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Escape to the Cotswolds
Can love blossom in the countryside?
Artist Holly Hunter is turning her life upside-down! She’s leaving the bright lights of London (and a cheating husband) behind her and hoping for a fresh start as she escapes to the peaceful Cotswolds countryside.
Men are off the cards for Holly. Instead, she’s focusing on her little gallery and adopting an adorable Border Collie puppy named Tubs. Or so she thought…
Because no matter how hard she tries to resist him, local vet Adam Whitney is utterly gorgeous. And in a village as small as this one, Holly can only avoid Adam for so long!
Artist Holly Hunter is turning her life upside-down! She’s leaving the bright lights of London (and a cheating husband) behind her and hoping for a fresh start as she escapes to the peaceful Cotswolds countryside.
Men are off the cards for Holly. Instead, she’s focusing on her little gallery and adopting an adorable Border Collie puppy named Tubs. Or so she thought…
Because no matter how hard she tries to resist him, local vet Adam Whitney is utterly gorgeous. And in a village as small as this one, Holly can only avoid Adam for so long!
- GenresChick Lit
ebook
Published June 21, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 29, 2017
4☆ Charming story, Tubs stole my heart
Firstly I would like to say the cover is gorgeous, the perfect Summer cover. It's bright and eye catching.
When we are introduced to Holly she is in a loveless marriage and her husband is a serial love rat!
She takes so much then she finally finds the strength to leave him.
In doing so she heads off to the gorgeous quaint, scenic,tranquil and charming Cotswolds.
I love the Cotswolds so for me this was the ideal place to be transported too.
Holly decides to stay with her friend Emma who really supported Holly and she helped her settle into the village and make friends. Whilst she got her life back on track and start up her own art studio.
Holly decides she no longer has any interest in men.... so she gets a pup called Tubs.
Now for me...any book that features dogs/animals is a winner for me.
Tubs is Holly's key to making new friends and meeting her potential new love interest.
Adam is the local vet and he really adores animals. He bonds better with them, as humans he finds it much harder.
So when Adam and Holly start to warm to each other through Tubs. It's so beautiful to see.
Adam isn't the most likeable character. He doesn't really have time for anyone if they are 1 ) human & 2) don't like animals.
Luckily for Holly she loves Tubs and he starts to form a friendship with her!
Will it turn to love? Guess you will have to read to see!
Holly is an artist she comes across as someone who knows what she wants even if matters of the heart tend to lead her in a direction she didn't want to go in.
I did find the story to be a little predictable. Which wasn't a bad thing.
The story started off rather slow with lots of descriptive writing before getting to the actual depth of the story.
But for me just the beautiful description of the Cotswolds transported me and I loved it.
For those who have never been will definitely want to visit after reading this story.
The star of the story was most definitely Tubs. I wanted to reach in and give him a snuggle. Loved him!!
I recommend this book to readers who love Chick Lit and romance, Animal Lovers.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
Firstly I would like to say the cover is gorgeous, the perfect Summer cover. It's bright and eye catching.
When we are introduced to Holly she is in a loveless marriage and her husband is a serial love rat!
She takes so much then she finally finds the strength to leave him.
In doing so she heads off to the gorgeous quaint, scenic,tranquil and charming Cotswolds.
I love the Cotswolds so for me this was the ideal place to be transported too.
Holly decides to stay with her friend Emma who really supported Holly and she helped her settle into the village and make friends. Whilst she got her life back on track and start up her own art studio.
Holly decides she no longer has any interest in men.... so she gets a pup called Tubs.
Now for me...any book that features dogs/animals is a winner for me.
Tubs is Holly's key to making new friends and meeting her potential new love interest.
Adam is the local vet and he really adores animals. He bonds better with them, as humans he finds it much harder.
So when Adam and Holly start to warm to each other through Tubs. It's so beautiful to see.
Adam isn't the most likeable character. He doesn't really have time for anyone if they are 1 ) human & 2) don't like animals.
Luckily for Holly she loves Tubs and he starts to form a friendship with her!
