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Westfield #2

The Flower Shop on Foxley Street

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A new love could be about to bloom for Lily in this bright, warm women’s fiction title that fans of Holly Hepburn and Cathy Bramley will love.
Lily Rose Baxter loves her little flower shop on Foxley Street and the freedom and independence from her family that it represents.
Lily can't help but feel that something is missing from her life…, but when mysterious stranger Will Singer comes into her shop looking for the perfect bouquet of roses, all that could be about to change.

Number 2 in the Westfield series of books. Also out - The Chic Boutique on Baker Street

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2017

73 people are currently reading
164 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Dove

114 books214 followers
I am a wife, mother of two boys, avid reader and writer of words. I sometimes sleep, always have eye bags and dream of retiring to a big white house in Cornwall, with 2 shaggy dogs, drinking wine on my seafront balcony whilst creating works of romantic fiction. All done with immaculate make up and floaty dresses.

In the meantime I nearly always remember to brush my hair, seldom have time to look in a mirror and write many, many to-do lists. I write fast paced sexy medical romances for Mills & Boon, and contemporary fiction and romantic comedies for HQ Digital and Boldwood Books. I always have a few books in progress, and am always jotting down new shiny ideas to torment myself with.
Rachel Dove Bursary founder - RNA 2018 - 2020 (stopped due to RNA restructure)
Writers Bureau Writer of the Year - first place 2016
Come say hello on social media! @writerdove

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5 stars
173 (48%)
4 stars
112 (31%)
3 stars
53 (14%)
2 stars
10 (2%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Nicola Clough.
879 reviews41 followers
February 16, 2019
I love Rachel's books and this one didn't disappoint me at all was brilliant from the first page and really didn't want it to end as so good the characters are brilliant and the story plot is simply brilliant. It's a warm read and with so many twists and turns that you just had to keep reading. Full of romance and heartbreak and pulling away from your parents and being independent.
Lily has just taken over her parents flower shop so they can retire she is going out with Stuart but he won't commit to a date for a wedding and she doesn't see that much of him really. Also she is getting fed up of being at home as her parents have done nothing but argue since they retired and leading separate lives and she doesn't want to come between them. One day this handsome bloke walks into her shops for some flowers and lily feels her heart skip a beat. She gets friendly wi him but the more she gets to know him she can't help but feel it's wrong because of Stuart and also Will the new bloke is keeping something from her. She suddenly announces she going to move into the shop flat so she can stand in her own two feet and be away from her parents. Will doesn't like Stuart and over hears something he wishes he hadn't and he feels he has to let lily know and also she isn't talking to him as she's learnt that will is married but she hasn't heard the full story and won't and is set on marrying Stuart. What will she do who is the best man for her or is it non of them and she is best on her own will her parents also make up and be happy and enjoy retirement or not.
A brilliant book worth far more than five stars.
Profile Image for Alison.
878 reviews68 followers
October 3, 2017
I have already enjoyed The Chic Boutique on Baker Street so was more than happy to see The Flower Shop on Foxley St. appear. Just take a look at that cover, my favourite colour scheme so I was immediately smitten.

I like Rachel’s style of writing, full of warmth, fun and realistic relationships/characters. Lily has been coasting in her relationship with Stuart the wannabee golfer, he is a twerp, she thinks marriage may occur, if I was her he would have been shunted long ago!

Anyway, life looks up for Lily, she is running the little flower shop which she loves when one day Will arrives. There is obviously a spark but even though Will keeps returning Lily maintains a professional relationship with him.

There is a good side plot involving Lily’s parents as they try to adapt to retirement and how their marriage will survive which was wholly believable.

I liked Lily but wish she had a touch of feistiness about her, Will was an added bonus to the book. This is a well paced story which explores love and romance which unfolds slowly.

Great for a nice relaxing read when you want a guaranteed mix of humour, friendship a little intrigue and love. I did appreciate the fact her name was Lily in a flower shop, nice touch.

I look forward to the next book. Thanks to the author, publisher and Brook Cottage Books for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Profile Image for J.B (Debbie).
407 reviews9 followers
October 18, 2017
The Flower Shop on Foxley St. by Rachel Dove is responsible for the fact that my house is a mess. On my day off when I should have been doing all my little odd jobs, I instead was glued to this book. Once I started reading it I was absolutely hooked. It was the perfect book for a cold and rainy day and left me with a real feel good feeling as I read the last page.

Lily has bought over her parents florists shop and they have now retired. However, retirement is not agreeing with either of them and after 30 years together they are ready to kill each other! And poor Lily is caught up in the middle of the two warring factions. To add further complications to her life, her very long engagement to Stuart is beginning to irk her slightly and its no surprise when Lily becomes attracted to Will, the handsome hunk who comes into her shop twice a week to buy flowers. Their friendship soon blossoms (you see what I did there?) and Lily enjoys Will's company more than Stuart's. However, Will is holding something back. Does he have a deep dark secret? If he does, he's unwilling to share it with Lily. How long can Lily go on putting her own dreams on hold to keep everyone else in her life happy? How long can her parents continue down the path of marital destruction?

Rachel Dove's wonderful community of Westfield is just my sort of place! There are some amazing characters in this book and a special mention has to go to Roger! What a scream. Totally loved his flouncing! He is such a good friend to the lovely Lily who is such a sweet character and very likeable. The banter between Lily and Simon too is really good fun and did make me laugh. Every girl needs a male best friend in her life and Lily is lucky to have two! Rachel Dove has an incredible writing talent. She can write a book with a serious side that is perfectly counterbalanced with the right amount of humour in all the right places. The book is paced just perfectly and I devoured every page. Beautifully written with the sizzle of attraction between Will and Lily bouncing off the pages. And, I did fall hard for Will! Another book boyfriend to add to my list. A story about love, heartache, grief and a message about taking chances. A highly recommended read from me! Go buy the book and instantly fall in love with the characters and The Flower Shop on Foxley St.
Profile Image for Jamie Hollins.
Author 3 books229 followers
March 5, 2018
Lovely, lovely story. Thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, heartfelt book. It was my first Rachel Dove read, and it definitely won't be my last!
13 reviews
March 9, 2024
Such a lovely book, just gives you hope that life will always take you where to need to be at the right time.
Profile Image for Claire.
2,324 reviews737 followers
October 15, 2017
5 - Take a chance, for once in your life... Stars!

I love this series, this is an author who knows how to craft together many aspects, points of views and plot-lines into one cohesive flow, that you just get absorbed into the story.

My one wish... I would love too see Rachel write something seasonal, because I think she would absolutely nail a story-line set around Christmas, this series and the characters in my humble opinion, would work in that medium beautifully.

Profile Image for Tiffany.
5 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2021
It was an easy read and a cute storyline. However, the author over used adjectives and metaphors to make it read like a high school student wrote it in an attempt to impress their teacher.
Profile Image for Rachel (Rae).
703 reviews59 followers
August 1, 2017
First of all I have to mention the cover it's just so pretty and immediately caught my eye then after reading the description I couldn't wait to start. So what did I think...

I have to begin with Lily she is a great character that is completely likeable and I had to feel for her situation. It was like she was trying to keep everyone happy and not really noticing how other people treated her. I was definitely rooting for her that's for sure and I really hoped she would grab hold of any opportunity that would make her happy.

In no time at all I found I was half way through the book mainly because it was so easy to get wrapped up in not only Lily's life but her friends and families lives too. A special mention has to go to Roger he was one of my favourite characters he was funny and had me smiling on more than one occasion. However the main thing I loved was his friendship with Lily it was lovely to see their interactions throughout the story. You also have the playful friendship that Lily and Simon share where they are like squabbling siblings. Then there is Will who is a bit of a mystery, if you read my reviews you will know that I have a soft spot for any type of mystery in the books I read. So this was perfect for me and I have to say I couldn't wait to discover the truth.

It was a nice touch to see the story from a few different perspectives I found that this moved the story along at a steady pace and kept things interesting. I loved how there were parts where I was either giggling or smiling away to myself but there were also some emotional parts too. It was all balanced out perfectly to create a wonderful story of new beginnings along with being brave and taking a chance.

Rachel Dove has a lovely writing style that felt down to earth and made it so easy to connect with the characters. I could easily imagine bumping into these people in real life, Westfield sounds perfect although maybe not the part where everyone knows your business. It really is a lovely uplifting story and it's set in Yorkshire, what more could you want!

The Flower Shop on Foxley Street is a gorgeous story that has such a warm and comforting feel to it!

With thanks to Rachel Dove for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Nicola Smith.
1,135 reviews44 followers
September 25, 2017
First of all, what a very appealing cover The Flower Shop on Foxley Street has. I have a bit of a thing about shops in books and this one just caught my eye straightaway.

It's a really sweet story about Lily Baxter who has bought her parents' flower shop. She's been engaged to smarmy golf pro Stuart for six years and still a wedding doesn't seem to be on the cards. And then one day Will Singer enters her shop and her life is turned upside down.

It took me a little bit of getting into this book but once I did I was quite caught up with Lily and Will, both of whom I thought were lovely characters although I did sometimes want to reach into the book and shake them. But that's the nature of a romance book isn't it? It tends to have to go wrong before it can go right.

Will has a bit of a secret going on and I saw it coming a mile off. But you know, it didn't matter. This is the kind of book where you don't have to think too hard, you just read it and enjoy it. It's a light read, the kind where you know it will all work out in the end.

There is a subplot about Lily's parents. Now they don't have the flower shop to run they are drifting apart and getting on Lily's nerves but at least it gives her an opportunity to make a stand for once. Lizzie and Irvin were an annoying pair - I liked them both a lot but they wanted their heads banging together!

This book is a pleasant and enjoyable read with a romance at its heart. I loved the interaction between Lily and Will which was portrayed perfectly. All in all I thought it was charming, a feel good comfort read, one to snuggle up with.
Profile Image for Tracey.
Author 6 books34 followers
September 27, 2017
The Flower Shop on Foxley St starts off nice and gently. An introduction to Lily, the new owner of the shop, her newly retired and not happy parents, her friends and stranger, Will. And Will is where the intrigue builds. A customer to the shop, Will turns up regularly and places the same order, and each time Will and Lily meet it's in a professional manner only. After all, Lily is happily in a long term relationship - or is she?

After a conversation where wires get crossed, you discover that Lily and Will have a few things in common, so a friendship develops between the pair. There is obvious chemistry between them, but for some reason Will holds back and Lily isn't about to cheat.

The plot sets off at a steady pace. There were times, at the beginning, that I got a little distracted by characters who weren't relevant to the story and for me it seemed to slow the pace down, but I have to say I really enjoyed the secondary characters. The sub plot of Lily's parents fracturing marriage is interesting and the dialogue between Lily and her friends is funny and natural.

It's when Lily's relationship and then her feelings towards Will are tested that the story picks up pace and becomes gripping and at times emotional when Will's heart breaking secret is revealed.

The author has a natural voice which brings the characters to life. Rachel Dove adds the perfect blend of humour and emotion in this lovely, warm story.

3.5
*ARC received in return for honest review*
Profile Image for N.W. Moors.
Author 12 books158 followers
September 17, 2020
Lily Rose Baxter has bought her parents' flower shop and is making it her own. She should be happy but her long-time fiance doesn't seem to want to set the wedding date. Will Singer comes in every week and Lily finds him intriguing but is it enough to break up with her fiance, especially when Will is hiding secrets of his own.
I very much enjoyed this story. Will's secret is heart-rending and their romance is the slow burn I like the best. The secondary complications with her parents added to the story along with interesting side characters. Lily and Will are a good fit, and I rooted for him to overcome his issues and end up with Lily (perhaps overcome isn't the right word, but he definitely had to get by his past). I'll definitely read more by this author.
6 reviews
September 20, 2017
This is a story with a big heart. Dove has created a fantastic cast of relatable characters and has a witty and chatty writing style that made me keep reading 'just one more' chapter until before I knew it I was racing to the end. Somehow, every time the hero Will Singer stepped into a scene the page sizzled and I could feel lovely Lily's heart race (and mine too!). I found the mystery sounding Will's circumstances really intriguing and I thought the secondary plot line about Lily's parents adjusting to their marriage in their retirement years was very true to life and I really felt for them. A great read - thoroughly recommended!
Profile Image for Helen Edwards.
Author 6 books6 followers
January 29, 2018
This is the first book I have read by Rachel Dove, and it won't be the last. I liked the theme - taking a chance - but I did wonder why it took Lily quite so long to "wake up". I felt cross with her parents actually. As for the romance, it was nicely developed and with just the right amount of angst. The ending was satisfying. The rest of the characters were all believable. I really liked Will, but I loved Roger! Everyone needs a friend like him. Rachel has a nice writing style - this is a nice read. Sorry to repeat 'nice', but it's that sort of book. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Joanne Scott .
109 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2019
What an absolute delightful book! Loved this from start to finish. I love Roger I want him as my gay best friend! Lily and Will were totally made for each other, my heart broke a little when she decided to leave and he let her because he loved her and then decided to let Kim go too it was just so emotional 😭 but I’m so glad it all worked out in the end. Such a beautiful story and very well written . #MrsCsHonestBookReviews #Goodreads #Amazon #Kindle
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vikkie.
520 reviews36 followers
May 17, 2019
Wow, another beautiful book by @writerdove
I have absolutely adored this book, main character Lily was my favourite from the very beginning and I was really hoping for a nice ending for her. The book has twists which I didn’t expect, moments where I have both laughed and cried.
I highly recommend this fun, charming and easy read. If I could give it five million stars I would 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Profile Image for Rayna.
1,133 reviews6 followers
February 17, 2020
Ugh. This "bright, warm women's fiction title" turned out to be a flat, dull book. It was one of those reads where you keep thinking it will get better in the next chapter, that the main event is just around the corner, and that the leading lady will soon have a change of heart about everything. The synopsis makes it sound like love will soon be blooming in Lily's life. That she will realize that her life isn't what she wanted it to be. That she will grow into an independent, inspiring woman. That her and Will are meant to be. But that is not how it happens...

Rather than rant about all the things I didn't like in this book (and scream about the many problematic things and stupid romance novel tropes it featured), I will just give a bit of a warning to potential readers: this is not the cute story about new love the synopsis and cover try to sell you.
Profile Image for Judy.
275 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2020
Cute story

I enjoy a good book about a woman finding herself and Lily’s story is just such a tale. I was surprised when I read Will’s twist but it fit perfectly and made sense. A sweet read.
Profile Image for Lesley.
323 reviews
November 27, 2018
Book 2 of the series, and as enjoyable as the first.

Onto book 3 now :)
Profile Image for Barbara vdM.
82 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, full characters and it had a plot that left you wondering for a while. Not sappy, but honest and real. Thumbs up!
Profile Image for Lydia Kelly.
102 reviews
December 14, 2024
This was a cute story of a woman finding her independence and searching got what she actually wants in life. At times I wanted to literally shout at her and at this story, but I thought better of it. Love it, was fun
Profile Image for Suzanne.
15 reviews
April 20, 2018
My first Rachel Dove novel. The author excels at characterisation for not only the key characters, but also every single supporting character. This helped to create the reality of Westfield village within my mind. It made the story, the setting and the interaction between people seem natural and believable - and when that happens, I find myself immersed in a story, totally hooked and emotionally involved.

This was a beautiful love story and a book I will be happy to read again and again. It is not your run of the mill light romantic read, it has depths and just the right amount of conflict. I loved the location and quickly became fond of the key characters. A colourful and tender story, that I thoroughly enjoyed and will remember for a long time to come.
43 reviews
January 3, 2018
What a delightful read. It had an encapsulating storyline and I didn't want to put it down. Unfortunately between needing sleep and having a four year old ..... this happened quite a lot 😀 However it was easy to put down and pick straight back up again. That's always a winner in my eyes.

Lily is approaching her 30th birthday, she is engaged to the resident smarmy golfing pro and still lives with her parents. Lily desperately wants to move out and set a date for the wedding with Stuart, but he always manages to wriggle out of the date setting and changes the subject - not to mention insisting she can't stay at the golf club overnight until they are married.

Lily owns a little flower shop on Foxley Street (she bought it off her parents when they were ready to retire). She has turned the business around, has hired Roger - who is very funny and renamed the shop to make it her own. She is doing very well for herself but dreads each day going home to her arguing parents - who since retirement, never have a good thing to say to each other and seem to have forgotten all their excitement of retiring and previous plans. Lily can't stand being there any longer.

Will is a regular in the florist and collects his order of the same flowers every Monday and Friday. He longs for each of these days but hides another side of himself from Lily and the rest of the Village.

When a flyer arrives through in the post for some adult education classes at the local community centre, Lily's Mum, Lizzie decides to take the plunge and go along to one of them. Her journey is an entertaining one and Lily, nor her husband have any idea what she is doing or where she is going.

The story becomes even more gripping and emotional when Will's heart breaking secret is revealed.

Rachel Dove writes in such a way that each character is brought to life and adds the perfect blend of laughter, humour and emotion to this lovely story.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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