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The Bluebell Bunting Society
Welcome to Bluebell Hall. Pull up a wonky chair, grab a cream bun and settle into a story about a little village, a determined caretaker – and bunting.
At twenty-nine, Connie isn’t quite where she thought she’d be. When her beloved gran died Connie returned to Hazelhurst, the village she grew up in, and took over her gran’s old job as caretaker at the village hall. It might not be the stuff of dreams, but Connie loves working at Bluebell Hall – the heart of the community fuelled by copious cups of tea.
So when Bluebell Hall is threatened with closure, Connie is determined not to let greedy property developers get their hands on it. She hatches a plan bonkers enough that it just might work. All it takes is a needle and thread, scraps of old material and willing hands.
Can Connie convince the people of Hazelhurst that their village hall is worth saving? And will she save herself in the process…?
A heartwarming novel about friendship, community and being brave enough to fight for what you believe in, The Bluebell Bunting Society is perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Tilly Tennant and Cathy Bramley.
At twenty-nine, Connie isn’t quite where she thought she’d be. When her beloved gran died Connie returned to Hazelhurst, the village she grew up in, and took over her gran’s old job as caretaker at the village hall. It might not be the stuff of dreams, but Connie loves working at Bluebell Hall – the heart of the community fuelled by copious cups of tea.
So when Bluebell Hall is threatened with closure, Connie is determined not to let greedy property developers get their hands on it. She hatches a plan bonkers enough that it just might work. All it takes is a needle and thread, scraps of old material and willing hands.
Can Connie convince the people of Hazelhurst that their village hall is worth saving? And will she save herself in the process…?
A heartwarming novel about friendship, community and being brave enough to fight for what you believe in, The Bluebell Bunting Society is perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Tilly Tennant and Cathy Bramley.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2017
29 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 28, 2017
5☆ ++ Review
The Blue bell Bunting Society is a story about determination, courage, making new friends, New Beginnings and a whole lot of Community spirit.
I absolutely loved this charming gem of a book. It made me laugh out loud, feel warm inside and I really wanted to join the Bluebells Group. (As fellow Brownie & Girl Guide this was right up my street)
Connie's Gran was the previous caretaker to the Bluebell Hall.
When she passed away she left the running of the hall to Connie.
The hall was left as a charity donation to the local Hazelhurst village.
The hall would be kept open providing the hall is being used by half the village population.
This was all well and good but with the uprising of new houses Connie is finding this more and more difficult to pull in the numbers.
The hall is in a bad way and some of the regular groups regretfully had to abandon using the hall for health and safety reasons. With no money Connie is struggling.
However one Funday Sunday afternoon is about to change Connies life forever.
In walks Flip new to the village and an exciting Zest for life.
She falls in love with the Bluebell hall charm and wants to help Connie.
Connie soon learns that Alex the new Scout leader is working for the charity that supports the hall and wants to shut Bluebell Hall down.
However Connie and her friends are not willing to hand it over without a fight.
What is Alex's agenda and is he really the bad guy in this?
Then so begins the exciting and challenging task of getting people into the hall to make the members numbers up. In order to save the hall.
The group decide to start a Bluebell Bunting group where they all make bunting triangles to piece together to help spread the word and engage the community.
Flip worked in PR and she is fabulous at coming up with new ways to get them noticed. Such as using media attention.
The Bluebells play a huge part in the story and it's so lovely to see them getting involved with things such as Maypole dancing.
Polly is a young teen who her Dad brings to the Bunting club as a way of bonding with her since her mother passed away.
She takes a liking to Connie, and the group help this shy and grieving young girl grow in confidence so much so she decides to run a Art Therapy group which proves to be very popular.
The fun ideas to raise numbers are not without some fairly major hiccups, some crazy dance routines, a lot of tea and cake and great friendships.
Connie is stronger than she realises. She's not without her own personal issues. Her Mum has suffered depression and anxiety for a long time and the passing of her Gran has only triggered her anxiety more.
Connie is coming up 30 and her life is the Bluebell Hall and Hazelhurst Village. So when things don't quiet go to plan she has to 're evaluate her life choices.
This is such a fabulous story of hope and determination I wanted to climb right into the story and get sewing. I was rooting for Connie and her friends to save the hall.
All of the characters in the story were well developed and each one added a unique quality to the story making it believable. I loved all the characters even Alex, towards the end, who which I really didn't want to like.
My only slight personal opinion was the ending for me was not what I expected.... but it's not always the happy endings that make the book it's the story behind the ending.
I can honestly say I don't think this is the end of Hazelhurst village. Well at least I hope it's not. There is some fabulous characters and some new budding romances.
I didn't want it to end! I only hope Poppy decides to write more!
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
The Blue bell Bunting Society is a story about determination, courage, making new friends, New Beginnings and a whole lot of Community spirit.