Will it turn to love? Guess you will have to read to see!
Holly is an artist she comes across as someone who knows what she wants even if matters of the heart tend to lead her in a direction she didn't want to go in.
I did find the story to be a little predictable. Which wasn't a bad thing.
The story started off rather slow with lots of descriptive writing before getting to the actual depth of the story.
But for me just the beautiful description of the Cotswolds transported me and I loved it.
For those who have never been will definitely want to visit after reading this story.
The star of the story was most definitely Tubs. I wanted to reach in and give him a snuggle. Loved him!!
I recommend this book to readers who love Chick Lit and romance, Animal Lovers.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
June 28, 2017
Netgalley arc provided by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Books of the chick-lit genre can be either a hit or miss with me. Unfortunately, "Escape to the Cotswolds" fell into the latter category.
I was very much attracted by the lovely cover and the description - I love escapism and makeover stories- but the narrative failed to draw me in. It was rolling over pleasantly enough and yet it did not make much impression. I guess, this was caused mostly by the tell-rather-than-show technique the author used.
It also did not help that the characters were underdeveloped. Sometimes names were mentioned without any information or description and then dropped for a long time, so when they shew up again I was bewildered, because I had no idea who/what they were.
It is good that the story is not exclusively about the relationship of the MC and her love interest, but at no point did I feel the slightest bit of chemistry between them and their romance seemed childish. Also apart from a few minor occurences, the plot is mainly plain sailing: whatever Holly wants, she gets almost right away without much struggle or anything really being at stake.
It is an easy read, but it was not for me.
Books of the chick-lit genre can be either a hit or miss with me. Unfortunately, "Escape to the Cotswolds" fell into the latter category.
I was very much attracted by the lovely cover and the description - I love escapism and makeover stories- but the narrative failed to draw me in. It was rolling over pleasantly enough and yet it did not make much impression. I guess, this was caused mostly by the tell-rather-than-show technique the author used.
It also did not help that the characters were underdeveloped. Sometimes names were mentioned without any information or description and then dropped for a long time, so when they shew up again I was bewildered, because I had no idea who/what they were.
It is good that the story is not exclusively about the relationship of the MC and her love interest, but at no point did I feel the slightest bit of chemistry between them and their romance seemed childish. Also apart from a few minor occurences, the plot is mainly plain sailing: whatever Holly wants, she gets almost right away without much struggle or anything really being at stake.
It is an easy read, but it was not for me.
June 14, 2017
Not a bad little book and if you are a chicklit and romance fan definitely worth a read. It is a very light and fluffy book. Which you will know where it's going from the first couple of pages. It needs a little tweaking here and there. But it's not a bad book on the whole. Good one for relaxing in the sunshine on a beach read. Thank you for letting me read it for an honest review.
July 20, 2017
I had high hopes for this book as the synopsis sounded right up my street and the cover promised summery escapism. In all honesty, I struggled very much with the narrative style that seemed to jump with little description and depth, there was no tugging at the emotions on a deeper level or warmth to the characters. Perhaps it's just the wrong time for me for this book but I really struggled to keep my attention on the pages.
Advanced copy received via Netgalley.
Advanced copy received via Netgalley.
July 17, 2017
I dabble in fun and light-hearted novels now and then I do enjoy many of them. This novel didn't quite light my flame however in comparison to others in this style of genre.
If you love this type of book however you may well adore it. For me the pace was too much on the relaxed side and I didn't connect or love any of the characters. This was reflected in how many times I put it down to then come back to (with hope each time).
The love interest didn't seem to hit the right notes with me and whilst it was a pleasant read it just missed...something. As I say, this is only a genre I venture into from time to time but have rated books 5 stars and loved them. So I remained very open minded.
A lot of quite significant events seemed to be glossed over quickly and Holly, our main gal just didn't get me clicking with her at all. All a bit TOO perfect and twee. A woman who recovers too brilliantly from her divorce, quickest legal procedure I've ever read and re-launch in the Cotswolds. Ta-da! More human fallibility would make her so much more interesting.
