New Beginnings

The Pets at Primrose Cottage #2

by Sheila Norton

PART TWO of a serialised novel - a charming and romantic story about living the simple life and the joy of animals.

All Emma wants is a quiet life in sleepy Crickleford, away from the prying eyes of the press who are obsessed with the life she used to lead.

She is enjoying her new vocation: the town's most in-demand pet-sitter. But her journalist friend and fellow animal lover Matt is desperate for a big story to make his career – such as Emma’s true identity…

Emma doesn’t want the spotlight, but it keeps finding her anyway. Can she keep her past a secret and live the life she’s dreamed of?

Note: this is part two of a four-part serialised novel.

Genres: Fiction

ebook

Published December 21, 2017

About the author

Winner of the RoNAs 'Christmas and Winter Seasonal Award' novel, 2022, with 'Winter at Cliff's End Cottage'.

I live in Chelmsford, UK, with my husband Alan. We have three married daughters and six grandchildren. I've been writing ever since I was a little girl, and finally achieved my lifelong ambition to have a novel published, with the acceptance in 2002 of 'The Trouble With Ally'. Prior to this, I'd been having short stories published in women's magazines for about ten years.

My most recent books are stories set in the English county of Devon, and most include pets in the story! They are feel-good contemporary fiction.

I worked for most of my life as a medical secretary. I now write full-time. I like to relax by reading, walking,swimming, and seeing my family and friends.

I am passionate about my writing and love to hear from my readers. I am also happy to give talks to writers' groups and others, and book signings, in my local area.

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheila Norton is fast becoming my new favourite author. She just had a the style of writing that will keep you hooked on a story. It's not too serious, but not too humorous either. It has just the right amount of laugh out loud moments and the pace is well kept. I love the covers for this series as well, this one is particularly pretty, the flowers adding a bright burst of colour and it just looks so stunning!

I adore the storyline, I love the animals and I love Emma's character - I found her to be really easy to relate to and I love the location where the story is set. It sounds like a wonderful place to live and I wish places and people were really like that in real life! We're introduced a bit more to Matt Sorrentino in this novella, and I found myself really liking his character as well. He seemed funny and kind - he wasn't too pushy when Emma said she wanted to stay out of the newspaper.

I don't want to give too much away in this review as I know there are two more and I'm dying to find out what happens next! However, I will say that the storyline will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat. I find that Sheila's style of writing just keeps you hooked on every page and I love that. You zoom through the story, eager to find out what awaits at the end.

The characters all sound wonderful and I love the setting. It's definitely a 5 stars from me. I simply can't wait for the next novella in this series! If you're looking for a new series to get in to, this is it right here. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the time being Emma is still in Crickleford. All she wants is anonymity, but she keeps getting into situations that draw attention. She's a successful pet-sitter, finally something she's achieved on her own. Journalist Matt seems nice, but can Emma actually trust him? She could be his next big story, so she's careful when he's around. Is it still possible for her to keep her past a secret while she's also trying to build a new social life?

The Pets at Primrose Cottage: Part Two New Beginnings is another wonderful novella about Emma and her adventures. Emma is great with animals, she understands them better than people. She's slowly starting to feel at home in Crickleford, which is a lovely little town. Emma doesn't know how to be herself, but it seems people are accepting her for who she is and that was a lovely thing to witness. I loved reading about Emma's new start and can't wait to find out more.

Sheila Norton has a fabulous warm writing style and I like her sense of humor. It was fun to read about Emma again, she's an interesting multilayered main character. She doesn't easily tell the truth and I'm curious to find out more about what she's hiding. I really enjoy reading about secrets and second chances, so The Pets at Primrose Cottage stories are exactly what I like. Sheila Norton has written another charming novella and I'm anxious to read the next one.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm so glad I wasn't kept waiting that long for part two in The Pets at Primrose Cottage series by Sheila Norton. In fact it was only a matter of a mere few weeks since I had read part one and that meant the wonderful setting and characters were still so fresh and vivid in my mind. I have to say this wasn't the most action packed of instalments and to be honest it couldn't really have been,given how short it was at only around 79 pages. I presume the main developments of the plot with plenty of action and twists and turns will come in parts three and four as we near the end of the series. That's not to say New Beginnings was a bad read, it just felt my return visit to Crickleford was way too brief as I flew through this part in under half an hour.

