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Willow Cottage #1
Sunshine and Secrets
Beth is running away. With her young son Leo to protect, Willow Cottage is the lifeline she so desperately needs. Overlooking the village green in a beautiful Cotswolds idyll, Beth sees a safe place for little Leo.
When she finally uncovers the cottage from underneath the boughs of a weeping willow tree, Beth realises this is far more of a project than she bargained for and the locals are more than a little eccentric! A chance encounter with gruff Jack, who appears to be the only male in the village under thirty, leaves the two of them at odds but it’s not long before Beth realises that Jack has hidden talents that could help her repair more than just Willow Cottage.
Over the course of four seasons, Beth realises that broken hearts can be mended, and sometimes love can be right under your nose…
When she finally uncovers the cottage from underneath the boughs of a weeping willow tree, Beth realises this is far more of a project than she bargained for and the locals are more than a little eccentric! A chance encounter with gruff Jack, who appears to be the only male in the village under thirty, leaves the two of them at odds but it’s not long before Beth realises that Jack has hidden talents that could help her repair more than just Willow Cottage.
Over the course of four seasons, Beth realises that broken hearts can be mended, and sometimes love can be right under your nose…
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2016
112 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 31, 2023
Part 1 I don't really know what to write, I know for sure it is very Britisch. It is a slow read, but has an interesting every day life story. The main character isn't very handy with things and she falls a lot. Surprisingly never breaking or scuffing anything.
February 27, 2019
Loved the settings, story line, and the characters. Gasped at the end, I will certainly read the next book to find out what's going to happen to Beth.
December 22, 2016
Beth needs a fresh start and she wants to be far away from London. Together with her son Leo she moves to a small Cotswolds village where she has bought a house. Willow Cottage looked romantic in the pictures, but it's more dilapidated than Beth expected. Her neighbor Jack knows how to renovate houses and he helps her with the work. A small country village isn't what she's used to at all and Beth sometimes doubt if she's made the right decision. Will she feel at home in her new place and will she be able to get over her past?
Carly lives in London and isn't completely happy with her boyfriend. She works as a sign language translator and her boyfriend is deaf. He doesn't have a regular nine to five job and spends most of his time in his pyjamas. She isn't as content as she was at the beginning of their relationship because she is ready for the next step and keeps hoping he will make a romantic gesture, when this doesn't happen she gets frustrated. She's wants him to propose, but is that ever going to happen?
Sunshine and Secrets is the first part of the Willow Cottage series. I immediately fell in love with the romantic setting. The cottage might be in a terrible state, but it definitely has potential and I can't wait to see what Beth will do with it. Jack is grumpy at first, but once she gets to know him Beth finds out he's actually really nice. I loved Leo, he's such an adorable little boy. Beth is a sweetheart and she's strong and resilient. Carly isn't happy with the fact she isn't engaged yet. She keeps having false hope and when time after time her boyfriend disappoints her she needs her best friend Beth more than ever. I enjoyed reading about their friendship and couldn't wait for them to see each other again. The story ends with a fantastic cliffhanger that has made me extremely curious.
The main characters of the Willow Cottage story are all intriguing. Bella Osborne alternates between Beth and her best friend Carly, who she left behind in London, so there's also enough information about the life Beth used to lead and the problems she's facing. That gives the story some extra depth, which I liked a lot. I look forward to finding out what will happen when Beth's past and present will come together.
Bella Osborne is great at creating cozy atmospheres. Her stories are always warm and welcoming and I love her easy flowing writing style. When I'm reading her stories I stop paying attention to what's happening around me until I've read the last sentence. I read this story in one sitting and am anxious to read more. I love Willow Cottage, it's the perfect setting for a beautiful romantic story and this series shows a lot of promise.
Carly lives in London and isn't completely happy with her boyfriend. She works as a sign language translator and her boyfriend is deaf. He doesn't have a regular nine to five job and spends most of his time in his pyjamas. She isn't as content as she was at the beginning of their relationship because she is ready for the next step and keeps hoping he will make a romantic gesture, when this doesn't happen she gets frustrated. She's wants him to propose, but is that ever going to happen?