Some books just don't float your boat and this wasn't for me. I struggle with my rating too. I've thought of other books I've loved of a similar style and end up at 2.5-3.0 stars for this. I hate being a bloody honest book reviewer sometimes! But that's what I promise my followers.
I think with a bit more pace, more things happening and added depth to the romance this would have won me over as a really fun fluffy read. I know lovers of this genre out there will no doubt totally disagree. In no way awful - just too lukewarm for this seasoned book addict.
I see it's reviews are mixed. Possibly a Marmite book perhaps?
I read an ARC of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley. All review opinions are my own and totally unbiased.
If you love this type of book however you may well adore it. For me the pace was too much on the relaxed side and I didn't connect or love any of the characters. This was reflected in how many times I put it down to then come back to (with hope each time).
The love interest didn't seem to hit the right notes with me and whilst it was a pleasant read it just missed...something. As I say, this is only a genre I venture into from time to time but have rated books 5 stars and loved them. So I remained very open minded.
A lot of quite significant events seemed to be glossed over quickly and Holly, our main gal just didn't get me clicking with her at all. All a bit TOO perfect and twee. A woman who recovers too brilliantly from her divorce, quickest legal procedure I've ever read and re-launch in the Cotswolds. Ta-da! More human fallibility would make her so much more interesting.
Some books just don't float your boat and this wasn't for me. I struggle with my rating too. I've thought of other books I've loved of a similar style and end up at 2.5-3.0 stars for this. I hate being a bloody honest book reviewer sometimes! But that's what I promise my followers.
I think with a bit more pace, more things happening and added depth to the romance this would have won me over as a really fun fluffy read. I know lovers of this genre out there will no doubt totally disagree. In no way awful - just too lukewarm for this seasoned book addict.
I see it's reviews are mixed. Possibly a Marmite book perhaps?
I read an ARC of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley. All review opinions are my own and totally unbiased.
May 13, 2020
This was a new author to me and now can't wait to read more by her was such a charming book the cover is perfect and a great summer read. It's an easy read with brilliant characters and lovely setting to. Full of starting again with plenty going on and romance with heartbreak to.
Holly is getting a divorce from her husband and packs her life up in London and moves to the Cotswolds for a new life. She's made her mind up that men are off the cards she has had enough of them. She wants to concentrate on her little gallery and she adopts a puppy to. Problem is the local vet she tries to avoid him but she just can't as he's so gorgeous. So will she manage to avoid him for long or not.
Holly is getting a divorce from her husband and packs her life up in London and moves to the Cotswolds for a new life. She's made her mind up that men are off the cards she has had enough of them. She wants to concentrate on her little gallery and she adopts a puppy to. Problem is the local vet she tries to avoid him but she just can't as he's so gorgeous. So will she manage to avoid him for long or not.
June 10, 2017
Holly Hunter has reached breaking point when we enter the story of her life in London. Married to philandering Harry she has had enough, and finally finds the courage to walk away from her marriage to start again in the Cotswold village of Cuffingham. I was pleased to find that the author did not dwell on the detail of their divorce and chose to move on with Holly's new adventures which see her set up her own business selling her beautiful artwork and make lots of new friends. I did feel that fortune shone on Holly rather a lot throughout the book which at times made the story a little unbelievable although it's not all plain sailing.
As with many stories in this genre our main character becomes the centre of attention with the menfolk in her new home town, and after a few false starts and the introduction of an adorable puppy the local vet Adam becomes a big part of her life along with the estate agent and the antique dealer . We follow them through the ups and downs of village life over the ensuing months but despite there being quite a lot of events happening I never really felt properly involved. The story moves along quite quickly and I never really felt like I got under the skin of any of the characters as much as I would have liked, which I found rather disappointing.
