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Little Somerby #2
Springtime at the Cider Kitchen
Caroline Hemingway can't help but feel a little strange watching her ex sister-in-law marrying the owner of Carter's Cider Farm, but she's delighted Anna's found happiness after the death of her late husband, and Caroline's brother, James. If only Caroline could find her own love story...
Desperate to escape the rat race, Caroline decides to take the plunge and move to the idyllic village of Little Somerby, where she is given the task of opening and running a restaurant in one of the forgotten barns on the Cider Farm.
Opening and running The Cider Kitchen is no easy task, and there are many challenges on the way, but slowly Caroline feels she's being accepted into the local community, and starts to believe she may have found her forever home. But secrets from her past seem destined to haunt her, and not even the attentions of the very dishy Jonathan Carter can distract her from all she's left behind...
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
280 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Fay Keenan
24 books121 followersFay Keenan lives and works in Somerset. When Fay is not chasing her children around or writing, she teaches English at a local secondary school. Fay writes ‘heart thumping romantic fiction’ and likes to cover subjects of interest in her novels, including UK Parliament, the Air Ambulance and the international cider making industry. Her novels explore relationships, country living and hopefully have a good sprinkling of escapism, too!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 18, 2018
5☆ Charming Rom Com which will leave your tummy rumbling for more!
Springtime at the Cider Kitchen is the second book in the series.
I do believe it can be read as a standalone but seeing as alot of the Characters cross over I would advise you to read -
The Second Chance Tea Shop first.
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in the beautiful village of Little Somerby.
This time round the main focus is Caroline and her running of the Cider Kitchen.
Caroline comes back to Little Somerby to see her sister-in-law 're marry to Matthew the managing director of the Cider Farm.
You see her brother James passed away leaving Anna and her Daughter Ellie to meet and fall in love with Matthew and his daughter Meredith.
At the wedding Caroline meets Jonathan (Matthews brother) there is an instant chemistry and they end up in bed together.
Jonathan pursuades Caroline to stay in Little Somerby by offering her a business adventure she can't refuse.... becoming the manager of The Cider Kitchen.
However Caroline always seems to be distracted, like she is running away from something. I loved Caroline's mystique qualities.
But What dark secrets is Caroline hiding?
Why is she so eager to run away from her past?
The on going banter between Caroline and Jonathan was what kept us in suspense.
Caroline played hard to get and Jonathan.... well he a reputation as a ladies man.
But will Caroline succumb to Jonathan's charm again or will she not mix business with pleasure?
Fay captured the very essence of Little Somerby. So much so it felt like i lived there too.
I adored the community life and traditions in Little Somerby, the HoeDown & bucking bronco. The only thing i strongly disagreed with was the Old Somerset Hunt, even if they do call it drag hunting!
Springtime at the Cider Kitchen is a charming story of starting again, finding love, family and friendship, new business ventures, secrets and lies and scrumptious food.
Fay has created such charismatic Characters each one very different but all so relevant and relatable. Not always likeable but definetly memorable.
Throughout the story there are plenty of mishaps and mayhem that left me laughing out loud.
But there is also a hint of a sinister side when things take a dark turn for Caroline and things start to happen that gave me goosebumps & shivers!.
Join Caroline as she tries to put her past behind her and start again.
Who lurks within the shadows is any ones guess. Will Jonathan become her hero or will he just keep disappointing.
You will just have to read it to find out
My only wish was that there was more to Caroline's back story as the small insight we get is juicy and I would of loved more!
I would 100% recommend this book its the perfect read for those looking for a nice easy flowing read, that will hold your attention to the very end.
A Rom Com, with a hint of mystery, plenty of fun, banter, and scrumptious food!
Thank you to Aria for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
Springtime at the Cider Kitchen is the second book in the series.
I do believe it can be read as a standalone but seeing as alot of the Characters cross over I would advise you to read -
The Second Chance Tea Shop first.
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in the beautiful village of Little Somerby.
This time round the main focus is Caroline and her running of the Cider Kitchen.
