Summer at the Star and Sixpence

Star and Sixpence #2

by Holly Hepburn

Part two in Holly Hepburn's original bestselling series, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley and Katie Fforde.

When sisters Sam and Nessie left the city lights to take over The Star and Sixpence pub in Little Monkham, little did they realise they'd be taking on the villagers too... 
 
Thrown in at the deep end with a wedding to organise at the same time as launching their new hotel rooms, the last thing they need is Sam's past catching up with them.
 
As the scandal strikes, the only question is will the villagers stick their necks out for two relative newcomers? Or will Franny, the terrifying postmistress, see them gone for good... 

If you loved part two in the STAR AND SIXPENCE series, part three -  Autumn at the Star and Sixpence  - is available now to download! 
 
'A fresh new voice, brings wit and warmth to this charming tale of two sisters' Rowan Coleman

'You'll fall in love with this fantastic new series from a new star of women's fiction, Holly Hepburn. Filled to the brim with captivating characters and fantastic storylines in a gorgeous setting , Snowdrops at The Star and Sixpence is simply wonderful. I want to read more!' Miranda Dickinson

'The Star and Sixpence sparkles with fun , romance , mystery, and a hunky blacksmith . It's a real delight ' Julie Cohen

'Like the dream pub landlady who always knows exactly what you want, Holly Hepburn has created the most delightful welcome to what promises to be a brilliant series, in the first Star and Sixpence. The sisters who inherit a tired local and must bring it back to life are warm and intriguing , the neighbours are (mostly!) friendly and the gossip is utterly addictive . I was very sad when it was time for last orders, and am already looking forward to the next round. Especially if a certain blacksmith happens to be at the bar...' Kate Harrison

' Warm , witty and utterly charming ,  Snowdrops at the Star and Sixpence  is the perfect book to curl up with on a cold winter's day. It left me with the most wonderful happy glow' Cally Taylor

' Warm , witty and laced with intriguing secrets ! I want to pull up a bar stool, order a large G&T and soak up all the gossip at the Star and Sixpence!' Cathy Bramley

'A super sparkling star of a story and I can’t wait for part two’ Alexandra Brown

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Summer, Fiction, Contemporary

81 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2016

About the author

I’ve wanted to write books for adults for as long as I can remember but I was too scared to try. One day I decided to be brave and dipped a toe into the bubble bath of romantic comedy with my first novella, Cupidity, and I’ve never looked back. I often try to be funny to be funny, except for when faced with traffic wardens and border control staff. My favourite thing is making people smile.

I’ve tried many jobs over the years, from barmaid to market researcher and I even had a brief flirtation with modelling. These days I am mostly found writing.

I live near London with my grey tabby cat, Portia. We both have an unhealthy obsession with Marmite.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam and Nessie continued to grow in this story. This story detailed much more on Sam's past and that was highly interested me. Franny also grew on me. Lovely story in a lovely setting.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star and Sixpence - Summer

The pub is now also a B&B. A lovely ike in the woods, a wedding to plan and a Lord who thinks can do anything he wants without being blamed for it.

Best part so far!

[Emma Star Crossed Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Firstly happy pub day to Holly Hepburn and secondly I want to say thank you to Books and the City for my VIP proof copy which I received at the Spring Blogger Evening a little while ago. I've previously read the other 2 books in this series and I LOVED them.

If you have read the first two books in this series, which I would recommend, then you will know that Sam has been keeping a secret. In this book we find out what that secret is and I have to say I didn't see it coming. I really felt for Sam in this. She didn't do anything deliberately and she was the one that had to suffer.

In this book we also see Nessie and Owen on their first date. I was very excited about this because we have seen their relationship bubbling in the previous books and they both deserve some happiness.

I loved reading this book. I couldn't put it down and I'm so excited for the world to be able to enjoy it too. I'm also dying to read the next book in the series, only 4 months, 1 week and 4 days to go!!! not that I'm counting.....

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed on Becca's Books.

I was lucky enough to win an exclusive proof copy of Summer at the Star and Sixpence by Holly Hepburn over on Twitter, in a competition run by the publisher. I was absolutely over the moon when I was contacted, and spent a good few minutes admiring it once it arrived. This is the second novella in Hepburn's The Star and Sixpence series, although it's the first that I've read myself.