Sunshine and Secrets is the first part of the Willow Cottage series. I immediately fell in love with the romantic setting. The cottage might be in a terrible state, but it definitely has potential and I can't wait to see what Beth will do with it. Jack is grumpy at first, but once she gets to know him Beth finds out he's actually really nice. I loved Leo, he's such an adorable little boy. Beth is a sweetheart and she's strong and resilient. Carly isn't happy with the fact she isn't engaged yet. She keeps having false hope and when time after time her boyfriend disappoints her she needs her best friend Beth more than ever. I enjoyed reading about their friendship and couldn't wait for them to see each other again. The story ends with a fantastic cliffhanger that has made me extremely curious.
The main characters of the Willow Cottage story are all intriguing. Bella Osborne alternates between Beth and her best friend Carly, who she left behind in London, so there's also enough information about the life Beth used to lead and the problems she's facing. That gives the story some extra depth, which I liked a lot. I look forward to finding out what will happen when Beth's past and present will come together.
Bella Osborne is great at creating cozy atmospheres. Her stories are always warm and welcoming and I love her easy flowing writing style. When I'm reading her stories I stop paying attention to what's happening around me until I've read the last sentence. I read this story in one sitting and am anxious to read more. I love Willow Cottage, it's the perfect setting for a beautiful romantic story and this series shows a lot of promise.
January 25, 2021
Absolutely brilliant
Oh how I loved this book, ill be honest when I started it I didnt think I would love it as much as I did. When I got the kindle version and it warned that it had a cliff hanger which normally doesnt bother me......but OMG I just wanted to keep reading it. The characters of Beth and her son Leo are very easy to relate to and love. It is brilliantly written so it flows smoothly, the storyline is one that captures you and is light hearted. I cant wait to read the next book!!!!
Oh how I loved this book, ill be honest when I started it I didnt think I would love it as much as I did. When I got the kindle version and it warned that it had a cliff hanger which normally doesnt bother me......but OMG I just wanted to keep reading it. The characters of Beth and her son Leo are very easy to relate to and love. It is brilliantly written so it flows smoothly, the storyline is one that captures you and is light hearted. I cant wait to read the next book!!!!
July 11, 2016
"Sunshine and Secrets" is the first part in the new series by author Bella Osborne set in the picturesque Dumbleford, a Cotswolds Village. I admit, I requested this short story on NetGalley, albeit hesitantly, as recently I've read a novel by Ms Osborne and had some issues with it, but nevertheless I loved the premise to "Sunshine and Secrets" - it sounds really intriguing and I am really glad that I decided to read it.
First of all, I truly like the idea of buying a cottage in the auction without even seeing it - not that I'd decide for such a great step myself, but as Beth did it was a great, promising start to the story. And well, the cottage looked so great in the auction catalogue, right, so what could go wrong? It turns out that a lot can go wrong but please read for yourself - it's hilarious. But our Beth is not a woman that quickly gives up - at least she looks like this (in this first part we didn't get many chances to get to know her deeply. We know that she's running from an abusive relationship, that she has a son and that she had a great job but for me there was not much about Beth's personality but I hope we'll get to know her better in the next instalments) and so she decided to renovate the cottage of course. As Beth is very new to the village, together with her we are introduced to the people of Dumbleford and one seems to be more eccentric than the other and I am truly waiting for an explanation of this - I hope it'll come! One of the villagers is Jack and they didn't start their acquaintance in the best possible way.
The narration alternates between Beth and her best friend Carly, and it is the same way Ms Osborne previous book "A Family Holiday" was written, which bothered me mostly when reading it, and it bothers me here as well, because those two stories are totally different and I am not sure if they anything in common, except for Beth and Carly being friends.
I've already found the village a charming place, even with some of the villagers being so controversial, but also some of them very friendly, like the barmaid in the pub, and Beth's behaviour bothered me a little - she seemed as if she patronised the people, as if she were better than all of them, she had moments that she was too smug and shallow for my liking, not too keen to allow her little boy to play with others and there was one scene in the pub when she didn't want anybody to sit next to her that made me feel a little uncomfortable.
But already in this first part the author gives us a foretaste of what we can expect in the future - a hooking, interesting story including abusive relationships, commitment problems, new beginnings. I really have a feeling that there is a lot coming. There is also the romance element introduced, which I already started to like, and I will be waiting for the next part impatiently. "Sunshine and Secrets" is a lovely, quirky, summery quick read, great for one evening with a glass of wine.
Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
July 12, 2016
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The auction scene at the beginning of this amusing serial definitely epitomises Beth as a romantic comedy heroine. Beth is the proverbial ‘fish out of water’ in the country idyll. Beth’s ‘townie’ observations about her surroundings are vivid and often comical. The story is a curious mix of laugh out loud hilarity and dark undercurrents of menace. Beth is running and a rundown cottage in an off the beaten track rural village is a better prospect than a glamorous apartment in London for Beth and her young son Leo.
Brusque and sexy Jack is more than a little attractive to heart worn Beth but what is he hiding? The villagers bring the story to vivid life. There is an atmosphere of secrets, hinted at but not explored, making reading the next part of this funny, poignant serial a must. Life in London continues without Beth through the eyes of her best friend Carly.
I can’t wait to read what happens next to Beth, Carly and Jack and of course Willow Cottage.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins Avon UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bella Osborne
July 21, 2016
This was not what I was expecting at all. It seemed like this surely could've been shortened in so many places. The idea of buying a cottage at auction unseen is mind boggling enough for me but the story has different point of views when it seems really odd to do that because I feel the book is about one main woman character but oddly shifts to her friend's point of view throughout the story-when it doesn't even complement the story or seem to go along with it. And it ended so abruptly. Literally in what felt like mid-scene and says "end of part one". Huh? I get this is a series but um... Besides the fact the story was sloooowww. And I didn't really like the characters or connect to anyone at all.
I received this in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and the publisher.
I received this in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and the publisher.
October 21, 2016
On impulse, Beth bids on Willow Cottage at an auction and is the successful bidder. In her head, the cottage is an ideal property that a lick of paint will put right.
Beth is running away with her son from her London lifestyle and her ex boyfriend Nick and runs to Willow cottage, situated in a village full of odd characters. It's a steep learning curve for Beth.
Looking forward to part 2 of this series.
Beth is running away with her son from her London lifestyle and her ex boyfriend Nick and runs to Willow cottage, situated in a village full of odd characters. It's a steep learning curve for Beth.
Looking forward to part 2 of this series.
August 19, 2017
Beth needs to get away from London and her ex and she goes to an auction and ends up buying a cottage in the Cotswolds and when she goes to find it she realises it's in a lovely village but the cottage needs so much work doing ok it does she find someone who's happy to help her. I'm looking forward to the second part now.
May 5, 2017
Willow Cottage is a needing a bit of a makeover, so when Beth decides to buy the Willow Cottage she is in for a bit of a shock at how much work is needed to turn this small cottage into the home her and her son need. Beth's life in London has come to a sudden end, so coming to a small village in the middle of nowhere is a big change for her, having gotten use to the busy life of London.
Jack has lived in the small village for quite a while and it has become his home, so having a new person arrive is surprising and throws him completely off. I couldn't tell if Jack likes Beth as he gets easily frustrated with her throughout the book and then there is Beth who doesn't want another relationship, with her long-term relationship taking a sour turn which was her driving force in making a location change.
With how much work needs to be done on Willow Cottage, Beth needs all the help she can get which in this case is Jack. Throw in a crazy old man who is keeps appearing under the tree in her garden and not to mention the cost of how much Willow Cottage will cost to fix up properly. The issues at Willow Cottage is only just starting.
The book is told from two different locations, with Beth in the Cotwolds and with Carly in London. Carly is having her own relationship problems, expecting and wanting her boyfriend to propose to her is driving her crazy. So when he plans a nice weekend away from the two of them, Carly expect that this will be the perfect time for a proposal but things never do run smoothly.
Whenever there is animals in the book they always become my favourite character, this book is no different. Doris who is Jack's dog has a quirky personality, one that made me laugh multiple times from reading the antics that she get up to when she is staying at Beth's house.
Sunshine and Secrets is a brilliant first part to this lovely new series, with its dream like house that I would love to live in and the characters which have so much depth and emotion. I can't wait to read Christmas Cheer to find out what happens next.
Three Words
Brilliant, Charming and Moving.