I absolutely loved this charming gem of a book. It made me laugh out loud, feel warm inside and I really wanted to join the Bluebells Group. (As fellow Brownie & Girl Guide this was right up my street)
Connie's Gran was the previous caretaker to the Bluebell Hall.
When she passed away she left the running of the hall to Connie.
The hall was left as a charity donation to the local Hazelhurst village.
The hall would be kept open providing the hall is being used by half the village population.
This was all well and good but with the uprising of new houses Connie is finding this more and more difficult to pull in the numbers.
The hall is in a bad way and some of the regular groups regretfully had to abandon using the hall for health and safety reasons. With no money Connie is struggling.
However one Funday Sunday afternoon is about to change Connies life forever.
In walks Flip new to the village and an exciting Zest for life.
She falls in love with the Bluebell hall charm and wants to help Connie.
Connie soon learns that Alex the new Scout leader is working for the charity that supports the hall and wants to shut Bluebell Hall down.
However Connie and her friends are not willing to hand it over without a fight.
What is Alex's agenda and is he really the bad guy in this?
Then so begins the exciting and challenging task of getting people into the hall to make the members numbers up. In order to save the hall.
The group decide to start a Bluebell Bunting group where they all make bunting triangles to piece together to help spread the word and engage the community.
Flip worked in PR and she is fabulous at coming up with new ways to get them noticed. Such as using media attention.
The Bluebells play a huge part in the story and it's so lovely to see them getting involved with things such as Maypole dancing.
Polly is a young teen who her Dad brings to the Bunting club as a way of bonding with her since her mother passed away.
She takes a liking to Connie, and the group help this shy and grieving young girl grow in confidence so much so she decides to run a Art Therapy group which proves to be very popular.
The fun ideas to raise numbers are not without some fairly major hiccups, some crazy dance routines, a lot of tea and cake and great friendships.
Connie is stronger than she realises. She's not without her own personal issues. Her Mum has suffered depression and anxiety for a long time and the passing of her Gran has only triggered her anxiety more.
Connie is coming up 30 and her life is the Bluebell Hall and Hazelhurst Village. So when things don't quiet go to plan she has to 're evaluate her life choices.
This is such a fabulous story of hope and determination I wanted to climb right into the story and get sewing. I was rooting for Connie and her friends to save the hall.
All of the characters in the story were well developed and each one added a unique quality to the story making it believable. I loved all the characters even Alex, towards the end, who which I really didn't want to like.
My only slight personal opinion was the ending for me was not what I expected.... but it's not always the happy endings that make the book it's the story behind the ending.
I can honestly say I don't think this is the end of Hazelhurst village. Well at least I hope it's not. There is some fabulous characters and some new budding romances.
I didn't want it to end! I only hope Poppy decides to write more!
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
April 15, 2017
This book was very enjoyable and such a lighthearted read so thank you to Canelo, Polly Dolan and Netgalley for a chance to read this book in return of an honest review.
I've never read anything before by Poppy Dolan but from now on I shall be looking out for more of her books! This type of storyline is exactly the type of Chick Lit book that I look for. Also, how cute is the cover? I was totally drawn into this book by the pretty colours and illustrations.
I'm quite a big fan of bunting myself, I think it's so pretty, so to have a society where they make bunting sounds perfect to me! This book was fascinating by the start and I really love stories about life in little picturesque villages so this was a great book for me to read. The whole descriptions about the societies and the hall and the fete's that the village has, I just fell in love with. And I couldn't put it down!
The book follows Connie on her journey to saving her beloved Bluebell Hall in the cute village of Hazlehurst. It was quite a short book I found (just under 200 pages on Kindle) and to me it felt like it was over too soon (was that just me?). The characters blended perfectly together and I loved Flip as well as Susannah and Lucy (and of course Connie) and found is really amusing in parts. Chick Lits with humour are the perfect combination!
So overall, a really enjoyable book with loving characters and an interesting storyline. I love books that are a little unique with their storylines so if you do too then this is the book for you!
I've never read anything before by Poppy Dolan but from now on I shall be looking out for more of her books! This type of storyline is exactly the type of Chick Lit book that I look for. Also, how cute is the cover? I was totally drawn into this book by the pretty colours and illustrations.
I'm quite a big fan of bunting myself, I think it's so pretty, so to have a society where they make bunting sounds perfect to me! This book was fascinating by the start and I really love stories about life in little picturesque villages so this was a great book for me to read. The whole descriptions about the societies and the hall and the fete's that the village has, I just fell in love with. And I couldn't put it down!
The book follows Connie on her journey to saving her beloved Bluebell Hall in the cute village of Hazlehurst. It was quite a short book I found (just under 200 pages on Kindle) and to me it felt like it was over too soon (was that just me?). The characters blended perfectly together and I loved Flip as well as Susannah and Lucy (and of course Connie) and found is really amusing in parts. Chick Lits with humour are the perfect combination!
So overall, a really enjoyable book with loving characters and an interesting storyline. I love books that are a little unique with their storylines so if you do too then this is the book for you!
