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Willow Cottage #3

A Spring Affair

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A cosy and heartwarming seasonal romance, perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley.

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 warm, caring and 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…

97 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2017

53 people are currently reading
172 people want to read

About the author

Bella Osborne

58 books570 followers

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Justkeepreading.
1,871 reviews6 followers
February 6, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon books uk and Bella osborne for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance reader copy of this book.

You can find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon. On Goodreads from today under Karen Whittard and on Amazon under k.e.whittard from publication date.

How I love Bella Osborne books. They always manage to whisk me up and take me away to somewhere picturesque and lovely. I really love reading Bella Osbornes books. She has a lovely way of writing. I know that when I pick up one of her books that all sense of time will be completely lost and I will read the book in one sitting.

I you haven't read any books by Bella I seriously suggest you give her a try. It is full of romance not just between partners but family too. It always has a good mix of drama thrown in as well for good measure. Characters that you will love and Ones that will feel real to you as well as you will find yourself relating to them on more then one aspect. If you haven't read any of her books then this is a good a place to start as any. But make sure that you start with book number one. Because this is book number four and because it is a full book broken down into sections it probably won't make any sense to you if you start at book number 3.

So I'm going to give you a brief over view of the books as a whole and not separate this book out. Because I want you to uncover the goings ons like I have by reading each section for yourself.

So Beth with her adorable son Leo have upsticks and moved away from her abusive husband/Leo's father, and moved to the picturesque Cotsworld.

Willow cottage is a beautiful house which is in desperate need of some love and affection and that is exactly what Beth and Leo are bringing to it.

The locals who live near her are eccentric wonderful characters. Who are sure to make you laugh.

We also meet Jack who is the only male in the village who is under 30. Let's just say he is a very important part to play in these books.

Over the course of these books we see Leo and Beth blossom. We see them grow in confidence and we see Willow cottage transform. We might even seen some romance. There is a lot of drama going on in these books and you can't help but feel desperately for both Beth and Leo. You just want to take them both under your wing and make sure that they are ok.

This is a great series and I absolutely love it. If you are a fan of romance with some drama then this series is definitely for you.

Happy reading everyone
Profile Image for Nicola Clough.
879 reviews42 followers
August 22, 2017
A really heartwarming read and lovely to hear more about Beth with her escaping and doing up willow cottage. She is getting friendly with jack and realises he can help her with more than just repairing willow cottage. Beth's best friend Carly is working things out with her boyfriend and he wants to propose to her but asks Beth to help but sadly means she has to go back to London can she do this or not. An excellent read and so romantic.
Profile Image for Ann.
6,113 reviews87 followers
March 10, 2017
This series is growing on me. Beth is working on renovations for Willow Cottage with the help of handyman Jack. She is still in hiding keeping her son Leo away from her ex husband. As the winter recedes and spring is blooming Beth feels she is getting too close to the eccentric villagers and tries to cut ties.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,087 reviews
December 15, 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 last two parts, A Spring Affair and Summer Delights. They can be read as separate standalones but I would advise to read them all and in order of the series.

So, following my review yesterday of the first half of the book this is the review for the last two parts. Without giving away any spoilers, we pick up in the story where Beth is still in the village and is still renovating Willow Cottage with a view to reselling and moving on with her young son Leo. The house, and possibly Jack, the only eligible male under 30, is the only thing that is keeping her in the village. Beth is still trying to keep a low profile to avoid being found by her ex, Nick. Will he eventually find her or is she safe in Willow Cottage?

This was a great end to a great book! I loved the suspense of whether Nick will find them and also the wondering whether Beth and Jack finally get it together. Also thrown in are some heart-breaking moments where it had me reaching for the tissues, but then had me cheered right up again with some very funny (and clever!) writing. The roping in of the Women’s Institute to help organise her friend, Carly’s, wedding was wonderful, particularly the two ladies arguing about the cakes!