Despite having missed the first in this gorgeous series, that didn't stop me from receiving the full experience. As I read, Holly Hepburn built up a wonderful back-story to sisters Nessie and Sam, ensuring I knew everything there was to know about them, including events that had happened previously and in the lead-up to summer. I was able to grasp that the girls had been left the pub, the utterly charming Star and Sixpence, by their late father, and when the novella begins renovations are under-way, in preparation for the glorious wedding of JoJo (high-flying journalist) and Jamie. As you can imagine, things are pretty hectic in The Star and Sixpence as the girls attempt to get everything under control before the big day arrives, but it's not just the wedding that's on the girls' minds.

There's blossoming romance and the past, as it always seems to, rears its ugly head, making everything more chaotic than it already was. For Nessie and Sam, they both know that the wedding needs to go off without a hitch. Each juggling their own balls, I was enticed by this novella, and thoroughly enjoyed watching as the sisters both dealt with their own problems, but then came back together when it came to the wedding of the year!

There was a real sense of community and friendship within Summer at the Star and Sixpence, so much so that I immediately felt that I belonged in the village of Little Monkham. From pub quizzes to games of cricket on the village green, it was idyllic and appealing in every way possible. Holly Hepburn's descriptions of the pub itself, and of the gorgeous wedding that takes place within this novella, whisked me away completely and I could almost feel the warm, summer air on my skin as I stood beside Nessie and looked out over the activity taking place. It was vivid and busy and completely atmospheric, drawing me in further as I continued to turn those pages.

The characters of Nessie and Sam were fantastic. I absolutely adore a story that involves sisters, and despite their obvious differences in how they approached a number of things in life, it was very clear to me that Nessie and Sam loved one another. The dynamics between the two were familiar to me, reminding me of my own sisters, so it was warm and comforting to read about Nessie and Sam on the page. Alongside Holly Hepburn's leading ladies were a colourful, fun collection of characters. From Joss and Owen, to Ruby and Martha, each were wonderfully crafted and truly brought the story to life and reignited the community feel of it.

Little did I know that Holly Hepburn had set The Star and Sixpence pub in the wonderful county of Shropshire, which was a delight to discover. The plot moved along gorgeously, and when the ups and downs arrived, I couldn't race through the remainder quick enough. Both Nessie and Sam's personal troubles led the way towards a fantastic ending that left me wanting more, more, more, and I can't wait to be reunited with these ladies in Autumn!

All in all, a deliciously short but sweet summer must-have! (Or an any-time-of-the-year must-have) The Star and Sixpence is a treasure of a find and I was completely enveloped within this world from the very first page. Five bookish stars from me!

*Special thanks to Simon and Schuster UK for a proof copy of Summer at the Star and Sixpence by Holly Hepburn.*

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the last six months or so I have read and enjoyed ‘Snowdrops At The Star and Sixpence‘ and also enjoyed the short story ‘Valentines Day At The Star and Sixpence‘ (which is currently free!), so was mega excited to read the physical copy of the novella I received at the Spring blogger event I attended in March hosted by Books and the City, it is possibly the cutest book I’ve seen due to its size and also the cover is, as the others in the series, very pretty with the summery season showing and the beautiful birds.

The writing is as engaging as Holly’s other works. Capturing both the beauty of the village and surrounding areas but also capturing the characters of the Village residents as well.

While in ‘Snowdrops At The Star and Sixpence‘ I felt more connected too Nessie due to Sam’s mystery, this novella concentrates more on Sam so I got to know her lots more, therefore she became more endearing and less harsh than I had previously found her. Any misgivings I had about Sam was completely unfounded (she wasn’t in trouble with loan sharks which was my initial guess from book 1 – don’t know why I thought that, Sherlock Holmes I am not).

I absolutely adored the Star Wars part of the book, and I sympathise with Sam completely as while I have watched some films (and loved loved loved episode 7), I haven’t seen all of them the whole way through. So I completely got Sam in that moment. However her interactions with Joss and Nessie was really funny.

The whole pub quiz aspect with the competition between teams and homework sessions was really funny, since Franny was involved (and obviously in charge) this is no surprise. Many scenes where Franny is determined can be counted on as top entertainment in these books.

Owen and Nessie grown closer in parts of this book, yet at times they seem further away than ever thanks to some poor timing. I am definitely all Sam and Kathryn’s side, Owen and Nessie are one of those couples that belong together, no matter the obstacles. That is definitely something to look forward to in the future autumn and Christmas instalments.