April 17, 2017
After her grandmother died, Connie returned to the village of Hazelhurst to take over the role as caretaker of Bluebell Hall. At 29, Connie loves her job, but also feels that there is so much more that she can do with her life.
Under Connie’s control, the hall comes under threat from the original family owners’ lawyers, who insist that the hall can only be used by the villagers, if at least 50% of them use it per year. This had become tricky lately as new houses were built locally, meaning more villagers.
With the numbers down, and the deadline fast approaching, drastic action has to be taken, starting with bunting!
The Bluebell Bunting Society is a lovable, heart-warming book, about friendship and community spirit. Ms. Dolan has created a beautiful setting, just how I imagine a rural village to be. From beginning to end there are plenty of special moments, alongside lots of laugh out loud ones too.
The characters are all so charming and are extremely likeable, especially ever-so-caring Connie. Although I would put this book in the ‘Chick-Lit’ genre, some of the characters have complex issues, such as Dom, who has been finding it difficult since his wife died, to know the best way to care for his teenage daughter Polly.
The story is written beautifully and is captivating. It has that feel good factor to it. It certainly will give you a ‘pick-me-up’, when you’re feeling down. It has a calming affect, even-though the villagers are giving their all to save the hall. A superb book that will take your mind wandering to a little place with a big heart.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Under Connie’s control, the hall comes under threat from the original family owners’ lawyers, who insist that the hall can only be used by the villagers, if at least 50% of them use it per year. This had become tricky lately as new houses were built locally, meaning more villagers.
With the numbers down, and the deadline fast approaching, drastic action has to be taken, starting with bunting!
The Bluebell Bunting Society is a lovable, heart-warming book, about friendship and community spirit. Ms. Dolan has created a beautiful setting, just how I imagine a rural village to be. From beginning to end there are plenty of special moments, alongside lots of laugh out loud ones too.
The characters are all so charming and are extremely likeable, especially ever-so-caring Connie. Although I would put this book in the ‘Chick-Lit’ genre, some of the characters have complex issues, such as Dom, who has been finding it difficult since his wife died, to know the best way to care for his teenage daughter Polly.
The story is written beautifully and is captivating. It has that feel good factor to it. It certainly will give you a ‘pick-me-up’, when you’re feeling down. It has a calming affect, even-though the villagers are giving their all to save the hall. A superb book that will take your mind wandering to a little place with a big heart.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
March 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. This was my first Poppy Dolan book and I was drawn to this one by the beautiful bright cover. The story was just as fabulous, one I could not put down.
I loved the characters and how friendly everyone in the village was and how they all looked out for each other and got behind Connie on her mission to keep the hall open.
A fun, enjoyable and exciting read.
I loved the characters and how friendly everyone in the village was and how they all looked out for each other and got behind Connie on her mission to keep the hall open.
A fun, enjoyable and exciting read.
March 28, 2017
The local village hall is the Bluebell hall. 50% of the village residents need to use it to keep it open otherwise it could become a coffee bar or razed. Connie has taken over where her Gran left off and looks after the hall and its activities. She is doing all she can to raise its awareness but needs more hands. Can she pull it off? This is one of those comfortable easy reads where you pretty much know what is going to happen but it makes you feel that there is good in the world and that if we all pull together we can make a difference. You can’t help but like Connie (and even Polly) as they rally in the face of the committee to get the numbers up in time.What will Connie do if the hall fails? She hasn’t thought ahead and is blundering on as many of us do until faced with a dilemma. A heartwarming, comfortable fun read to give you a smile.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
April 5, 2017
3.5 stars.
Oh joy! The new Poppy Dolan's book! Guys, you've no idea how much I've waited for this novel. I've read all Poppy's previous books and they were all just SO right up to my street - the brilliant writing, my kind of humour, lovely characters and the stories flowing so effortlessly and seamlessly. I can't believe - or no, I take it back, I CAN believe that it's already four years since Poppy's last book, it is really SO long. When I've heard the news "The Bluebell Bunting Society" is up for request on NetGalley it has really made my day, even more so when I was accepted to read it - which I almost immediately did, needless to say. Judging the book on its cover and its title you can think that it's going to be an inviting, warm, funny, light read - and it's true!
As I have two left hands when it comes to sewing, bunting and so on I always do love a read about people who can do such things. It's real magic, no, to put together two things and produce a patchwork blanket, right? I can truly understand all the fuss, really.
There are many threads in this story, guys! It is multi - layered, just like a flower, and here unpeeling the layers makes you laugh and the story is sweet. The chapters are short and they really cover many issues, so that the story felt really dynamic. There is some drama, there is a romance, there is a lovely community. However - and I am incredibly sad that there is "however", because I wanted to love this book so desperately! However, the story felt too flat for me. It was not as sparkly and fresh as Poppy's previous books. There were moments it dragged too much for my liking and there was nothing that I could say wow, I haven't read it or I haven't seen it coming. It's just Poppy Dolan has already shown me she can much, much more and I have expected much, much more from this book. Somehow, I just couldn't get into the heart of this story - which probably is my own fault, and it makes me furious with myself.