The cover and description really attracted me to this book, however overall it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Many thanks to HQ digital for giving me the opportunity to read and review this title, I look forward to reading further work by this author in future
As with many stories in this genre our main character becomes the centre of attention with the menfolk in her new home town, and after a few false starts and the introduction of an adorable puppy the local vet Adam becomes a big part of her life along with the estate agent and the antique dealer . We follow them through the ups and downs of village life over the ensuing months but despite there being quite a lot of events happening I never really felt properly involved. The story moves along quite quickly and I never really felt like I got under the skin of any of the characters as much as I would have liked, which I found rather disappointing.
The cover and description really attracted me to this book, however overall it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Many thanks to HQ digital for giving me the opportunity to read and review this title, I look forward to reading further work by this author in future
June 21, 2017
Holly's husband has cheated on her again and this time Holly decides she wants a divorce. She leaves London and buys a cottage in the Cotswolds. There she sets up her artistic business where she gives lessons, which she combines with a small gallery. She's a painter and her art is being appreciated by many. Holly hopes she can make a living by selling it, this would be a dream come true.
Holly has no interest in men after her messy divorce. However, local vet Adam does make her heart beat faster every time she sees him. They're just friends and Holly keeps telling herself she doesn't want a relationship, but is this really true? Instead she gets a cute little puppy and makes a lot of friends. She's feeling at home in her new surroundings, but something is missing. Will Holly eventually be ready to say goodbye to the loneliness and give love a chance again?
Escape to the Cotswolds is a lighthearted and cheerful story. Holly is a kindhearted woman with plenty of talent. She makes friends easily, is quite stubborn and she's wonderfully artistic. I immediately liked her very much. Adam loves animals and he can be a unkind to people who don't feel the same way. He's lovely though once someone gets to know him and he's gentle and capable. I liked his reassuring personality and the safety he exudes, while he's gorgeous and dreamy at the same time. Adam and Holly are a perfect match, but they're both afraid to take that first step, they're endearing and I loved reading about their, sometimes uncomfortable, meetings.
Natalie Kleinman has written a cozy summer story. Escape to the Cotswolds is fast-paced, it's mostly breezy and there aren't any deep emotional scenes, it's a fun relaxing read. The writing style is upbeat, the story is charming without many highs and lows. It has a great pleasant atmosphere and the ending is wonderfully romantic. I liked this sweet story a lot. Escape to the Cotswolds is a fabulous feelgood book.
Holly has no interest in men after her messy divorce. However, local vet Adam does make her heart beat faster every time she sees him. They're just friends and Holly keeps telling herself she doesn't want a relationship, but is this really true? Instead she gets a cute little puppy and makes a lot of friends. She's feeling at home in her new surroundings, but something is missing. Will Holly eventually be ready to say goodbye to the loneliness and give love a chance again?
Escape to the Cotswolds is a lighthearted and cheerful story. Holly is a kindhearted woman with plenty of talent. She makes friends easily, is quite stubborn and she's wonderfully artistic. I immediately liked her very much. Adam loves animals and he can be a unkind to people who don't feel the same way. He's lovely though once someone gets to know him and he's gentle and capable. I liked his reassuring personality and the safety he exudes, while he's gorgeous and dreamy at the same time. Adam and Holly are a perfect match, but they're both afraid to take that first step, they're endearing and I loved reading about their, sometimes uncomfortable, meetings.
Natalie Kleinman has written a cozy summer story. Escape to the Cotswolds is fast-paced, it's mostly breezy and there aren't any deep emotional scenes, it's a fun relaxing read. The writing style is upbeat, the story is charming without many highs and lows. It has a great pleasant atmosphere and the ending is wonderfully romantic. I liked this sweet story a lot. Escape to the Cotswolds is a fabulous feelgood book.
June 21, 2017
Escape to the Cotswolds by Natalie Kleinman is a fun, summery read that will enable you to escape to the country. I absolutely adored the setting for this book, I used to live in Cheltenham and frequently visited little villages in the Cotswolds so I could easily imagine the village. However Natalie does a lovely job of describing the village so people who haven't been to the Cotswolds or England should be able to picture it.