Once again I love Holly’s writing, ensuring that I’m begging for more. A perfect short read for afternoon in the sun.

[B.R. Maycock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start by apologising for posting a Summer book so late in the year, I know it bugs a lot of people to see for example Christmas reviews in Summer, and said people are possibly shaking their head at the sheer gall of me posting a Summer review when the nights have turned cold, the clock is gone back, and the leaves on the trees, are not only donning their Autumn finery, but also starting to lose it, so sorry, but anyhoo, here we go.

You know when you see an ad for a sequel and you hear ‘Theyyy’rre back!’ and there’s much clapping and excitement? Well this is how I felt when I got back to Sam and Nessie, smack bang in the middle of renovations at the Star and Sixpence (read my reviews of Snowdrops at the Star and Sixpence here and Valentine’s Day at the star and sixpence here). As usual there’s a race against time to get their charming establishment ready for an occasion, this time a wedding, with everyone doing their best of pull together to get the job done. What I love about these books is that we were invited in as if we were a resident of Little Monkham with the level of detail of both people and events making me feel like I was right there. I suppose this naturally leads to the characters, who I always feel are nicely varied, and I warmed to them all over again, in particular Franny, who surprised everyone with some unexpected opinions and a lovely speech. A ‘baddy’ presented themselves also, brilliantly done, which gave us THE insight into Sam we’ve been waiting for. I’ve always loved Sam, and this helped me understand her even more, however it did shine more of a light on Nessie also, by contrasting Sam’s vibrancy with her negativity, which was a little too much sometimes, although not enough to take away from the beautiful romance that raised its head once again.

I really enjoyed this book. I settled into it so quickly, reading on with interest to watch the glorious romance, drama and fun unfold. I’d love to tell you I can’t wait for the Autumn installment, but actually I’ve read it so I’ll be bringing you that installment on Wednesday (hint: I can’t wait to write this review!!)

Rating: 4/5

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This instalment was given to as an ARC by Simon & Schuster, via NetGalley. Having read nothing of this series before I downloaded the previous parts so that I could start from beginning.

As these books are very short I will be doing a review on the full series when it is finished, but these are my thoughts so far.

The story is well written and easy to follow, sometimes things do get repeated but I feel this is due to the time lapse between the release dates of these novellas. The characters are likeable although besides the main characters, Nessie and Sam, I don't feel like the author has given the reader much insight into their backgrounds. I was hoping for more by this point.

I'm looking forward to the release of the forth in the series in September.

[Sheerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5

[Lyndsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant follow up

[Yoyomaus Die Büchereule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zum Inhalt:
Weiße Zelte auf grünem Rasen, wunderschöne Pfingstrosen und eiskalter Champagner: Im dritten Teil haben Sam und Nessie alle Hände voll zu tun, denn im »Star and Sixpence« soll die Hochzeit des Jahres stattfinden. Gleichzeitig sorgt die Renovierung der Gästezimmer über dem Pub für allerhand Turbulenzen. Als Sam kurz vor dem Jawort des Brautpaars einen Anruf erhält, der ihr ganzes Leben auf den Kopf zu stellen droht, steht für die Schwestern plötzlich alles auf dem Spiel: Werden die Dorfbewohner in dieser schwierigen Zeit zu ihnen halten? Oder werden sie Little Monkham, ihre lieb gewonnene neue Heimat, verlassen müssen?

Cover:
An dem Cover will ich mich dieses Mal gar nicht aufhalten, es ist wie die anderen beiden Vorgänger mit einer Hauptfarbe überzogen und zeigt sonst das immer gleiche Bild. Das hat zwar einen Wiedererkennungswert, wird aber langsam auch sehr langweilig.

Eigener Eindruck:
Das Star and Sixpence soll als Location für eine Hochzeit herhalten. Alle Dorfbewohner sind eingeladen, denn die zukünftigen Eheleute sind aus ihren Reihen. Klar, dass da der Pub dafür in Frage kommt, nicht zuletzt, da die beiden Schwestern auch vorhaben hier Zimmer zu vermieten. Doch die Renovierungsarbeiten ziehen sich schleppend dahin und auch die Vorbereitungen verlangen Sam und Nessie so einiges ab. Da bleibt für Nessie kaum Zeit, dem attraktiven Schmied Owen näher zu kommen, ganz zum Verdruss ihrer Schwester Sam.
Als kurz vor der Festlichkeit eine unheilvolle Nachricht ins Haus der Schwestern eintrudelt, muss Sam schnellst möglich nach London, um Schadensbegrenzung zu betreiben. Denn nicht nur ihre Beziehung zu Joss, sondern auch das Ansehen der Schwestern im Dorf steht auf dem Spiel. Und Nessie bleibt mit all den restlichen Arbeiten allein im Pub zurück... oder doch nicht?