Jack has lived in the small village for quite a while and it has become his home, so having a new person arrive is surprising and throws him completely off. I couldn't tell if Jack likes Beth as he gets easily frustrated with her throughout the book and then there is Beth who doesn't want another relationship, with her long-term relationship taking a sour turn which was her driving force in making a location change.
With how much work needs to be done on Willow Cottage, Beth needs all the help she can get which in this case is Jack. Throw in a crazy old man who is keeps appearing under the tree in her garden and not to mention the cost of how much Willow Cottage will cost to fix up properly. The issues at Willow Cottage is only just starting.
The book is told from two different locations, with Beth in the Cotwolds and with Carly in London. Carly is having her own relationship problems, expecting and wanting her boyfriend to propose to her is driving her crazy. So when he plans a nice weekend away from the two of them, Carly expect that this will be the perfect time for a proposal but things never do run smoothly.
Whenever there is animals in the book they always become my favourite character, this book is no different. Doris who is Jack's dog has a quirky personality, one that made me laugh multiple times from reading the antics that she get up to when she is staying at Beth's house.
Sunshine and Secrets is a brilliant first part to this lovely new series, with its dream like house that I would love to live in and the characters which have so much depth and emotion. I can't wait to read Christmas Cheer to find out what happens next.
Three Words
Brilliant, Charming and Moving.
July 7, 2016
This was a great introduction to a new series set in a picturesque Cotswolds Village called Dumbleford. Beth moves to the village after bidding on a cottage - sight unseen. After all what could be wrong with a 'dream cottage'. After walking round the green failing to spot their new home- the first reveal is not promising. We are promised a season with Willow Cottage and I can't wait to see it's transformation.
Beth and her best friend Carly are from London- and Beth is escaping an abusive relationship which I feel we will see more on in future books. Her ex is shaping up to be the evil force throughout. Carly's boyfriend is under pressure to commit- but he seems blissfully unaware and I loved the scene in the treehouse! They are providing a lot of humour.
It gives a real sense of village life with a whole cast of quirky characters and I loved the explanation of Morris Dancing as 'a bit bonkers and quintessentially English'. The romantic interest is introduced- with a definate will they/won't they?
Bella provides some really beautiful phrases at times- one of my favourites 'The colours were majestic, the soft orange hues melding with a deep yellow glow as the sun slowly melted into the silhouetted countryside'. Doesn't that make you want to move to the countryside?
I am really keen to read the rest of the series and lose myself in the English Countryside. With many thanks to Harper Collins UK and Net Galley for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
Beth and her best friend Carly are from London- and Beth is escaping an abusive relationship which I feel we will see more on in future books. Her ex is shaping up to be the evil force throughout. Carly's boyfriend is under pressure to commit- but he seems blissfully unaware and I loved the scene in the treehouse! They are providing a lot of humour.
It gives a real sense of village life with a whole cast of quirky characters and I loved the explanation of Morris Dancing as 'a bit bonkers and quintessentially English'. The romantic interest is introduced- with a definate will they/won't they?
Bella provides some really beautiful phrases at times- one of my favourites 'The colours were majestic, the soft orange hues melding with a deep yellow glow as the sun slowly melted into the silhouetted countryside'. Doesn't that make you want to move to the countryside?
I am really keen to read the rest of the series and lose myself in the English Countryside. With many thanks to Harper Collins UK and Net Galley for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2016
Beth bought a cottage on an auction and was happy to get away from London and her ex boyfriend. The cottage wasn't actually what she wanted to buy and when she finally saw how it looked in reality, it was even worse. She starts to slowly get to know the people in the village and also renovate the cottage to make it more inhabitable. Right after arriving in the village, she has several awkward encounters with a local named Jack. He seems gruff on the outside, but is actually caring inside. Even though Beth nor Jack is looking for a relationship, there's this feeling there might be something between them, until Beth's friend has come to visit and is getting along with Jack friendlier than she should.
The story alternates between Beth and Carly, and I liked the balance between the two characters. Readers get to know both characters well and they rather compliment than disturb each other. I found the village very charming as well as the Willow cottage itself. I really enjoyed the first part and can't wait to read the next installment, especially after the ending of the first book.