At first I struggled to get into the book, it seemed to go too quick through the first 15% or so of the book however it slowed down after this which was much better. The first part could have probably done with more pages devoted to it but all in all I can't really complain.
I loved the characters in the book, especially the main characters. I really got to love Holly and of course Tubs and I fell a little bit in love with Adam too.
It was easy to read and I did enjoy Natalie's writing style, I easily got lost in the book and I devoured the last 50% as I just had to know what happens! I hope this isn't the last time we visit the Cotswolds and Holly and co but I adored the ending so if there isn't a sequel I won't be too put out.
I would recommend this book and I hope people love Holly and Adam as much as I did.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
At first I struggled to get into the book, it seemed to go too quick through the first 15% or so of the book however it slowed down after this which was much better. The first part could have probably done with more pages devoted to it but all in all I can't really complain.
I loved the characters in the book, especially the main characters. I really got to love Holly and of course Tubs and I fell a little bit in love with Adam too.
It was easy to read and I did enjoy Natalie's writing style, I easily got lost in the book and I devoured the last 50% as I just had to know what happens! I hope this isn't the last time we visit the Cotswolds and Holly and co but I adored the ending so if there isn't a sequel I won't be too put out.
I would recommend this book and I hope people love Holly and Adam as much as I did.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
June 20, 2017
This is a lovely summery read - ideal to pack for your holidays.
After an upsetting discovery Holly goes to stay with her best friend in the Cotswolds. She has a bad first impression of the local vet- but soon discovers that he is fantastic with the local animals so he can't be that bad...........can he?
She falls in love with village life and her life dream of having her own studio and running classes begins to become a reality when she buys a house in the same village.
It sounds so blissful and you really want to find the local estate agent and find a pretty cottage of your own. Holly meets the locals and finds herself the object of desire with one- and has to find a way to deal with the thought of a new romance.
The book deals with lovely friendships, delightful village settings and the hint of a romance in the air. I love the Cotswolds and this book gives you a wonderful 'virtual' trip to the picturesque village. I will definately look out for more books by Natalie Kleinman.
After an upsetting discovery Holly goes to stay with her best friend in the Cotswolds. She has a bad first impression of the local vet- but soon discovers that he is fantastic with the local animals so he can't be that bad...........can he?
She falls in love with village life and her life dream of having her own studio and running classes begins to become a reality when she buys a house in the same village.
It sounds so blissful and you really want to find the local estate agent and find a pretty cottage of your own. Holly meets the locals and finds herself the object of desire with one- and has to find a way to deal with the thought of a new romance.
The book deals with lovely friendships, delightful village settings and the hint of a romance in the air. I love the Cotswolds and this book gives you a wonderful 'virtual' trip to the picturesque village. I will definately look out for more books by Natalie Kleinman.
June 8, 2017
Holly has decided to finally divorce her husband Harry after he cheated on her multiple times. She leaves London for the Cotswolds to stay with her best friend Emma and her family.
The descriptions of the village and surrounding area were wonderful! It was easy to imagine everything and made me want to visit to see the manors, shops, and the river.
My only difficulty with the book was that it was hard for me to get into it initially. There was a lot of time spent on Holly establishing her house and business. I understood this piece was necessary because she is starting her life over after the divorce, but occasionally I did think that part was a little too long. I really started to enjoy it more once those pieces were in place.
I liked Holly's friends and her back and forth with Adam, the local vet who she literally runs into the first time they meet. It was nice to see a group who support and care about each other so much.
A charming book set in the English Countryside, Escape to the Cotswolds was a fun read I would recommend.
The descriptions of the village and surrounding area were wonderful! It was easy to imagine everything and made me want to visit to see the manors, shops, and the river.
My only difficulty with the book was that it was hard for me to get into it initially. There was a lot of time spent on Holly establishing her house and business. I understood this piece was necessary because she is starting her life over after the divorce, but occasionally I did think that part was a little too long. I really started to enjoy it more once those pieces were in place.