Im dritten Teil der Reihe rund um Sam und Nessie erfahren wir endlich ein bisschen mehr über die Beweggründe von Sam. Dass ihre Flucht aus London nicht unbedingt durch eine Glanzleistung vollzogen wurde, konnte ich mir ja schon denken, dass es aber dann doch so gepfeffert und gesalzen ist - holla die Waldfee! Da musste man sich kurzzeitig dann doch ein bisschen fremd schämen, aber es war wirklich spannend. Seit der Leser dann weiß, was mit Sam passiert ist und weshalb sie in den kleinen Ort gekommen ist, sieht man die junge Frau mit völlig neuen Augen. Man geht hart mit ihr ins Gericht, aber man hat auch Mitleid. Trotzdem merkt man schnell, dass sie wohl kaum aus ihren Fehlern gelernt hat - besonders auf Hinsicht zu Joss, den sie mit ihren unbedachten Handlungen zu verliere droht. Durch den ständigen Wechsel zwischen London und dem Pub bleibt man aber auch an der Story von Nessie und Owen dran. Und man muss sich immer und immer wieder wundern, wie schwer sich die beiden tun. Die Autorin versteht es den spannenden Moment für die beiden immer mehr in die Länge zu ziehen und obwohl man selbst ungeduldig ist, macht es Spaß zu lesen!

Fazit:
Der dritte Teil hat endlich wieder Schwung in die Geschichte gebracht und hat auch endlich wieder mehr Seiten! Absolut lesenswert. Zum mitfiebern und zum lachen.

Idee: 5/5
Emotionen: 5/5
Details: 5/5
Logik: 4/5
Spannung: 5/5

Gesamt: 5/5

Daten:
Format: Kindle Edition
Dateigröße: 1026 KB
Verlag: Penguin Verlag (1. November 2018)
Verkauf durch: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Sprache: Deutsch
ASIN: B07C6414DM

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of a 4 part book series, been wanting to read this set of books for ages. Note to readers, you can either read this as a 4 part book series or there is a full length novel which includes all of the 4 parts. The choice is yours.

So book two has been fun and entertaining, fair bit of drama. Questions that I was left with after finishing book 1 are starting to be answered for the most part in this book 2. We find out more about Sam’s past, what exactly it was that she was running away from. Things also progress between Nessie and Owen albeit still at a snails pace, but they are getting there.

I’m heading straight into book 3, looking forward to it as these are very nice easy reads nothing to taxing, just light and enjoyable.

[Artina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this Novella back in May at the beach and I am so glad that I came back to it this month to close out my books for the year. A sweet little story of sisters moving to a small village to revamp a tavern left to them by their deceased father. Both sisters are working through big life situations and are building new lives for themselves. This is a great book to read in between my deep and heavy thrillers.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Star and Sixpence series and it was another great installment.

Sisters, Sam and Nessie are renovating the attic rooms in time for a huge village wedding, meanwhile Sam's past is catching up with her and could ruin her relationship with boyfriend Joss and that of the locals in the village.

I loved this book and have downloaded #4 which I will start reading later

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5* slighty better than the first part. Joss is my least fav character. Grow up man! It would be nice if the Sam story was more written out. Also Nessie needs to get a bit of a backbone, she's portreted like a little wallflower. But it was a nice addition of the series. I am looking forward to reading the autumn part.

[Heather Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put the book down and can't wait for the next in the series.

[Sarah Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pub goes from strength to strength and Sam and Nessie become an important part of the village.

[Barbara Lynn Coulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light reading

Lovely light reading, make's you want to hear more about the village residents and it's way of life. Just couldn't put it down.

[Marie colemam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic story

Really good read nice to catch up from first book looking forward
To next one a book to cosy up with

[amy hartley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel good romance when you can't wait to return to the village.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nette nebenbei zu lesende Liebesgeschichte.

[Goldie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I'm so glad I persevered it is all coming together ...alot going on on this installment and it keeps you gripped from start to finish can't wait to start auterm at the star and sixpence

[Marije · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice ending. It's just a shame that the entire action plan and how it turned out was not written out. Not even in the next book.