New Beginnings picks up directly where A Place to Hide left off so I do think this shouldn't really be read as a stand alone. Our main female character Emma is slowly settling into the little village of Crickleford but as part one ended rather abruptly we see Emma up in arms as to whether she should stay or not. It seems like Emma is constantly on the run away from things and is always on high alert and can never settle. The littlest thing can up scuttle her and make her want to flee. I really think she would be better off confronting her demons instead of keeping things tightly hidden. She needs to slow down, stop and confront her problems instead of using as many avoidance tactics as possible. As at one time or another they will always catch up with you. Emma is searching for peace and quiet and to remain as anonymous as possible but as local journalist Matt Sorrentino is sniffing around wanting the scoop on her, keeping exploits as secretive as possible may not be an option. I felt Emma really was overacting with regards to Matt. He wasn't one of those tabloid journalists that would do anything to get his story on the front pages with scant regard for the person in question. He cared about his subjects and if Emma could only open up and relax and see this she would feel more confident and happy.

Still there wasn't any definite answers in this part as to why Emma fled the life of luxury she apparently had. There were a few more titbits revealed but nothing as to give a definitive answer. I suppose if all was revealed too early, I wouldn't really be coming back for parts three and four. I can see Emma has been hurt and that's why she is so reluctant to open up but the people of Crickleford including her landlords Lauren and Jon and their neighbour Mary just want to be friends with Emma and support her in any way they can. Her continuous lies grew ever taller once again and I wanted to shake Emma and say just stop the nonsense and tell the truth. Honesty is always the best policy. I can only imagine what will ensue once the truth is eventually revealed. Of course with the book being called The Pets at Primrose Cottage, there had to be mention of animals and in this case it was a pedigree Burmese cat with the pedigree lifestyle to match. Emma got in a bit of bother with the male half of the ownership but I am glad she began to stand her ground in this respect. As I have mentioned New Beginnings wasn't full of twists and turns and surprises but it was a nice, pleasant read to pass a half hour or so. It's long until January rolls around and I can read part three -Trust your Heart.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting start to a series! I loved the start of this and have sat and chuckled my way through these two parts. I don’t usually like books that are split into four parts, but as I had the first two parts to read together it doesn’t feel as bad. I am disappointed though that I shall have to wait for parts three and four as I was really getting into the story!

Emma’s character is fantastic! I love the way that lies just trip of the tongue so easily for her! She’s telling so many different things to so many different people that she feels that she will need to write down what she’s been telling people! The village sounds a beautiful place to live, up on Dartmoor, although there are no secrets in this village which I’m sure Emma will shortly find out. Emma obviously has a background which hasn’t been gone into fully during these first two parts but I’m sure that all will be revealed by the end of the four parts!

This is definitely a book full of love, laughs and pets! I have really enjoyed these first two parts, and cannot wait until the next two parts are available!!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been a whole since I read the first part of the series but the storyline of the main character soon came back to me. What is there not to like - cats and dogs and a beautiful village setting. Won't leave it so long before I read the third installment.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely loving this feel good book. It is romantic, cute, funny and absolutely wonderful. I simply cannot wait until the next part. Simply wonderful.

[Agi · Rating 3 out of 5]

"New Beginnings" is a second part in "The Pets at Primrose Cottage" series and I was really glad to read it, as the characters and the setting were still fresh in my mind and - yes! - I just wanted to know how it is going to continue and what's going to happen.

It was a nice continuation of the first part, however it didn't bring anything new in the characters' development. We got to know more pets than people this time and while it was nice, the novella felt slow and a little bit flat. How often can the main character ask herself how long is she going to tell lies over and over again and still not tell the truth? It was desperately annoying. However, guys, I really started to warm to Emma, even though she really seems not to know what's best for her at the moment, she'd rather run away from her problems than face them, and I think she's too big a girl for that. But she's great with the animals - better than with some people, I'd say, I really am not sure why she so over - reacts around Matt - and she really has a heart in the right place.