Connie was lovely! I loved her passion and desperation to keep the Hall going. It was palpable that she has fond memories of it, especially as she has spent her best times there, together with her Grandmother, and she now enjoys her role as Bloom Mistress, preparing a dance or two with her charges. But Connie is torn - there is this side to her that want to satisfy tradition, keep the hall and run it just like her Gran did, and the other side, where Connie is not sure what it is she want to do, if she wants to stay in Hazelhurst for ever or do something different, somewhere else?
The cast of supporting characters is as bunt as the title itself. The author lets them all to have their own say, to shine through the pages. We have Lucy's best friend Steve and his wife Lucy and they all want to support Lucy in so many ways! The community spirit in this book is brilliantly captured, it was just my favourite kind of a small, lovely village with people who know everything about each other and when it comes to a crisis they stand up for each other and do whatever they can to help. The duo of Dominic and Polly, father and daughter, has added so much poignancy to this story, the emotions there were so raw and so genuine, and Polly was so incredibly talented and creative, it was a real joy to read about her ideas.
Altogether, "The Bluebell Bunting Society" was a cute, warm, inviting read. It is this kind of read when you know what's going to happen but it doesn't bother you and it only makes you feel better. The characters are so lovely that you can't help but fall for them all, and keep your fingers crossed for them. A heart - warming, uplifting read with a feel - good factor - recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
May 10, 2017
The Bluebell Bunting Society tells the tale of twenty-nine year old Connie, the caretaker of Bluebell Hall. The predecessor to her beloved grandma, Connie tries her best to maintain the historical hall. Yet when the it is threatened with closure, Connie must attempt to bring the community together, connecting lives and keeping the village's history afloat. But can she manage on her own?
Although this book is far from the A level set texts I'm currently reading, it was a heartwarming and lovely read as a break from the heavy themes of The Handmaid's Tale and alike.
One of the greatest successes of this novel is the relatability of the focaliser, Connie. A wandering soul who finds herself back in her hometown Hazlehurst, she is passionate at what she does, no matter what others may think. Although she is looked down on for being the caretaker of a crumbling hall, Connie always strives for the best and is dedicated to the things she loves.
Overall this book is heartwarming. With hints of well-planned humour, and a subtle romance link, it's definitely one I'd recommend for light reading. I look forward to reading more of Poppy's work in the future!
☆☆☆☆
Although this book is far from the A level set texts I'm currently reading, it was a heartwarming and lovely read as a break from the heavy themes of The Handmaid's Tale and alike.
One of the greatest successes of this novel is the relatability of the focaliser, Connie. A wandering soul who finds herself back in her hometown Hazlehurst, she is passionate at what she does, no matter what others may think. Although she is looked down on for being the caretaker of a crumbling hall, Connie always strives for the best and is dedicated to the things she loves.
Overall this book is heartwarming. With hints of well-planned humour, and a subtle romance link, it's definitely one I'd recommend for light reading. I look forward to reading more of Poppy's work in the future!
☆☆☆☆
March 30, 2017
This was such a charming story set in a small village. Connie took over as caretaker of Bluebell Hall when her gran died and she is now faced with trying to save it from closure. It needs the villagers to embrace it and use it fully.
She enlists some friends to help her try and raise the ratio of villagers using the hall and there are some very amusing scenes whilst they try out various ideas. They come up with a sewing group making bunting for the village fete.
It's a lovely tale of friendships, village community, romance and family issues. The village fete sounded absolutely wonderful and I could just imagine walking around all the stalls and signing up to join the sewing club!
Connie makes some new friendships and also shows her nurturing, caring side with her mum, her oldest school friend and the teenage girl that she is trying to encourage to blossom.
I'd love a follow up to see where the characters go next.
She enlists some friends to help her try and raise the ratio of villagers using the hall and there are some very amusing scenes whilst they try out various ideas. They come up with a sewing group making bunting for the village fete.
It's a lovely tale of friendships, village community, romance and family issues. The village fete sounded absolutely wonderful and I could just imagine walking around all the stalls and signing up to join the sewing club!
Connie makes some new friendships and also shows her nurturing, caring side with her mum, her oldest school friend and the teenage girl that she is trying to encourage to blossom.
I'd love a follow up to see where the characters go next.
April 16, 2017
This book is about life in a small village in England, it is about friendship, family and extended family, and it's about building and preserving a community, especially in our fast progressing times.
I loved all of the characters, not only Connie the MC of the book. I loved the writing, the cultural and pop-culture references. When I was about a quarter into this book, I said on Litsy that this book makes me miss life in a village and life in the UK in general.
I enjoyed every minute of this novel and will certainly read more works from Ms Dolan.