I absolutely loved this story and was more than a little bit disappointed when I finished it! It would be nice to maybe at some point go back and visit Beth and Jack for another instalment but then again perhaps it should be left with the perfect ending it was given! Great writing by a great author – this was a wonderful feel good book!! Can’t wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Nessa.
1,885 reviews71 followers
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.
7 reviews
April 21, 2018
Willow Cottage Part Three

Enjoying this series of books, such easy reading but keeps you interested enough not to want to put them down.
Only one more to go such a shame! Wishing there was another four!
6 reviews
February 29, 2020
Willow cottage part 3

Very good easy read and really looking forward to reading part 4 . I love reading these type of books at bedtime only trouble with this is I have been known to stay up nearly all night because I have a job putting the book down.
Profile Image for mrs Y L Steadman.
21 reviews
February 9, 2018
Easy read

Read this a next in series. Easy read so finished in not too long. Will have to read next book to find out what happens to Beth
91 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2021
Lovely heartwarming series with a few twists

Really enjoying this series. Feel good and easy read, but a few twists. Can't wait to see what happens in the final book
1 review
September 15, 2025
The Best!

The characters are getting better and better. This book shows each character and their flaws.i hope new readers enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Frenchorchidea.
438 reviews38 followers
March 17, 2017
I am so happy that I decided to read the WIllow Cottage series. It's a very lovely one! And I really like Bella Osborne writing style. Every part of this series is rather short which is great. It's always nice to read a rather short book in between two bigger ones. Once again I enjoyed reading about the Willow Cottage series. I love how it's full of mystery and suspens, how you feel a bit of fear, how you want so much that the two main characters fall in love with eachother... I can't wait to read the part 4 of the Willow Cottage series! I totally recommend this book! Thank you Bella Osborne!
Profile Image for Fiona.
560 reviews
April 9, 2017
I have loved following Beth and Leo throughout their journey renovating Willow Cottage and this one was no exception .. Despite Beth's terror I felt that the story line raised a very prominent issue of people posting missing person posts in order to find them when they don't want to be found . A cliff hanger ending , I so need to read the next in the the hope Jack and Beth will get together ! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Suze.
1,884 reviews1,295 followers
March 25, 2017
Beth and Jack have a misunderstanding and therefore they aren't speaking to each other. Beth doesn't know how she can do the rest of the work on Willow Cottage on her own. She can do a lot of things herself, but sometimes she needs help. She misses watching Jack's dog, but there are certain things she can't risk. Will they be able to sort out their differences? Beth's ex is trying to track her down, will she and her son Leo still be safe in Dumbleford or is it time to move out of Willow Cottage?

Carly and Fergus are trying to work on their relationship problems. Carly has found out a lot about the man she's living with that she didn't know before. She does her best not to be solely focused on a proposal any longer. Does Fergus eventually want to marry her or is he happy with the way things are going? Is Carly willing to be content with whatever Fergus might offer her or are her wishes too strong to be put on hold?

A Spring Affair is another wonderful Willow Cottage story. Beth is trying to find herself again after running away from London. Slowly the parts of her personality that she had to hide from her ex are coming to the surface and she's pleased she's feeling more like herself every day. She works hard on her healing process and I loved her determination. She's still afraid, but she won't let the fear paralyze her anymore. She's also trying to help her best friend Carly as much as she can and together they're going through many ups and downs. Carly and Fergus are getting a bit closer again and that warmed my heart, as Fergus is such a nice man and they both deserve a lot of happiness. I equally like both Carly and Beth and love how different they are. They're a fabulous combination.

Bella Osborne writes about a charming setting in the Cotswolds. I loved reading about the village pub, the seasonal festivities and the fantastic sense of community. Dumbleford is a romantic village and I really enjoy reading about it. Bella Osborne ends each of her Willow Cottage novellas with a cliffhanger and the ending of A Spring Affair is so gripping that I'll be counting the days until I can read part four. I highly recommend these terrific stories.
Profile Image for Clara .
517 reviews
February 25, 2017
I have really fallen in love with the characters in this story. It feels like Beth has come a really long way since I read part one and is much more down to earth. I'm not going into any detail here other than oh my goodness why must they all end with a cliff hanger that has me needing to read the next part asap!! How cruel!