Of course, it ended on a cliffhanger, and well, I must admit, I am really intrigued if this what Emma thought she's seen is true or maybe she's made a mistake, and if it's truth, how did it happen? I am guessing that more action is to come in the next two parts and I am really looking forward to reading them - I want to know why Emma has fled her life of luxury and what has happened that she's now so reluctant to open up and to trust again. Altogether, "New Beginnings" was a quick and pleasant read, the writing style is lovely, full of warmth and it just feels chatty.

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 2 of The Pets at Primrose Cottage sees us picking the story back up as Emma is settling into being the villages resident pet sitter. Some new characters are added and were given more information on her past with Shane leaving us on a nice little cliff hanger ready for part 3.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House UK Ebury Publishing and the author for the chance to review.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

This is the second installment in The Pets at Primrose Cottage series and I am really enjoying it! The plot is thickening in this, the second part, as we still don't know who Emma is, we don't know why she walked out on her fiance and her life in the States and we don't know what she is running from either, a few snippets/hints have been are dropped but personally I'm none the wiser at the moment!

I have given this part four stars - the series is really growing on me and I am really looking forward to parts three and four - I really hope that we get to see more of Emma with Matt as he seems to be a refreshing change for her - even if he is a dreaded journalist! This one ended with a shock so hopefully the third one will be out very soon!

[Cat Strawberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second part of ‘The Pets at Prirmose Cottage’ and I’ve enjoyed it almost as much as the first part. Emma’s story in Crickleford continues as her business for pet-sitting continues, but with local journalist Matt insisting on a story for the paper, will she be able to keep her past forever hidden?

This second part of the serialised novel starts with an exciting moment as Emma wonders whether she should stay in Crickleford or take a chance and run. Of course this story being a little predictable, Emma decides to stay, and finds herself looking after more animals, this time rabbits and cats. I like how easily this book flows, and how easy it was for me to get back into the story even after taking a long break from book one. I enjoyed getting to know Emma a bit better. Although most of the story is about Emma’s life in the sleepy town, we do get to know her character a bit more and particularly more from her early past, when she met Shane and before they went to America.

I really enjoyed the story of the dog in the first part of this novel and it was lovely getting to know the rabbits and cats which make up the animal stories in this part. Although the animals are always lovely to read about and I liked how one rabbit came around to liking Emma, the animal stories didn’t feel as satisfying as the one with the dog did. I can’t really explain why I didn’t like it as much, I just didn’t feel like there was as much of a connection to the animals with Emma as there was with the dog, although it was interesting to see a familiar tabby cat mentioned again.

Just like the first part of this novel, the book has nothing offensive in it and has a warm, feel to it making it a great contemporary for anyone to read although I would suggest reading the first part as this will make no sense reading it.

This part of the novel ends on a cliff-hanger moment and a really good one that makes you want to dive into the next part. I can’t wait to read part three and four now to see what happens to Emma. As I said the story has a predictability to it, but there’s also a sense of drama and curiosity as I wonder who was in the window, and what will ultimately happen to Emma and her pet-sitting business. I also can’t wait to read more animal stories and hope they become more interesting in the next two parts of this novel.
-Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a free copy.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to reading this, the second of four parts of this novel, since enjoying the first. I’m happy to report I’m not disappointed – but then, this author never lets her readers down.

Following on from where the first paused this continues the story of Emma, who has returned home after the break-up of her relationship. Due to continual media harassment, her family no longer made her welcome and she sought refuge in the sleepy town of Crickleford, only to panic at the interest of the local paper after she caught a burglar at the home of one of the homes where she was pet-sitting. In this installment, we find out whether Emma can continue to make her home in Crickleford or will be forced to relocate, losing any hope of ever finding out if the cottage she covets could possibly be hers.

Emma has been accepted by the local pet owners who have embraced her fledgling business and has almost decided to remain, having taken the first steps to put her business on a more formal footing. However, diverting past Bilberry Cottage one day she gets a terrible shock when she recognises the person she assumes to be the new owner …

I love how each part of this story carries the tale a little further on and ends on a cliff hanger! Luckily I already have the next part safely tucked in my tbr list, and I’m looking forward to it already. These books have a bit of everything in them – family, friends, a touch of mystery and the extra topping of all the lovely pets. Sheila Norton writes very interesting and easy to read books, always with the feel good factor and I highly recommend them!