I loved all of the characters, not only Connie the MC of the book. I loved the writing, the cultural and pop-culture references. When I was about a quarter into this book, I said on Litsy that this book makes me miss life in a village and life in the UK in general.
I enjoyed every minute of this novel and will certainly read more works from Ms Dolan.
September 10, 2017
What an absolutely brilliant read (did I already say that?!)!! I loved everything about this book. From the beautiful uplifting cover to the cracking, heart-warming story inside. What's really wonderful about the way this author writes is that she can do cosy and charming perfectly but there's a wit and clever turn of phrase that elevates her stories above the rest. Connie and the crew's antics had me laughing out loud and egging them on throughout.
I would recommend this book to everyone who is looking to read something that will downright make them feel good. And particularly fans of Cathy Bramley, Cressida McLaughlin, Debbie Johnson and Sophie Kinsella.
Already can't wait for Poppy's next book. She's an author to love!
I would recommend this book to everyone who is looking to read something that will downright make them feel good. And particularly fans of Cathy Bramley, Cressida McLaughlin, Debbie Johnson and Sophie Kinsella.
Already can't wait for Poppy's next book. She's an author to love!
July 29, 2022
There is a reason why I left this novel to last, and that is because it didn't sound particularly interesting and unique. Unfortunately, I was proven right. Nothing much happens and the main character has very little chemistry with her love interest.
July 14, 2017
The Bluebell Bunting Society is a warm and inviting book and the story inside is a joy to read. Connie took over the caretaker role at Bluebell Hall when her gran died a few years ago. She cares about the damp, mould-sodden place and wants to do her gran proud by keeping it going strong. But when the hall is threatened with closure, there is only one thing Connie is sure about and that includes bunting, lots and lots of bunting. This is where the book really gets going and what follows is a charming and endearing story of crafting, friendship, romance and a whole dose of solidarity.
The meetings of the Bluebell Bunting Society were lots of fun to read. There was always a vibrant atmosphere and the characters in this book are fresh and bubbly, memorable characters who you root for all the way. I love a book with a small community feel to it where everyone is working together to make things better and the society had so much drive, determination and heart when it came to saving the village hall. With sewing and bunting aplenty there was lots of colour and creativity jam-packed into this heart-warming read which put a smile on my face every time my Kindle was in my hands.
I grew to care for many of the characters, in particular Connie who is at a bit of a crossroads in her life. Approaching 30, single, without a career and with no idea what she wants to do with the rest of her life, Connie throws herself into trying to save the village hall and make her gran proud. But when the outlook is bad for the hall, the outlook is bad for her too and as much as everyone is encouraging her to find a job that would suit her and open herself up to a new relationship, none of that helps her have a clue about what she wants to do with her life.
I liked Connie. I found her to be a down to earth, realistic character who could be very easy to relate to. It's normal for people of her age to still not really know what they want to do in life but it is still something that is often frowned upon and people in her shoes feel like they need to come to quick decisions, a lot of that down to the peer pressure that an increasing age brings. Love. Babies. High profile jobs. I felt for Connie as she still tried to figure out what to do next with her life. Despite a few wobbles, I thought she was suited to life at the village hall but was she capable of more? She's a smart and witty character who is caring and kind. She's an easy character to like. Sure there was a small element of self-pity there at times but with all the trauma the village hall delivered I couldn't blame her for that.
As I keep mentioning them I have to say that the cast of characters in this book is really wonderful. I loved getting to know them all and even the more minor characters were just as memorable as the main ones. One thing in particular I liked was how they were all so different yet worked together so beautifully as part of this small village community. Each character is drawn upon realistically too.
I loved Dom and his teenage daughter Polly. I could identify with her want to talk about her late mum, her relationship with her dad and I found her an inspired character. She was a clever girl who had much to offer and whilst she could have that typical teenage attitude to life, she was also a sweet girl just trying to get by. When we meet Dom his struggles are evident and believable too. His story and the change in his character throughout showed the power of friendship. I loved Steve, Connie's best mate, and his girlfriend Lucy. Flip and Susannah were likeable characters too. One of my favourite moments in this book was meeting Claire, one of Connie's old friends. I think a lot of mums could relate to the greasy hair and the state of her house, the need for a few months kip... I also enjoyed reading about Alex the more we got to know about him too.
The Bluebell Bunting Society is a truly feel-good read, providing a few hours full of smiles and laughter. Friendship is at the heart of this book and it showed how important it is not to push your friends away when the going gets tough. Everything turns out better with your friends by your side. I was invested in the story early on and enjoyed it more and more with every chapter, and I loved the sweet and satisfying ending that wrapped things up just perfectly.
The meetings of the Bluebell Bunting Society were lots of fun to read. There was always a vibrant atmosphere and the characters in this book are fresh and bubbly, memorable characters who you root for all the way. I love a book with a small community feel to it where everyone is working together to make things better and the society had so much drive, determination and heart when it came to saving the village hall. With sewing and bunting aplenty there was lots of colour and creativity jam-packed into this heart-warming read which put a smile on my face every time my Kindle was in my hands.
