting, but apprehensive. Her life is full, her daughter is home from Australia and her love life has been fun. It’s a cozy easy read that will fill an afternoon. I am really enjoying this series, the author is great at pulling you in. A 5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Lower Leaping series. While it does stand alone I would suggest reading book one first.
We meet up again with Tess at Hollyhocks cottage. Her daughter Hannah is home and both are adjusting to their new life.
This was an easy quick book. It’s full of romance, family drama and good friends.

[Sam Ing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
This was a lovely quick read full of romance, drama, family and friends. Tess is going through lots of stuff; she is setting up a holiday let, worrying about her daughter and her boyfriend. She's also has trouble with her husband she is divorcing. I loved the command looking forward to the next one the series.

[Dawn Probert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely catch up with Tess and the girl gang. Lovely book full of friendships, family and fun. This was a lovely story and touched on some serious subjects very sensitively. This book and the others in the series are great reads. Really recommend them. Thank you NetGalley for the arc in exchange of an honest review.

[Sans Washington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed escaping to Tess' cottage and her circle of family and friends. This is a great story for those looking for a gentle read with interesting characters in a lovely fall setting. I especially enjoyed the message of starting over better and stronger regardless of age, gender, etc. . This is a charming addition to any Jill Steeples library.

[Cee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and quick read that endeared me to the Forever Cottage so much that I will have to go back and read the first book in the series in addition to having to wait for book three to see who finds love next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC edition of this book.