The story alternates between Beth and Carly, and I liked the balance between the two characters. Readers get to know both characters well and they rather compliment than disturb each other. I found the village very charming as well as the Willow cottage itself. I really enjoyed the first part and can't wait to read the next installment, especially after the ending of the first book.
July 4, 2016
Oh what a little treasure this novella is! A cast of great characters, lovely Cotswold village and Beth trying to cope with the disaster she has bought. Leo is a typical little boy - helpful and whiny in equal measure!
I laughed and laughed while I read it - in one go I might add, couldn't put it down! Beth's friend Carly has some extremely funny moments. The times in London and the tree house spring to mind - just hilarious :)
The locals are a brilliant mixture of sane and crazy and spring up when least expected. Jack seems to be the only normal one, but even he has his moments.
Another winner Bella! Cannot wait for the next one......
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I laughed and laughed while I read it - in one go I might add, couldn't put it down! Beth's friend Carly has some extremely funny moments. The times in London and the tree house spring to mind - just hilarious :)
The locals are a brilliant mixture of sane and crazy and spring up when least expected. Jack seems to be the only normal one, but even he has his moments.
Another winner Bella! Cannot wait for the next one......
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2016
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the premise of this book about the abandoned cottage and its renovation process. I had some problems with the main character Beth. She was very shallow and snobbish. I did like the rural atmosphere in the little village.
I am not sure yet why we also have the perspective of Beth' best friend Carly. She is as well very snobbish and I found her pretty annoying.
Even though the book is pretty short, there were several lengths in this book and I found some party pretty dragging.
The writing style was light and easy to read. I think I might continue reading this series.
I really enjoyed the premise of this book about the abandoned cottage and its renovation process. I had some problems with the main character Beth. She was very shallow and snobbish. I did like the rural atmosphere in the little village.
I am not sure yet why we also have the perspective of Beth' best friend Carly. She is as well very snobbish and I found her pretty annoying.
Even though the book is pretty short, there were several lengths in this book and I found some party pretty dragging.
The writing style was light and easy to read. I think I might continue reading this series.
July 3, 2016
I received this ARC through Netgalley for Harper Collins UK, for a honest review.
Sunshine And Secrets (Willow Cottage #1) By Bella Osborne. A charming short story, that begins with Beth and her young son Leo. They move into a dilapidated cottage in a small village in the Cotswolds. She finds what she thought at first was a quick fix up and sell, turns into a huge task. The reader
is drawn into Beth's frustrations over her crumbling cottage, the ex she is running from and the quirky towns folk. A quick and charming read. 4 Stars.
Sunshine And Secrets (Willow Cottage #1) By Bella Osborne. A charming short story, that begins with Beth and her young son Leo. They move into a dilapidated cottage in a small village in the Cotswolds. She finds what she thought at first was a quick fix up and sell, turns into a huge task. The reader
is drawn into Beth's frustrations over her crumbling cottage, the ex she is running from and the quirky towns folk. A quick and charming read. 4 Stars.
October 5, 2016
Really enjoyed this first installment of the new Willow Cottage series. An interesting back story, a dilapidated cottage and possible love interest on the horizon. What is there not to like?? Looking forward to the next installment which is waiting for me on my kindle.
June 27, 2016
Great first part of the story look forward to next part
January 4, 2018
A fun light chick-lit book. Just what I wanted.
June 29, 2016
eARC: Netgalley
Lovely village, lovely characters, and lovely story.
Can't wait for #2!
Lovely village, lovely characters, and lovely story.
Can't wait for #2!
December 14, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the Publishers, Avon Books, for these review copies given in exchange for an honest review.
This book was originally released in four separate parts for the Willow Cottage series, with the whole book released at a later date. This review is for the first two parts, Sunshine and Secrets and Christmas Cheer. They can be read as separate standalones but I would advise to read them all and in order of the series.
I’m ashamed to admit that I haven’t yet read the Willow Cottage series. I’ve had them sat waiting to read for absolute ages, but I gave myself a kick up the backside to get on with them after meeting the author, Bella, at an author event at the library that I work. I loved Bella’s stories that she told and was hugely impressed with the organisation that she puts into writing one of her books (I love organisation!!). I couldn’t believe that I had let these books slip past me and made an effort to get them read before her new series, Ottercombe Bay, is released at the end of the month.