I grew to care for many of the characters, in particular Connie who is at a bit of a crossroads in her life. Approaching 30, single, without a career and with no idea what she wants to do with the rest of her life, Connie throws herself into trying to save the village hall and make her gran proud. But when the outlook is bad for the hall, the outlook is bad for her too and as much as everyone is encouraging her to find a job that would suit her and open herself up to a new relationship, none of that helps her have a clue about what she wants to do with her life.
I liked Connie. I found her to be a down to earth, realistic character who could be very easy to relate to. It's normal for people of her age to still not really know what they want to do in life but it is still something that is often frowned upon and people in her shoes feel like they need to come to quick decisions, a lot of that down to the peer pressure that an increasing age brings. Love. Babies. High profile jobs. I felt for Connie as she still tried to figure out what to do next with her life. Despite a few wobbles, I thought she was suited to life at the village hall but was she capable of more? She's a smart and witty character who is caring and kind. She's an easy character to like. Sure there was a small element of self-pity there at times but with all the trauma the village hall delivered I couldn't blame her for that.
As I keep mentioning them I have to say that the cast of characters in this book is really wonderful. I loved getting to know them all and even the more minor characters were just as memorable as the main ones. One thing in particular I liked was how they were all so different yet worked together so beautifully as part of this small village community. Each character is drawn upon realistically too.
I loved Dom and his teenage daughter Polly. I could identify with her want to talk about her late mum, her relationship with her dad and I found her an inspired character. She was a clever girl who had much to offer and whilst she could have that typical teenage attitude to life, she was also a sweet girl just trying to get by. When we meet Dom his struggles are evident and believable too. His story and the change in his character throughout showed the power of friendship. I loved Steve, Connie's best mate, and his girlfriend Lucy. Flip and Susannah were likeable characters too. One of my favourite moments in this book was meeting Claire, one of Connie's old friends. I think a lot of mums could relate to the greasy hair and the state of her house, the need for a few months kip... I also enjoyed reading about Alex the more we got to know about him too.
The Bluebell Bunting Society is a truly feel-good read, providing a few hours full of smiles and laughter. Friendship is at the heart of this book and it showed how important it is not to push your friends away when the going gets tough. Everything turns out better with your friends by your side. I was invested in the story early on and enjoyed it more and more with every chapter, and I loved the sweet and satisfying ending that wrapped things up just perfectly.
July 20, 2018
This is more of a coming of age story than anything else. Admittedly, the coming of age isn't a teenage one but when you are heading oin the downhill slope to the big 3-0 it feels like adulthood is ready to sit on your shoulders and that is very definitely a coming of age. Certainly Connie seems to feel that way - then again, the character appears to be rather immature for her actual age in years and seems to have retreated to a safe existence after a failed relationship in the big bad city. Connie isn't as dreary a character as this summation makes her sound though, she just has a slightly skewed sense of priorities. On the one hand she wants to "do good" and "help people" and keep Bluebell Hall running so that the community can enjoy it; on the other she wants nothing more than to hide in safe old Hazlemere behind the ghost of her Gran and behind the needs of her mentally ill mother.
It isn't all doom and gloom though, the rest of the cast pull you through the worst of Connie's wallowing. Her relationships with Susannah, stevie and Luce are old ones, comfortable ones but it doesn't mean that these people are afraid to call Connie out on her decisions. Indeed the little glimpses of humour in the book (not as many as the blurb would have you believe but there are a good handful) generally come from one of these three setting her straight on her misconceptions and self-delusions. Her new friendships with Flip, Polly and Dom are also quite telling and although Connie seems to fall in to friendship far too easily they are fairly realistically drawn. We won't go into the relationship with Alex as it is too trite for words and from the first moment we see him through Connie's first interaction with him you know how that will end.
The plot itself is neither here nor there really. There is a whole background of trying to save the cherished Village Hall - well, cherished by Connie and a handful of others but definitely not by the village as a whole. This is merely the device to serve to bring the characters together and to move the story along. It serves as a handy meeting place and as a hiding place for that matter. What fate ultimately befalls it really isn't that important - even Connie doesn't seem that bothered really. It is the characters that are important here and how they relate to each other and deal with the ups and downs of a few months in thsi snapshot of their lives.
I didn't find this to be immersive reading and it was easy enough to pick it up for a chapter or two and then lay it aside in favour of something else. In fact, this has probably led to me giving it a higher rating than if I had read it in one or two chunks as I think Connie's personality would have made me exceedingly grumpy if I had to suffer it for more than 2 or 3 chapters at a time.
This is the first of Poppy Dolan's books that I've read and I am pretty much ambivalent out reading any more. I may give them a go but there was nothing in this book that lit a spark for this reader and made me interested to see what else was on the author's bookshelf.