Caroline comes back to Little Somerby to see her sister-in-law 're marry to Matthew the managing director of the Cider Farm.
You see her brother James passed away leaving Anna and her Daughter Ellie to meet and fall in love with Matthew and his daughter Meredith.
At the wedding Caroline meets Jonathan (Matthews brother) there is an instant chemistry and they end up in bed together.
Jonathan pursuades Caroline to stay in Little Somerby by offering her a business adventure she can't refuse.... becoming the manager of The Cider Kitchen.
However Caroline always seems to be distracted, like she is running away from something. I loved Caroline's mystique qualities.
But What dark secrets is Caroline hiding?
Why is she so eager to run away from her past?
The on going banter between Caroline and Jonathan was what kept us in suspense.
Caroline played hard to get and Jonathan.... well he a reputation as a ladies man.
But will Caroline succumb to Jonathan's charm again or will she not mix business with pleasure?
Fay captured the very essence of Little Somerby. So much so it felt like i lived there too.
I adored the community life and traditions in Little Somerby, the HoeDown & bucking bronco. The only thing i strongly disagreed with was the Old Somerset Hunt, even if they do call it drag hunting!
Springtime at the Cider Kitchen is a charming story of starting again, finding love, family and friendship, new business ventures, secrets and lies and scrumptious food.
Fay has created such charismatic Characters each one very different but all so relevant and relatable. Not always likeable but definetly memorable.
Throughout the story there are plenty of mishaps and mayhem that left me laughing out loud.
But there is also a hint of a sinister side when things take a dark turn for Caroline and things start to happen that gave me goosebumps & shivers!.
Join Caroline as she tries to put her past behind her and start again.
Who lurks within the shadows is any ones guess. Will Jonathan become her hero or will he just keep disappointing.
You will just have to read it to find out
My only wish was that there was more to Caroline's back story as the small insight we get is juicy and I would of loved more!
I would 100% recommend this book its the perfect read for those looking for a nice easy flowing read, that will hold your attention to the very end.
A Rom Com, with a hint of mystery, plenty of fun, banter, and scrumptious food!
Thank you to Aria for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
January 14, 2018
My Rating:
3.5
Favorite Quotes:
You really don’t read anything except women’s phone numbers, do you?
…I stopped being a child, and started realising that not everyone is a hero and not everyone is a bad guy. We’re all shades of both and everything in between.
I’ve never liked having my space invaded, and you’re like wood smoke; I can smell you even when you’re not there, I’m aware of your presence hours after you’ve left.
My Review:
While it was not necessary to read the first book in the series prior to picking this one up, it would most likely endear you more toward the additional characters. The main characters of this book were struggling with their identities and careers and combative with each other, hence, book two definitely had a heavier emotional tone and a much higher level of tension and angst than the previous book, which left me feeling less engaged as angst is not among my favorite things. The plot was slow to develop and the characters were difficult for me to embrace and/or appreciate, as many of their difficulties and issues were generally self-inflicted, although I was far more sympathetic towards them as I neared the book’s conclusion. I greatly enjoyed and looked forward to the chapters including or featuring the ongoing story threads of Anna and Matthew which carried over from the first book, as I adored them both.
Caroline had a prickly and difficult personality, she was a redhead with the temper to match and the cocky Jonathan appeared to spark it all too easily. Jonathan won me over with the touching and thoughtful eulogy he presented at his father’s funeral, it squeezed my cold heart. I happily gleaned some additions for my Brit Word List with the new entries of twee – which Mr. Google told me meant excessively or affectedly quaint or pretty; and kitted out – which Americans would probably say as outfitted with. It is always a pleasing thought to be able to say I've learned something new for the day, even when reading fiction.
3.5
Favorite Quotes:
You really don’t read anything except women’s phone numbers, do you?
…I stopped being a child, and started realising that not everyone is a hero and not everyone is a bad guy. We’re all shades of both and everything in between.
I’ve never liked having my space invaded, and you’re like wood smoke; I can smell you even when you’re not there, I’m aware of your presence hours after you’ve left.