First impressions and you notice how beautiful the covers are. I did hear that they are specially drawn for the books by an artist, and this definitely works as they draw you straight in. The books are set over the four different seasons and centre on Beth and her young son Leo. They are running away from Beth’s partner Nick, who has been abusing her. Buying Willow Cottage in auction without seeing it first, Beth discovers that the cottage needs a lot more work than planned. She also finds the majority of the residents in the small Cotswold village to be rather eccentric. She gets on the wrong foot with Jack, the village’s only young eligible male, but later finds out he has hidden talents which may prove useful.
This was a wonderful start to the series. I don’t usually like books that have been released as smaller parts, but found this one great as I was able to read through each part so quickly. It’s a nice easy read, it’s not complicated and there aren’t lots of characters to try and remember. The characters are all so loveable and I was hooked into the story from the first word. There are no sex scenes or bad language, which you do seem to find in similar books to these and you’d be quite safe in passing them on to your aged old relatives without worrying that Aunty Ethel’s hair would curl more than it already is ;-)
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, and have the second two parts already lined up. Why have I not already read these books is the only thing I don’t understand! I literally cannot wait for the new series now!
This book was originally released in four separate parts for the Willow Cottage series, with the whole book released at a later date. This review is for the first two parts, Sunshine and Secrets and Christmas Cheer. They can be read as separate standalones but I would advise to read them all and in order of the series.
I’m ashamed to admit that I haven’t yet read the Willow Cottage series. I’ve had them sat waiting to read for absolute ages, but I gave myself a kick up the backside to get on with them after meeting the author, Bella, at an author event at the library that I work. I loved Bella’s stories that she told and was hugely impressed with the organisation that she puts into writing one of her books (I love organisation!!). I couldn’t believe that I had let these books slip past me and made an effort to get them read before her new series, Ottercombe Bay, is released at the end of the month.
First impressions and you notice how beautiful the covers are. I did hear that they are specially drawn for the books by an artist, and this definitely works as they draw you straight in. The books are set over the four different seasons and centre on Beth and her young son Leo. They are running away from Beth’s partner Nick, who has been abusing her. Buying Willow Cottage in auction without seeing it first, Beth discovers that the cottage needs a lot more work than planned. She also finds the majority of the residents in the small Cotswold village to be rather eccentric. She gets on the wrong foot with Jack, the village’s only young eligible male, but later finds out he has hidden talents which may prove useful.
This was a wonderful start to the series. I don’t usually like books that have been released as smaller parts, but found this one great as I was able to read through each part so quickly. It’s a nice easy read, it’s not complicated and there aren’t lots of characters to try and remember. The characters are all so loveable and I was hooked into the story from the first word. There are no sex scenes or bad language, which you do seem to find in similar books to these and you’d be quite safe in passing them on to your aged old relatives without worrying that Aunty Ethel’s hair would curl more than it already is ;-)
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, and have the second two parts already lined up. Why have I not already read these books is the only thing I don’t understand! I literally cannot wait for the new series now!
April 29, 2023
I read this as a full length book back in August 2017 rather than the individual 4 part book series. Here’s my review:-
Love love loved this book, it was a wonderful delightful and heartwarming story from start to finish.
Totally new author for me, it was the book cover that lured me in, making me want to read this book and wow am I glad I did.
What I loved most about this book was how there was two stories being told, which moulded into one at different points throughout the book. You've got Beth's story in Dumbleford and also Carly's story in London, who are best friends living in separate City/Town. So there was always lots going on.
I thoroughly loved getting to know both Beth and Carly, as well as all the other characters that had an important role to play, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough for wanting to find out what happens next and the outcome of certain events.
There was lots of happy moments, as well as sad moments, but also moments that bought tears to your eyes and also a fair few giggles along the way too. It really did have a bit of everything.
And last but not least, I must include the adorable Doris, who very much had her own part to play within the story and it wouldn't have been the same without her. I might have fallen in love (just a little) with Doris.
I'm already looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
Love love loved this book, it was a wonderful delightful and heartwarming story from start to finish.
Totally new author for me, it was the book cover that lured me in, making me want to read this book and wow am I glad I did.