I liked Holly's friends and her back and forth with Adam, the local vet who she literally runs into the first time they meet. It was nice to see a group who support and care about each other so much.
A charming book set in the English Countryside, Escape to the Cotswolds was a fun read I would recommend.
January 2, 2024
Escape to the Cotswolds was my first book by Natalie Kleinman.
I found the book to be an easy, light read with brilliant characters and scenery.
Throughout the book, I was transported to various locations including New York.
The characters were easy to follow and keep up with and there were a fair few! I did have a favourite couple, but I looked upon ALL characters as friends.
There were various stages throughout the book in which I thought “come and do something before it slips away.” – Those who have read the book will probably understand why I thought this!
The storyline was easy to follow and keep up with. I loved the writing style, it had an elegant and unique prose.
I was saddened when I came to the end of the book, sad because i’m leaving my friends, friends pets and the gorgeous scenery behind.
Pleaseeeeeee can we have a sequel? I need my friends back!
Escape to the Cotswolds is a book I can really recommend to all fans of Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley or to anyone who wants a change in genre.
I found the book to be an easy, light read with brilliant characters and scenery.
Throughout the book, I was transported to various locations including New York.
The characters were easy to follow and keep up with and there were a fair few! I did have a favourite couple, but I looked upon ALL characters as friends.
There were various stages throughout the book in which I thought “come and do something before it slips away.” – Those who have read the book will probably understand why I thought this!
The storyline was easy to follow and keep up with. I loved the writing style, it had an elegant and unique prose.
I was saddened when I came to the end of the book, sad because i’m leaving my friends, friends pets and the gorgeous scenery behind.
Pleaseeeeeee can we have a sequel? I need my friends back!
Escape to the Cotswolds is a book I can really recommend to all fans of Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley or to anyone who wants a change in genre.
June 24, 2017
This was a wonderful story of new beginnings, community spirit and pursuing your dreams. I couldn't think of a nicer place to escape to than the Cotswolds. I've visited the area once and fell in love with it's natural beauty and charm and often revisit in my head the little villages with streams running through them. The author of this book took me right back to this charming area and I was hooked again and was totally taken in by it's natural beauty and idealism.
Holly was saddened with her failed marriage and she looked for comfort with her best friend Emma who lives in the Cotswolds. Leaving London and all it's city culture wasn't such a blow for Holly as she soon felt at home in the countryside. Emma's friends welcomed her into their circle and she was soon making new friends and she also caught the eye of two handsome men. Romance was definitely off the agenda for Holly and friendship was all she was willing to offer.
As an artist Holly had dreamt of having her own gallery, her ex wasn't keen on Holly pursuing this dream. So now away from any negativity she looked to fulfil her dream.
This is one woman's story of starting again and pursuing her dream but it is also a story of village life in the country, the camaraderie when life hits a hurdle and also the shared joy of celebrations. It's also a story of the special relationships between humans and animals. A wonderful book and story to escape to.
Holly was saddened with her failed marriage and she looked for comfort with her best friend Emma who lives in the Cotswolds. Leaving London and all it's city culture wasn't such a blow for Holly as she soon felt at home in the countryside. Emma's friends welcomed her into their circle and she was soon making new friends and she also caught the eye of two handsome men. Romance was definitely off the agenda for Holly and friendship was all she was willing to offer.
As an artist Holly had dreamt of having her own gallery, her ex wasn't keen on Holly pursuing this dream. So now away from any negativity she looked to fulfil her dream.
This is one woman's story of starting again and pursuing her dream but it is also a story of village life in the country, the camaraderie when life hits a hurdle and also the shared joy of celebrations. It's also a story of the special relationships between humans and animals. A wonderful book and story to escape to.
June 22, 2017
The first thing that caught my eye was of course the lovely cover and after reading the book it really is perfectly suited to the story. So what did I think...
Escape to the Cotswolds is a story of new beginnings as Holly begins a new life and a more sedate way of living. A special mention has to go to Tubs he was a lovely addition to the story and I think that he helped to add more depth to Holly's character.