It isn't all doom and gloom though, the rest of the cast pull you through the worst of Connie's wallowing. Her relationships with Susannah, stevie and Luce are old ones, comfortable ones but it doesn't mean that these people are afraid to call Connie out on her decisions. Indeed the little glimpses of humour in the book (not as many as the blurb would have you believe but there are a good handful) generally come from one of these three setting her straight on her misconceptions and self-delusions. Her new friendships with Flip, Polly and Dom are also quite telling and although Connie seems to fall in to friendship far too easily they are fairly realistically drawn. We won't go into the relationship with Alex as it is too trite for words and from the first moment we see him through Connie's first interaction with him you know how that will end.
The plot itself is neither here nor there really. There is a whole background of trying to save the cherished Village Hall - well, cherished by Connie and a handful of others but definitely not by the village as a whole. This is merely the device to serve to bring the characters together and to move the story along. It serves as a handy meeting place and as a hiding place for that matter. What fate ultimately befalls it really isn't that important - even Connie doesn't seem that bothered really. It is the characters that are important here and how they relate to each other and deal with the ups and downs of a few months in thsi snapshot of their lives.
I didn't find this to be immersive reading and it was easy enough to pick it up for a chapter or two and then lay it aside in favour of something else. In fact, this has probably led to me giving it a higher rating than if I had read it in one or two chunks as I think Connie's personality would have made me exceedingly grumpy if I had to suffer it for more than 2 or 3 chapters at a time.
This is the first of Poppy Dolan's books that I've read and I am pretty much ambivalent out reading any more. I may give them a go but there was nothing in this book that lit a spark for this reader and made me interested to see what else was on the author's bookshelf.
March 9, 2017
If you love bunting then you are definitely in the right place. If on the other hand like me and you really can't work out what all the fuss about lots of triangles strung together is, then not to worry, as in amongst all of the bunting, there is a charming story, that I really enjoyed reading.
The whole purpose of the newly created Bluebell Bunting Society is to help to try and save Bluebell Hall from closure, and they have only been given 30 days to get the hall's visitor numbers up. Personally I would have possibly preferred the original idea for the sewing club, as it would have been a lot funnier, reading about a knicker sewing group!
Connie has inherited the caretaker role of the hall from her grandmother and has been at it for four years. She still isn't sure whether this is really what she wants to do with her life, nor does she have any other ideas, but Bluebell Hall is in her blood and she is determined to do a good job.
What I enjoy in books like this, including this one is the small village feel, and Hazelhurst definitely that had. I'm not exactly sure where Hazelhurst is, but its a charming village and I really enjoyed meeting the various people, including the ones most instrumental in helping Connie try to save the hall.
I love small town communities and also reading about crafting, so this has a lovely cozy feel to the whole book. It felt rather calm reading it, and really enjoyed the story. I could really picture the bunting, and I loved the Bluebells and the Scouts when they meet, and all the activities that Connie ran with the Bluebells (Hazelhurst answers to brownies).
Thanks to a mix of old and new friends, the campaigns and promotions that are thought up to save the hall are incredibly creative, and one in particular really caught my imagination.
Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy of the book which I have reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
The whole purpose of the newly created Bluebell Bunting Society is to help to try and save Bluebell Hall from closure, and they have only been given 30 days to get the hall's visitor numbers up. Personally I would have possibly preferred the original idea for the sewing club, as it would have been a lot funnier, reading about a knicker sewing group!
Connie has inherited the caretaker role of the hall from her grandmother and has been at it for four years. She still isn't sure whether this is really what she wants to do with her life, nor does she have any other ideas, but Bluebell Hall is in her blood and she is determined to do a good job.
What I enjoy in books like this, including this one is the small village feel, and Hazelhurst definitely that had. I'm not exactly sure where Hazelhurst is, but its a charming village and I really enjoyed meeting the various people, including the ones most instrumental in helping Connie try to save the hall.
I love small town communities and also reading about crafting, so this has a lovely cozy feel to the whole book. It felt rather calm reading it, and really enjoyed the story. I could really picture the bunting, and I loved the Bluebells and the Scouts when they meet, and all the activities that Connie ran with the Bluebells (Hazelhurst answers to brownies).
Thanks to a mix of old and new friends, the campaigns and promotions that are thought up to save the hall are incredibly creative, and one in particular really caught my imagination.
Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy of the book which I have reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
July 6, 2018
I found this book discounted on Amazon via BookBub; this is my honest review.
-It's slow all the way up until the end, then it's a roller-coaster of adventures and romance and you're not sure you're ready for it.
-It's touching the way they want to save the Hall. It's funny at times too. The whole parts with Connie's mother are all sad and depressing. But it was nice getting the town to work together to a selfless cause. There's no ending really, just your imagination.
-There were many people in this book and at times I was really confused because I wasn't sure if she/he was a bluebell, a baby, or a friend's baby; same with the friends - from far away or in town.