What I loved most about this book was how there was two stories being told, which moulded into one at different points throughout the book. You've got Beth's story in Dumbleford and also Carly's story in London, who are best friends living in separate City/Town. So there was always lots going on.
I thoroughly loved getting to know both Beth and Carly, as well as all the other characters that had an important role to play, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough for wanting to find out what happens next and the outcome of certain events.
There was lots of happy moments, as well as sad moments, but also moments that bought tears to your eyes and also a fair few giggles along the way too. It really did have a bit of everything.
And last but not least, I must include the adorable Doris, who very much had her own part to play within the story and it wouldn't have been the same without her. I might have fallen in love (just a little) with Doris.
I'm already looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
September 18, 2017
I just read this in a couple of days. It was a great read. I love that I'm rooting for the main character Beth and want her to succeed in getting her cottage together, and I'm hoping she'll put down roots in the Cotswolds. I love this type of book and can't wait to read the next instalment. The setting is magical - it's a true escape.
I did get several grey hairs from all the comma splices though. (My editor brain went on the fritz.)
I did get several grey hairs from all the comma splices though. (My editor brain went on the fritz.)
August 7, 2017
Loved this book was a bit hard to put down lol , just made you want to sit in the sun and read all day....awwww bliss🤗
June 13, 2021
Lovely easy read with plenty of humour. Great start to a feel good series
August 30, 2021
Quick read
Lovely read can t wait to read the next 3 books such an engrossing book , sure they will be as good
Lovely read can t wait to read the next 3 books such an engrossing book , sure they will be as good
June 24, 2023
A lovely read from Bella Osborne. Now onto book two.
July 17, 2016
I haven't read a proper chick lit book for years and I am so glad that I requested this! What a great book!
Having split up with her boyfriend, Beth is house hunting and has seen the perfect apartment at a local housing auction, however, whilst there, something makes Beth bid on a cottage, the beautiful Willow Cottage in the middle of the Cotswolds.
This is such a lovely read, really easy to get lost in, I found that Osbourne was easily able to take me away and make me wish I could go and buy a little cottage in a little village! The quirky characters and the relationships Beth is trying to both avoid and build are wonderful and I can totally imagine that these characters can be seen in almost every village in England.
I thought that Osbourne portrayed Beth brilliantly, the struggle she has with her decision to move to the sticks from the big city is really apparent and seeing her start to develop bonds with the villagers is lovely and eloquently written. I also found the relationship between Carly and Fergus absolutely hilarious and laughed out loud at some points!
I was shocked to find myself rather "upset" at the end of this part and I am really looking forward to reading the next instalment and finding out what happens to all these lovely people!
Thank you Net Galley and HarperCollins for sending me this copy in exchange for my honest review
Having split up with her boyfriend, Beth is house hunting and has seen the perfect apartment at a local housing auction, however, whilst there, something makes Beth bid on a cottage, the beautiful Willow Cottage in the middle of the Cotswolds.
This is such a lovely read, really easy to get lost in, I found that Osbourne was easily able to take me away and make me wish I could go and buy a little cottage in a little village! The quirky characters and the relationships Beth is trying to both avoid and build are wonderful and I can totally imagine that these characters can be seen in almost every village in England.
I thought that Osbourne portrayed Beth brilliantly, the struggle she has with her decision to move to the sticks from the big city is really apparent and seeing her start to develop bonds with the villagers is lovely and eloquently written. I also found the relationship between Carly and Fergus absolutely hilarious and laughed out loud at some points!
I was shocked to find myself rather "upset" at the end of this part and I am really looking forward to reading the next instalment and finding out what happens to all these lovely people!
Thank you Net Galley and HarperCollins for sending me this copy in exchange for my honest review
July 14, 2016
What an excellent and intriguing introduction to Bella Osborne writing the world ( for me). Not only the cover of this book is charming, but the story itself is also wonderful, heart-tickling and comic.
Our leading lady, Beth, is in a tight spot so in a spur of a moment she purchases a supposedly lovely cottage in the heart of Cotswold. Beth loves her city lifestyle, the glamour, the vibrancy and her friend Carly but her priority is to escape her partner Nick. Beth needs to protect herself, and more importantly, she needs to protect her six-year-old son Leo.