[Dorte]

Som 1eren

[Sue de Boeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories are all very short - around 80 pages each - but are enjoyable and are beginning to feel like a complete book when read one after the other.

[Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2016/05...

And we are back at the Star and Sixpence, in Little Monkham, with sisters Sam and Nessie. This is the third installment in this serialised novel and with every part, I am falling more and more in love with this story. After a rocky start, the sisters are doing a great job running their late father's pub. They have even decided to open the rooms to guests and are planning their first wedding. As you can imagine, not everything is running smoothly for them, but I love reading about their dedication and enthusiasm and how supportive the community is of them.

And not only that, in this part, we finally find out about Sam's secret, what made her leave her beloved job and life in London. I really enjoyed this part and I feel like I understand Sam better now. It certainly gave her character a new dimension and made me care for her. I have everything crossed for her and I hope to learn more about her in the next installments.

In the other hand, Nessie's love life seems to finally be picking up and she seems quite excited. I mean, who wouldn't with a sexy blacksmith? And we enjoy some really cute scenes on this part.

Summer at the Star and Sixpence is packed with drama, secrets, love and friendship. As I said, this series is only getting better and Holly Hepburn has me hooked with all the shenanigans going on in this lively community. I can't believe we have to wait until Autumn for the next installment!

[Vicki Bowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This summer novella is the third instalment in the series, the previous being 'Snowdrops at the Star and Sixpence' followed by 'Valentine's Day at the Star and Sixpence'.

I haven't read many novellas before, and this is the first time I have become invested in a novella series. I'm usually too impatient to find out what happens next, but with these being released every 2 or 3 months, I can just about contain my excitement!

I had read the previous instalments on Kindle, so it was lovely to receive a special edition advanced reading copy from those lovely people at Simon and Schuster.

It's perfect for reading whilst lazing in the garden. Unfortunately for me it was snowing at the time (in April!) so I was wrapped up in my granny blanket reclined on the sofa rather than lounging in the sun. But still I was immersed in the story of Sam and Nessie's newest plans for their inherited pub, renting rooms out, including a beautiful bridal suite. The bride in question is someone very influential in the world of travel writing, so they need to impress her!

It was lovely to see Nessie and Owen finally on their first date, even if it doesn't quite go according to plan, but more exciting was finding out the reason Sam was so happy to leave her London life behind.

It is short and sweet, and I look forward to reading 'Autumn at the Star and Sixpence' which will be released - you guessed it - in the Autumn! (How on earth am I going to wait that long??)

[Petra Quelch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following this series from the beginning, and I am so pleased that Holly Hepburn is heating the things up for the main characters - Nessie and Sam.
This particular instalment is all about the warm summer season, the very famous wedding taking place At the Star and Sixpence and all things relate to sizzling/ scandalous romance!
The sisters are once again in the centre of the village attentions; they are smarting the pub for a VIP wedding of one of their own and they also have to deal with some scandalous news that could damage Sam's name in the business. I love the way Sam and Nessie are firming up their place in the heart of the villagers and their love interests. Although I must admit, I was a tiny bit frustrated with the slow blooming of Nessie's and Owen relationship, but I think there will be more on that front in the next instalment. I hope Sam can clear up things with Joss as I believe they are a fabulous match ( made under the pub's roof).
Can wait for another round of this charmingly sizzling series!

[Ann Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh - the plot thickens! I'm a great fan of this series of novellas and I was delighted when the summer instalment came out!

Nessie and Sam have decided to host a wedding at the pub and it is all hands on the deck to get it ready. Unexpectedly (for me anyway) Sam's past rears its ugly head and she has to deal with the fall out. The villagers close ranks and it is a lovely ending to the book. But all remains unresolved with their personal lives!

[Katrina Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lighthearted and quick read. Sisters, Sam and Nessie leave the city to do up and run the local village pub. With a big wedding for a friend planned, past events soon start catching up with the girls. Will the village support the sisters, or turn their backs?
A fun and easy read, with room for the story to continue. Hopefully the author will publish more about the girls.
I received this copy from net galley.com

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

How lovely it was to encounter Sam and Nessie again - like a meeting with old friends! The author has a way of writing the characters so vividly that you genuinely care about their trials and tribulations. Looking forward to Autumn at the Star and Sixpence so that I can find out how the current sticky situation turns out!