-The editing was diverting my attention a lot - one star off: wrong words away/aware, too many words even at this and hour, missing words, etc.
-It's slow all the way up until the end, then it's a roller-coaster of adventures and romance and you're not sure you're ready for it.
-It's touching the way they want to save the Hall. It's funny at times too. The whole parts with Connie's mother are all sad and depressing. But it was nice getting the town to work together to a selfless cause. There's no ending really, just your imagination.
-There were many people in this book and at times I was really confused because I wasn't sure if she/he was a bluebell, a baby, or a friend's baby; same with the friends - from far away or in town.
-The editing was diverting my attention a lot - one star off: wrong words away/aware, too many words even at this and hour, missing words, etc.
Read
July 7, 2022Personally, this book was a very good view for me on how sometimes we may neglect the older small businesses' in our local area and how just a visit every month or a small purchase could keep them going that little bit longer. It also shows how much you can also adapt to changes in your life even when they can be very upsetting to you and how most of the time your friends are the key to that adaptation and also realisation.
May 23, 2023
Another new to me author ( #6 of 23 for 23 ) and I absolutely loved it, it was such a feel good book.
At twenty nine, Connie is back in Hazelhurst, the village she grew up in, when her beloved Gran died, Connie took over her old job, as caretaker at the village hall.
It isn't the job in journalism that Connie was hoping for, but she really does love working at Bluebell Hall.
But now a large property developer wants to get their hands on Bluebell Hall, so Connie must hatch a plan, quite a bonkers plan involving, needles, thread, a lot of scraps of material and some willing helpers.
So The Bluebell Bunting Society, comes into being.
This book is all about friends old and new, people young and not so young, coming together as a community, and fighting for what you believe in.
I will definitely be reading more books by this author, highly recommended.
At twenty nine, Connie is back in Hazelhurst, the village she grew up in, when her beloved Gran died, Connie took over her old job, as caretaker at the village hall.
It isn't the job in journalism that Connie was hoping for, but she really does love working at Bluebell Hall.
But now a large property developer wants to get their hands on Bluebell Hall, so Connie must hatch a plan, quite a bonkers plan involving, needles, thread, a lot of scraps of material and some willing helpers.
So The Bluebell Bunting Society, comes into being.
This book is all about friends old and new, people young and not so young, coming together as a community, and fighting for what you believe in.
I will definitely be reading more books by this author, highly recommended.
May 17, 2017
A really fun and quick read. I loved the community feeling in this book. Finding who you are and where your place in life is by looking at who is around you supporting you. I have to say what I really enjoyed so much about this book was that it was more about the main character's relationship with herself then it was about getting her tied up with a guy. Such a refreshing and fun book to read. I can't wait to read more by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for this free ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for this free ebook in exchange for my honest review.
November 8, 2017
Review to come. It will be posted on my book blog, katherinesbookuniverse.wordpress.com.This is the 2nd book I've read and reviewed by Poppy Dolan after The Woolly Hat Knitting Club. Another cosy chick lit read. Thanks to Canelo, Poppy Dolan and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2025
Charming, easy read. The book follows the life of a caretaker at a community hall, with snippets of other villagers lives sewn in. It sparks a sense of creativity and togetherness and offers a space to reflect on the meaning of friendship and community. The story merges old with new in such a way that it gives the same comforting feeling as a cup of tea on a rainy day.
February 1, 2023
This book was really easy to read. I enjoyed the majority of the book however the ending I feel was really rushed. When the storyline started to get more exciting it wasn’t as detailed as I would like and could have been longer in my opinion.
March 2, 2023
Lovely easy read for my first book of 2023-I’ve had this in my ‘tbr’ shelf for much too long. I really enjoyed reading about Connie and her attempts to save Bluebell Hall while trying to decide where her life was heading and who she wanted in it.
June 4, 2017
For some reason this book didn't click with me but at least it ended on a solid positive note.
October 4, 2018
It was cute. Easy to read. Focus on friendship and community vs. romance.
July 14, 2022
Sweet tale of community hope
September 1, 2023
A cute read for my book club's summer choice. It was definitely predictable and got a bit long in the middle, but nevertheless was an enjoyable and lighthearted beach read!
October 7, 2023
A quick and easy read for holiday. Not sure who proof read it though as there were a few grammatical errors.
April 26, 2024
Really enjoyed this book and that despite there being romance, this wanst the key theme in the book. Its lovely to read and to see a community coming together to help save the building!
August 24, 2025
Lovely positive read. Made me laugh out loud in places.
October 9, 2017
New author for me, but I decided to give it ago as the cover really appealed to me. It was a truly wonderful light easy and fun read. Thoroughly enjoyable with lovely characters.
The story is delightful and well thought out, a few funny moments and I loved it from start to finish.
Look forward to seeing what this author brings out next.
The story is delightful and well thought out, a few funny moments and I loved it from start to finish.
Look forward to seeing what this author brings out next.
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