There are a few characters to get to know but they each bring something to this story and to Holly's new start. I have to admit it took me a while to get attached to the characters although by the end I really liked the friendships that had developed. The romance was a slow burner and this is no bad thing as you get to know the characters along the way and I guess you are even more hopeful for that happy ending.
The story moves at a steady pace and is perfect to spend a lazy day reading or to take on holiday and just relax with. The setting of Escape to the Cotswolds is lovely and even more so because it is a place I would love to visit. So a few hours spent dreaming of village life in the Cotswolds was lovely for me especially after a hectic week.
Sweet and heartwarming!
With thanks to Natalie Kleinman, HQ Digital & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Escape to the Cotswolds is a story of new beginnings as Holly begins a new life and a more sedate way of living. A special mention has to go to Tubs he was a lovely addition to the story and I think that he helped to add more depth to Holly's character.
There are a few characters to get to know but they each bring something to this story and to Holly's new start. I have to admit it took me a while to get attached to the characters although by the end I really liked the friendships that had developed. The romance was a slow burner and this is no bad thing as you get to know the characters along the way and I guess you are even more hopeful for that happy ending.
The story moves at a steady pace and is perfect to spend a lazy day reading or to take on holiday and just relax with. The setting of Escape to the Cotswolds is lovely and even more so because it is a place I would love to visit. So a few hours spent dreaming of village life in the Cotswolds was lovely for me especially after a hectic week.
Sweet and heartwarming!
With thanks to Natalie Kleinman, HQ Digital & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
July 25, 2017
When Holly breaks up with her husband after he has had yet another affair she decides on a completely new start, she will leave London and move to the Cotswolds near to her best friend Emma. Finding a perfect cottage with a room that can be used as a studio/gallery she is all set to go leaving her marriage and any thought of men behind her.
She is soon into the swing of village life and starts making friends but do they want more than she does - Gordon the antique dealer certainly does! The one that catches her eye more than Gordon though is Adam the vet but he only seems interested in friendship......and the adorable puppy Tubs that she bought!
A lovely feel good book great for the beach - light hearted and fairly predictable but a good bit of escapism in a lovely part of the country
She is soon into the swing of village life and starts making friends but do they want more than she does - Gordon the antique dealer certainly does! The one that catches her eye more than Gordon though is Adam the vet but he only seems interested in friendship......and the adorable puppy Tubs that she bought!
A lovely feel good book great for the beach - light hearted and fairly predictable but a good bit of escapism in a lovely part of the country
July 11, 2017
A lighthearted feel-good story set in the beautiful Cotswolds. Artist Holly is starting again after her divorce and is pursuing her dream of having her own gallery.
Holly is drawn to the Cotswolds after her marriage fails. She makes her new home in the countryside and opens up her own gallery and art studio which fulfils her life-long dream. This is a steady paced story with characters who I warmed to - particularly Holly's new puppy Tubs. I enjoyed the special relationship between humans and their dogs.
An ideal book for an afternoon in the sun.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Holly is drawn to the Cotswolds after her marriage fails. She makes her new home in the countryside and opens up her own gallery and art studio which fulfils her life-long dream. This is a steady paced story with characters who I warmed to - particularly Holly's new puppy Tubs. I enjoyed the special relationship between humans and their dogs.
An ideal book for an afternoon in the sun.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
June 24, 2017
This is a nice little light romance in a country village setting. Holly leaves her unfaithful husband and starts a new life, building her art career and making new friends. I found it hard to believe that such a competent and intelligent woman stayed with a man for so long when he had slept with SIX other women, but she does appear very indecisive as seen in her on off relationship with the hero Adam. No real surprises or problems to overcome, but an easy read for a summer holiday. My favourite character was Tubs the puppy who provided the aaah factor and the novel's most nailbiting moment.