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon books for an Arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Liina.
308 reviews120 followers
March 24, 2017
It's the third part in the Willow Cottage series and it follows Beth, who is renovating Willow cottage to make a new start for her and her son. She has met lovely locals and a handsome man Jack. Her friend Carly, who also plays a big role in the series has her life finally in a place that makes her happy and everyone is happy for her. Beth's life is a bit more complicated because of her ex and also because of her own doubts when it comes to Jack.

It's a lovely addition to the series, I really like the village and the people there, everyone is very friendly and helpful. What makes the story even more interesting is the mystery/suspense in it, can't predict what is going to happen or how things turn out. The third part ended in a way that I can't wait to read the fourth and final part. All in all it's a wonderful series.
131 reviews
March 25, 2017
As good as ever

Yet again as slowly as I tried to read it the time went too quickly and left another cliff hanger! Really enjoy this series and yet again can't wait for the next part.
Profile Image for Suzie.
564 reviews11 followers
March 26, 2017
Book 3 of the series, as enjoyable as the first two.
11.5k reviews200 followers
March 26, 2017
This is a very sweet series but I do wish it had been published as one book rather than in four pieces. You can read this in one sitting- it's that short. I like the characters- Beth, Leo, Jack, Carly, Fergus- and the Cotswald setting. My advice would be to go for all the pieces that are available and lose yourself in the story. Can't wait for the next and presumably final seasonal installment. THanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
1 review
March 26, 2017
Cant wait for part four in may

Loved it, i would tell my friends and family to read these books as they are a nice pleasure to read
Profile Image for Louise O'Connell .
234 reviews8 followers
March 29, 2017
A brilliant third installment to the Willow Cottage series. I love how Beth comically jumps to assumptions before getting all of the facts, and even though I suspected what was coming, it was still as entertaining as ever. I've preordered part four, and I'm counting down the days as I can't wait to find out how the story ends now.
Profile Image for Sam.
529 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2017
This is the third book from the Willow Cottage series. It's been a while since I read number two so it took a while for me to get back to the storyline.

This book follows the main character Beth, her son Leo and her friend Carly. Beth has minimal trust having been in an abusive relationship which she is running from so won't allow well meaning neighbour, Jack to get close.

The book ends on a cliff hanger, so I can't wait to read the final book.
Profile Image for Kim.
2,134 reviews65 followers
March 30, 2017
This is such a beautiful series and I loved the return. We saw a little from Beth's previous life to make us aware of the horrors she's escaped from and why she's scared to let people in.
Catching up with Carly and Fergus was lovely- they are great characters.
You feel a real sense of a village community and getting the know the characters more leaves you eager to find out how the story will end.
The house is getting through the rennovations despite a setback and I can't wait to 'see' the house ready to be a home.
Profile Image for Debbie.
300 reviews16 followers
April 1, 2017
Great characters and great story, looking forward to the next book, shame I have to wait a couple of more weeks.
1,623 reviews7 followers
April 5, 2017
Beth is trying to avoid Jack as she thinks that there could be issues with domestic violence and with her problems with her ex she cannot afford to make any more mistakes......but how wrong can she be!

Carly and Fergus are back in the picture with Fergus planning a spectacular proposal but will they stay that happy or will things go wrong for them as well.

With Beth's ex out looking for, determined to track her down and Jack always in the background this book is full of village life and shows the way villagers look out for each other - cant wait for the next part
5 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2017
Loved it!

Couldn't put the book down. Now I need to know what happens to Fergus and Beth. Can't wait for the next book
Profile Image for Melanie.
914 reviews4 followers
April 14, 2017
I really enjoyed this but it ended on a cliffhanger again. The books should all have been released in a single volume.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews