No Place Like Home

The Pets at Primrose Cottage #4

by Sheila Norton

PART FOUR of a serialised novel - a charming and romantic story about living the simple life and the joy of animals.With Emma’s past threatening to ruin her life in quiet Crickleford, she’s running out of options. If people – especially Matt, her reporter friend – find out her secret, it might force her to leave the place she’s come to think of as home.When flooding strikes the town while Emma is looking after an elderly couple’s dog, she has to take her biggest risk yet – but could this be the one that blows her cover for good? And if it does, can Crickleford – and Matt – ever accept Emma for who she truly is? this is part four of a four-part serialised novel.

Genres: Fiction

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2018

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

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this is the final part of the series and boy was it good! As with every part I was excited to start reading and finding out what was going to happen next for Emma, as part 3 was left at a crucial moment. This time I was especially excited as we find out if her cover is blown and find out if she will get her happy ever after or not.

Such an easy to read book/series one that you cant put down and need to keep reading to find out what happens next.

Im gutted this was the final part as I really had grew fond of these characters, the pets and the wee village itself. I really will miss it. It just captures your heart and makes you feel happy reading it.

A real joy!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been hooked to these books every part has been an amazing read they just flow. Loved the storyline the story just got better and better as the story has gone along. Enjoyed the characters and didn't guess what was going to happen to happen. A feel good read didn't want the book to end.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first three instalments of Pets at Primrose Cottage and the fourth part was just the icing on the cake.

In the final part, it appears that Emma’s secret past is catching up with her and she’s running out of options. There’s an emergency in the village of Crickleford and Emma takes a risk to help her fellow villages but this could be the very thing that blows her cover. Can she stay and ride it out or will she have to leave and leave Matt behind too?

This is a lovely tale that will draw you in and keep you turning the page to the end.

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

[Agi · Rating 3 out of 5]

And so here we come to the final instalment in the "Pets at Primrose Cottage" series, which is a pity actually, as it was a nice and relaxing read and I grew fond of the characters, both human and animal ones.

There was - again - a lot of focus on Emma's pet sitting and events that happened in the village, such as flood, and I was afraid that revealing Emma's big secrets will get overshadowed but no, it was delivered in a very nice way and it didn't feel too rushed or too short. However, and I must add this, in comparison to the huge built - up in the last three part, the reveals of both secrets didn't take me so much by surprise. It was something that I was expecting and to be honest I was hoping for a great surprise, an explosion, something that would hit me and leave me unconscious for a few days. But no - those were mediocre secrets. To be frank, I was also a little disappointed with Emma. First all people in the cafe got to know what's her problem is, and I mean ALL PEOPLE, because the whole village was there, and all people wanted to help, and Emma says she feels actually OK now everything is out and she doesn't want to do anything with this problem. I mean, hello? First she's blaming herself for everything, thinks about herself "stupid" and when everything is out she wants to do nothing about it. I thought, well Emma, I was expecting more from you. I mean, she didn't have to go to university, and it was great she felt good in her own skin but she's just condemning herself for limitations in my humble opinion. However, standing ovation to Emma for the way she has treated some of the people in her life, I always knew there is fire in this girl.

As always, the writing style was incredibly engaging and easy to follow, descriptive and warm. The ending was brilliantly happy - ever - after and I really liked it. All the questions were answered in this part and everything came smoothly to an end, all the loose ends of the plot and conflicts are neatly wrapped up. Altogether, it was a feel - good novella and enjoyable read.

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

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog: thecosiestcorner.blogspot.com

As always I was so excited to read another part of The Pets at Primrose Cottage - especially this one as it is the last! The series has been so exciting and I've been really looking forward to how it all ended! The cover as usual, draws you in immediately. I adore the ombre colours of the setting sun and the beautiful flowers either side looks so pretty!

I am so, so happy with how this ended. It was the perfect ending and was of course another part of the series that was jam-packed with events and I couldn't put it down! I really found myself enjoying part four. Like the others I was excited to read about what was going to happen next in Emma's life and part three was left with a huge cliffhanger that I was dying to read what happened!

I was really hoping that Emma get a happy ending, as we read in the other parts that she hadn't had the best life so when things still kept going wrong for Emma I was really feeling for her. However, part four (for me personally) was the best part yet as it was so gripping and exciting! Will Emma's cover be blown or will she get the peaceful life she's been wishing for? You'll need to read it to find out! All the characters of this novel are wonderful and the village where it's set sounded utterly charming.

I'm sure I'm not the only one that is sad that this series is over, as it was so enjoyable and such an easy read. Not only that but it had such a feel-good factor about it. If, like me, you're gutted it's over too then I would highly recommend Sheila Norton's other novel The Vets at Hope Green as Sheila's writing is addictive!

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

[I'mogén · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.5/5

Recieved via Netgalley, all opinions are my own!

This last installement was probably my favourite by far. Everything was coming to a head and I was eager to see how everything resolved, or rather, if it did.
I've got to say, Rob is absolutely disgusting.
Sid the Budgie really made me chuckle with his swearing and I really liked hearing about all the other animal antics.

I really liked how critique of a previous book was takem into consideration, as the diversity expanded, not a lot, but definitely more, although, the phrasing of "gay best friend" did feel stereotypical and unnecessary, but the actual friendship blossoming there I really enjoyed.

The whole scene surrounding the danger around the river rising was really good! My heart started beating harder and my face got all tingly in anticipation. It was great.
how on earth did the reporters even get to crickleford throughout the flooding and all that! Just as Emma and Matt were being truthful, they spoiled it and I'm totally sulking about it. Absolutely devestated. The article Matt then wrote about her made my cheeks warm and tingle! To see how everyone loved Emma and wanted her back in Crickleford was amazing. If only she could see that in herself.

The last few chapters I just had this massive smile on my face (probably odd during my lunch break!)

What a heart warming tale this was.

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

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

At last we have reached the final instalment No Place Like Home in The Pets at Primrose Cottage series by Sheila Norton. Finally we will discover the numerous questions that arose as I was reading through the first three parts. There is not much point recapping what has happened up until this point as if you are only picking up part four not having read the other parts than that is not really the ideal thing to be doing. It's different with a continuation of full length books in a series as most times you can dip in and out without any confusion but when a book is serialised it is best to start at part one and work your way through one after the other if possible.

As we return to the small village of Crickleford autumn is making itself known with changeable weather which matches the mood that Emma Nightingale finds herself in. She is on constant alert that the paparazzi will arrive on her doorstep, with flashing camera lights and microphones ready, to catch any titbit of information that will make her story known and earn them some money in the process. A state of fear and anxiety exists within Emma that her secret will be let out and everyone she has become friends with and come to love and care for will thinks she is one big fraud who told so many lies. The person who knows her darkest secret has kept low for the moment but they could pounce and spill forth everything they know at any minute and Emma's world will once again come crashing down.

What's worse is Emma's love life has also taken a nose dive. She hasn't heard from local reporter and would be love interest Matt since a bit too much was revealed in the pub. Has she scared him off? Is the truth too much for him to handle? Will he to get in on the action and write about her just so he can further his career? So many worries running through Emma's mind and uncertainty and heartbreak abound. Apart from the fact Emma told so many lies to begin with which I have mentioned previously, for the fact that it was so frustrating and annoying, is that Emma is so wounded by her prior experiences that she has forgotten how to act rationally, to think things through and ultimately to face things head on. This is a weakness on her part instead of thinking things through,confiding in someone or just facing things head on, she just seems to run around in circles evading things. Fear of exposure is a dark cloud hanging over her head when maybe she should just have been honest from the start and seen how people would have viewed her situation.

There was such a big build up throughout the book that I really hoped that the big reveal wouldn't be a damp squid and so much of a let down. Of course I had my suspicions as to what it actually could be but I didn't guess the finer details or know the exact circumstances. To be honest after reading it I did understand the hurt Emma experienced but the necessity for the name change and the running away seemed a bit over the top. Her actions at the time, this will make sense when you read the story, were completely justified and some of the things she did were actually funny. As they say revenge is a dish best served cold and she did this to perfection. So the question remains was Emma just too harsh on herself? Would the villagers of Crickleford have accepted her for who she was underneath the persona she projected rather than the exhaustive unrealistic lies?

Just like in part three I felt there was a lot more action in the story especially to do with the animals and Emma's pet sitting service. The mini plotline with the budgie was hilarious and cringe inducing for its owners but it made me laugh. Also the night of the rising waters in the village does leave you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen and it shows a softer aspect to Emma where the bravado is put to one side as she battles with Matt to do what is best. I also enjoyed how a different side of Matt was exposed. He showed his vulnerability and in the same way I wanted Emma to do the same so they could share their individual loads and work together to over come their own personal issues and anxieties. I felt we got more in-depth with both characters despite the relatively short length of this part of the story.

Again before the conclusion Emma causes consternation and confusion especially for me as a reader, I wanted as I have done in all the previous parts to give her a good shake and say cop yourself on, come into the real world. Look at the people around you who want to help you and will be there for you no matter how bad your experiences have been. The way you view things may not be the same as others. Don't take for granted what people may think as they may surprise you. The road of lies and deception may not be the best one for you. There was also one resolution to a sneaking suspicion I had all along regarding a little something and when it was confirmed it really did help make things a lot clearer and it explained certain situations that had cropped up.

Overall this was a satisfying conclusion to the series and I have enjoyed the time I spent with Emma and the friends she made and animals she met in Crickleford. In future I think I might wait until the full length books are published just so I can satisfy the urge to get all the answers in one go. This is the first book I have read by Sheila Norton but the sample chapter of The Vets at Hope Green has made me want to go back and read that book. I look forward also to reading more of her books in the future especially if animals are going to continuously make an appearance.

[Cat Strawberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review may contain minor spoilers if you haven’t read about the previous three parts.
Aw, I really love this book and how the whole story wraps up nicely. ‘No Place Like Home’ is the fourth and final part of the serialised novel ‘The Pets at Primrose Cottage’ which can now be bought as a whole book as well as in these four parts. After finally revealing the truth to Matt, Emma worries about her future in Crickleford. But soon her worries turn to the river, and it’s ever increasing water level. When it bursts its banks in the middle of a pet sitting job, Emma must save not only herself but some of Crickleford’s residents, both human and animal.

After the cliff hanger ending of part three I was desperate to read this to find out what happens. The book begins with Emma finding out what’s happened to her Albert before moving onto showing us how Matt truly took the news that she shared. I really liked the way this story unfolded. The characters are all so likeable, and although I felt the story had a predictability to it, especially with how it ends, I still wanted to watch the drama of Emma and her life in the small town unfold. The flooding river story was exciting and it was nice to see what happened to the one animal who Emma had problems with earlier. I have to admit that although the whole story is a typical heartwarming one, I still didn’t expect events to turn out quite as they did, especially after the flooding of the river, when Emma and Matt are alone.

The final part of this story does feel shorter than the other parts, but we finally discover the truth about what happened in America and I loved the way the characters all acted towards Emma at the end of the story and the whole newspaper tale. I also liked the extra part of the story about Emma’s reading, it made her character feel even more relatable. The animal stories continue to feature in this book, this time featuring a lovely dog and a very naughty budgie which made me laugh. The animal stories really made this book all the more enjoyable although I would have happily read this for Emma’s story alone. The overall ending is not only heartwarming but really sweet. I was smiling so much after reading this, it’s one of those books that puts you in a good mood when you read it and I really hope Sheila Norton continues to write more books like this and ‘The Vets at Hope Green’, which is similar and which I also enjoyed.

I’d recommend ‘The Pets at Primrose Cottage’ to everyone, especially people who love animals and a lovely contemporary, feel-good story with some romance thrown in. There’s nothing offensive in the series and teens and adults will enjoy it. It’s not a surprising story, it’s predictable what will happen from the start, and sometimes Emma’s character felt a little bit clueless to what is obvious, but it’s a lovely read nonetheless. I love the journey the characters go on and the overall country setting. I feel a bit sad now I’ve finished this book, I can’t wait to read more like it.
-Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher, Ebury Publishing, for this review copy given in exchange for an honest review.

This is Part 4 in the serialisation of Pets at Primrose Cottage. There are four ‘novella’ parts to the book, Pets at Primrose Cottage, with the full length story coming out as one book later in March 2018. You do need to have read the other 3 parts of the story first to understand the story.