June 26, 2017
I generally like chick-lit romances, but this one is a bit of a miss. I did not like the writing style used to tell the story, and found the main characters rather lack-lustre. There is a thread running through the first part of the book about some burglaries happening in the town, and all of a sudden you are informed it is one of the main characters. The information was dropped on the reader out of nowhere. I also found that there was a lot of pages spend describing the flooding of the town and the effect on the residents, without really adding anything to the plot.
June 28, 2017
I really enjoyed this story of a young woman who finally has the backbone to divorce her husband and move to a small village in the Cotswolds near her best friend. Artist Holly decides to open a small gallery and display her paintings and teach classes. This isn't really a romance , it's more a girl trying to get her life together and start her business. She makes lots of friends and vet, Adam seems willing to wait till Holly gets her life on track. Great story of friendship and love of animals. The village life is so different from what is typical her in the US.
July 1, 2017
This book has a nice premise: cheated on wife finally leaves husband to start a new life for herself. Holly moves to the Cotswold to be near her dearest friend, meets a new man and things go off in starts, bursts and stalling out. Holly struck me as a very indecisive person and after reading so many town descriptions, my mind wearied and I wondered where this was all heading. I must admit that I skipped to the end and maybe I missed some better parts but I was ready to be done. Maybe the next novel will be better.
June 26, 2017
This book was a fun summery read. I enjoyed the location and descriptions. While sometimes the book could be a little too inconceivable that does tend to happen with chick lit books sometimes and it didn't really detract from the enjoyment of the book overall. Sometimes realism needs to take a back seat and the story just needs to be enjoyed. The pacing was good and it didn't take me too long to read at all.
I was given this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was given this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2017
I'm giving this a 2 because the author could get better
This reads like a first novel. The frame was there, but the characters were lite, and the dialogue was dry. By mid book I got bogged down because the only way she could go was a torturous track to true love. Everything else fell her way. I know there are readers for these basic books, but with a little work this could have been pretty good.
This reads like a first novel. The frame was there, but the characters were lite, and the dialogue was dry. By mid book I got bogged down because the only way she could go was a torturous track to true love. Everything else fell her way. I know there are readers for these basic books, but with a little work this could have been pretty good.
June 3, 2017
This is a good book to read to escape into romance and a bit of silliness. Holly leaves London and her philandering husband to live on a small town in the Cotswolds near her best friend, Emma. As an artist, she sets up a studio, makes friends and develops friendships. Throughout the book, you know she will end up with Adam, but it is still a fun escapade.
July 28, 2017
A nice story set in the lovely Cotswolds, but initially found it a bit slow and hard to get into, trying to keep a track on all the characters and all their romances. A happy ending for another divorcee. Makes this a nice easyish summer read.
May 27, 2017
A very well written romance with a good plot, characters and a beautiful small town setting. I enjoyed this author's style of writing very much.
June 22, 2017
A cute romance. Location set in rural Cotswolds in England.
October 26, 2017
Couldn't out it down
What a lovely read i you put it down .I was in tears at the end a what lovely story
What a lovely read i you put it down .I was in tears at the end a what lovely story
July 4, 2017
Artist Holly Hunter leaves her unfaithful husband and moves from London to the countryside to be closer to her best friend, Emma. Deciding to start over, she opens an art gallery, gives art classes, and makes new friends. But for now Holly is not interested in men even if it is not easy ignoring her feelings for handsome vet Adam.
I liked the atmospheric setting of the English countryside and how Holly was able to completely leave behind her life in London and start a new life in a place where she barely knew anybody. But the story moves too quickly and the characters are not developed enough so that I couldn’t get a real feeling about them. It is more a novel about friendship than love, although it has a few romantic scenes. A quick and relaxing read to enjoy during the holidays.
I liked the atmospheric setting of the English countryside and how Holly was able to completely leave behind her life in London and start a new life in a place where she barely knew anybody. But the story moves too quickly and the characters are not developed enough so that I couldn’t get a real feeling about them. It is more a novel about friendship than love, although it has a few romantic scenes. A quick and relaxing read to enjoy during the holidays.
April 13, 2018
Easy to read.,slow at the beginning but with a good ending
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