My thanks to Ebury Digital for approving my arc copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so nice to return to Emma and Primrose Cottage, it felt like I’d just recently visited them. We left Emma last time with the fear of her whereabouts being found out by the local journalist. Emma is still in hiding after fleeing from the States. With this instalment we learn a little more about her relationship with her ex-boyfriend celebrity Shane but as yet we don’t know why she suddenly fled.

The pets of the village are keeping Emma’s mind off her thoughts although a farm cat causes her undue pain and anguish.

Will Emma’s new life and new beginning become in jeopardy as her friendship with the local journalist grows?

Another lovely instalment from Sheila Norton of a paw-friendly heartfelt story with a touch of intrigue and maybe blossoming romance for our animal loving shy heroine.

I’m really looking forward to continuing with this story, we don’t have long to wait with part three due out on 18th January 2018 and the final instalment part four due out on 15th February 2018.

[Angela Mellor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second part of the four part series of pets at primrose cottage. Here we meet up with Emma again and yes she's still hiding in Crickleford and getting closer or so it seems to Matt the journalist. Emma is making a living from looking after other villages pets and seems to be enjoying life a bit more now. Emma is hilarious at how easy lies trip off her tongue and instantly regretting them!!!
This is a lovely read as you follow Emma and her journey of rediscovery and I don't often like books split up into short reads but Sheila Norton makes these enjoyable and manages to leave you on a cliffhanger at the end of every part.
I would like to thank netgalley and Penguin Random House and Ebury press for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

[I'mogén · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recieved via Netgalley, I'm exchange for an honest review. All thoughts remain my own!

The second installation of this serialized novel was yet again thoroughly enjoyable! It was fun to get more familiar with our main character, Emma, and even though her lies still bothered me, I began seeing more depth to her character.

The boom in her new business was also very satisfying to read about, as well as her blossoming friendships and I'm very curious as to what is happening to her family back at home!

Another quick, delightful read.

Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful to revisit Primrose Cottage and I really enjoyed the first part of this story. I like Emma and feel she is a fun, caring and a kind person. The village is very cosy and there are lots of cute pets. I'm looking forward to reading parts 3 and 4. Despite the fact that some time had passed since I had read part 1 of the book, I was easily led back into the story and there were some helpful reminders about the plot of the first part of the book, which was good. I found myself liking Matt more than I did in the first part of the book.

Thanks to Sheila Norton and Ebury Publishing for an ecopy of this part of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne Cotton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was a pleasant read. I did think it should have been written in the third person rather than the first person. That way it could have been more subtle and intriguing when hinting about the fact that Emma was hiding something about her past. It irritated me slightly with it’s complete lack of subtlety early on. But the ending was happy and left me with a warm feeling so all’s well that ends well.

[Margaret Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking forward to part 3.

[C Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm hooked!

Such an addictive story, the heroine is very relatable and loveable. I can't wait to start reading the next segment as there is so much going on! A absolute must read!

[Paula-Diane Lufflum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second

The second installment is just as thrilling as the first. Will her past still haunt her?, will her business succeed? Shane? Ooo exciting

[Karen wadey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very disappointing the central character is not a very nice person and you take an instant dislike to her. Can't say she has many redeeming features.

[Samantha Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turns out I've already read this!!!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the story that is evolving over the series is a good one.

[Hannah D · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy, light-hearted read with a plot that kept me guessing until the end

[Emma Star Crossed Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you for my copy of this book via Netgalley. This is part 2 of 4 in the series that follows Emma as she becomes the local pet sitter. You do really need to read the first part of the book but its only 80 pages so you can quickly get up to speed.

Emma is hiding out in Crinkeford and has set up her own pet sitting business. I love animals so I really loved this part of the story. Hearing all the little antics that they got up to for Emma while she looked after them. I really liked Matt and I hope the relationship between these two continues to develop.

This is a short sweet instalment and I can't wait for part 3.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny, cozy, tender and really enjoyable book! Well written, with very likable character.
Cannot wait to read the next instalment.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House UK, Ebury Publishing and Netgalley