I have been following this series all the way through and was excited to finally reach the final part, the tag line being No Place Like Home. There certainly is no place like home for Emma, and we return to the village of Cricklewood to revisit Emma and her pet-sitting business. The story picks up from Part 3 and Emma’s past is on the verge of being discovered, and she’s beginning to wonder whether she will need to leave Cricklewood forever.

Part 3 was left on such a cliff hanger it was great to finally get to find out if Emma’s past is finally going to be revealed. I love Emma’s character and I love the little tales of the exploits of the pets she is looking after. The budgie in this story was absolute class and I would really love to own a budgie like this, although it may have to be hidden away when visitors come! We also get to find out whether Emma’s on/off relationship with Matt will ever come of anything – and don’t think I’m going to tell you, you need to read the book to find out!

Read it in 4 parts or as one whole book it doesn’t really matter. Either way you will realise it’s a wonderfully written series with plenty of love and laughter – oh, and pets! Such a shame the series has ended, but what a fabulous way to end!

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having enjoyed the first three instalments, I was delighted to read the ending to this series and it proved to be just perfect!

Emma is still living in fear of her past catching up with her despite having secreted herself away in the town of Crickleford and setting up a very successful business. What happens next is a complete surprise, well-written, perfectly plotted and a sheer delight to read. What a fitting end to a fabulous series!

I love the pace of this author's writing; there is always something happening and something else on the horizon which keep up the pace making for a very interesting read. If you haven't come across Sheila Norton's books before, I would heartily recommend these as a fine uplifting story is her trademark and you are always left with a smile and a piece of her characters' happiness.

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

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this serialised novel from beginning to end now, and I have to say I'm sad it's over. Sheila Norton has a way with words and an ease of writing that really shows. Not only does she create the perfect village, but everyone in the community is accurately portrayed. So much so that it's not like this is a book at all- it's like it is real life. If you have never read anything my her, I'd really suggest that you try this, but also The Vet's at Hope Green. I also had the pleasure of reading and reviewing the ARC of The Vet's at Hope Green. Everything I have read by her so far is very relaxing reading with a quick pace and lots of action. And of course, cute animals and picturesque villages.

Huge thanks to Sheila Norton and Ebury Publishing for my ARCs in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

[Angela Mellor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final part to the novella, The Pets at Primrose Cottage and I have to say it was worth waiting for. We catch up with Emma and the delightful Matt and the mystery of Bilberry Cottage is revealed along with a lot of action for the final few chapters.
Sheila Norton has a great way with words as I feel like I live in the village and know all these characters that live within it an am sad that this has come to an end. I liked how there was no stone left unturned and everything you wanted answers to were answered in this last part.
I would highly recommend reading this and can't wait to see what else Sheila is going to produce in the future.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK and Ebury Publishing for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part 4 in the series and i'm a little sad that its all over.
I really enjoyed being able to read the story in parts as it kept the suspense for me.

In this installment the story comes to a head and many questions are answered and of course Emmas past is going to catch up with her.
Will she be able to keep her secret?

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[C Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Had me hooked from page one on book one! Right through to end page on book four. A brilliant story, loveable and surprisingly relatable heroine. I highly recommend this series of books to anyone.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow!

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

Final

The final.installment was great, it would have been nice to complete the story though. I'd like to have known how her life turned out, happily ever after maybe?

[Kathryndavies · Rating 5 out of 5]

glorious ending

Uplifting and real love story interwoven with animals, countryside and community values. Gone rean vets of hope green now.
Happy 😊

[Beverley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just felt this was a daft story and glad I did not spend a lot of money on the 4 books in one. I finished it, but won't be looking to read anymore of hers.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part four of the Pets at Primrose Cottage book. I am a little bit sad that it is over. Because I really loved reading this part series. Wheather you read this book as a whole or you read this book in parts like I have. You are guaranteed a treat. I simply loved it and I know you will too. What a beautiful ending to an amazing book. Make sure you look out for it when it hits shelves in April. I promise you will not be disappointed.

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to be back in Crickleford for the final part of this story, part 3 finished on a cliffhanger as usual and everyone must be willing for Emma to have her happy ending but will she get it or will her cover be blown?

I have loved this series so although it is great to get to the end it is also sad to be leaving the characters behind....I will just have to look forward to the next book by this author!