I enjoyed getting to know Beth and her son Leo. Even though Bella is a typical city girl, she is trying very hard to adjust to life in the country. Perhaps her new renovating project is a step too far for Beth, but I am sure with the help of her new friend Jack she will be able to sort her new life in Dumbleford.
The supporting characters were equally lovable, quirky and even so a bit mysterious. I can't wait to see what else is there in the story for Beth, Leo, Carly and Jack.
The first part of the Sunshine and Secrets series definitely ticked all my boxes of a fabulous, quick and very entertaining read. I am already looking forward to reading the next instalment ( coming out in October 2016).
Our leading lady, Beth, is in a tight spot so in a spur of a moment she purchases a supposedly lovely cottage in the heart of Cotswold. Beth loves her city lifestyle, the glamour, the vibrancy and her friend Carly but her priority is to escape her partner Nick. Beth needs to protect herself, and more importantly, she needs to protect her six-year-old son Leo.
I enjoyed getting to know Beth and her son Leo. Even though Bella is a typical city girl, she is trying very hard to adjust to life in the country. Perhaps her new renovating project is a step too far for Beth, but I am sure with the help of her new friend Jack she will be able to sort her new life in Dumbleford.
The supporting characters were equally lovable, quirky and even so a bit mysterious. I can't wait to see what else is there in the story for Beth, Leo, Carly and Jack.
The first part of the Sunshine and Secrets series definitely ticked all my boxes of a fabulous, quick and very entertaining read. I am already looking forward to reading the next instalment ( coming out in October 2016).
July 15, 2016
A quirky little tale which opens with Beth buying a rundown cottage at auction. She's running away from something (or someone) and as the novella unfolds, it becomes clear what that is.
Accompanied by an interesting cast of characters - such as the strange old lady with the shopping trolley, the grumpy local, the friendly bar staff in the pub and her 6 year old son, Beth starts to make her path renovating the cottage.
Sadly, I hadn't spotted that this was a novella/Part I of a series and it ended rather abruptly. I do think that there were some parts that didn't work in this format, including the supercilious friend from London. As a 4 part story that is released together, then it would work... but as a cliffhanger with the next instalment not due til 20th October, my suspicions are that it is a little disjointed as a series. However, I did enjoy reading it, but thought that there was more to come....
MetLineReader rating 3.5*
I received an advance copy from the publishers, Avon, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Accompanied by an interesting cast of characters - such as the strange old lady with the shopping trolley, the grumpy local, the friendly bar staff in the pub and her 6 year old son, Beth starts to make her path renovating the cottage.
Sadly, I hadn't spotted that this was a novella/Part I of a series and it ended rather abruptly. I do think that there were some parts that didn't work in this format, including the supercilious friend from London. As a 4 part story that is released together, then it would work... but as a cliffhanger with the next instalment not due til 20th October, my suspicions are that it is a little disjointed as a series. However, I did enjoy reading it, but thought that there was more to come....
MetLineReader rating 3.5*
I received an advance copy from the publishers, Avon, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 7, 2016
When Beth gets out of an abusive and controlling relationship she needs to find somewhere safe for herself and her son, somewhere she can't be found and so she goes to a property auction to buy an apartment. When the lots that she is looking at go above her budget she sees a cottage in the Cotswolds called Willow Cottage and on impulse buys it sight unseen.
On arriving at the village with Leo she finds that the picture of the house at the auction is somewhat misleading - the place is a hovel and she does not know where to start and all the villagers she meets seem to be either totally mad or very good looking and extremely grumpy! So how will she get on and where does she start with this dilapidated old cottage!
A great first part of the story setting the scene of the characters and village life although I did find it a bit disjointed with the chapters by her friend, but definitely looking forward to the next installment
On arriving at the village with Leo she finds that the picture of the house at the auction is somewhat misleading - the place is a hovel and she does not know where to start and all the villagers she meets seem to be either totally mad or very good looking and extremely grumpy! So how will she get on and where does she start with this dilapidated old cottage!
A great first part of the story setting the scene of the characters and village life although I did find it a bit disjointed with the chapters by her friend, but definitely looking forward to the next installment
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