My Review:
While it was not necessary to read the first book in the series prior to picking this one up, it would most likely endear you more toward the additional characters. The main characters of this book were struggling with their identities and careers and combative with each other, hence, book two definitely had a heavier emotional tone and a much higher level of tension and angst than the previous book, which left me feeling less engaged as angst is not among my favorite things. The plot was slow to develop and the characters were difficult for me to embrace and/or appreciate, as many of their difficulties and issues were generally self-inflicted, although I was far more sympathetic towards them as I neared the book’s conclusion. I greatly enjoyed and looked forward to the chapters including or featuring the ongoing story threads of Anna and Matthew which carried over from the first book, as I adored them both.
Caroline had a prickly and difficult personality, she was a redhead with the temper to match and the cocky Jonathan appeared to spark it all too easily. Jonathan won me over with the touching and thoughtful eulogy he presented at his father’s funeral, it squeezed my cold heart. I happily gleaned some additions for my Brit Word List with the new entries of twee – which Mr. Google told me meant excessively or affectedly quaint or pretty; and kitted out – which Americans would probably say as outfitted with. It is always a pleasing thought to be able to say I've learned something new for the day, even when reading fiction.
July 20, 2019
I usually fall for these cute covers & enjoy this kind of MC-leaves-everything-behind-to-start-afresh-in-the-country set-up, but this particular book failed to appeal to me on any level.
The false mysteriousness of the MC, Caroline, was not only over the top ridiculous (clearly this was not going to be a Mata Hari/Poison Ivy kind of story), but also kept me totally disconnected from her.
The chemistry bw Caroline and her love interest was zero: there was a tired routine & monotonness to both their one-night stand attraction as well as their "HEA". So it was in total detachment I struggled through the pages and my only emotion was one of relief as I finally finished.
Arc provided by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The false mysteriousness of the MC, Caroline, was not only over the top ridiculous (clearly this was not going to be a Mata Hari/Poison Ivy kind of story), but also kept me totally disconnected from her.
The chemistry bw Caroline and her love interest was zero: there was a tired routine & monotonness to both their one-night stand attraction as well as their "HEA". So it was in total detachment I struggled through the pages and my only emotion was one of relief as I finally finished.
Arc provided by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2018
A scrumptious story, best read with a cider.
This was a great follow on from The Second Chance Tea Shop. It was lovely to witness the progression of Matthew and Anna's relationship (from book 1) and it intertwined with Caroline and Johnathon's story nicely.
Caroline is adamant she's not going to mix business with pleasure, even though Johnathon's lure is hard to resist. And Johnathon, once a lovable rogue, is trying to change his ways, and convince Caroline in the process.
Living near the area, I enjoyed the local references in this novel, too. Well done, Fay Keenan, for another fantastic read! She tackles some darker subjects and isn't afraid to break a few 'romance' rules.
This was a great follow on from The Second Chance Tea Shop. It was lovely to witness the progression of Matthew and Anna's relationship (from book 1) and it intertwined with Caroline and Johnathon's story nicely.
Caroline is adamant she's not going to mix business with pleasure, even though Johnathon's lure is hard to resist. And Johnathon, once a lovable rogue, is trying to change his ways, and convince Caroline in the process.
Living near the area, I enjoyed the local references in this novel, too. Well done, Fay Keenan, for another fantastic read! She tackles some darker subjects and isn't afraid to break a few 'romance' rules.
March 1, 2018
This is the second book in the Little Somerby series.I have not read the first book but feel it can be read as a standalone. Cute eye catching cover. The characters were engaging and believable and the story just flowed. Unexpected twists and turns kept me reading!
Pub Date 01 Jan 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for a review copy I was not required to write a positive review.
Pub Date 01 Jan 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for a review copy I was not required to write a positive review.
December 2, 2017
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley for a honest review.
This was a strange story.
The situations the characters find themselves in were far from realistic and there was very little romance between the two main characters.
It was well written but overall just lacked depth.
This was a strange story.
The situations the characters find themselves in were far from realistic and there was very little romance between the two main characters.
It was well written but overall just lacked depth.
January 1, 2018
Caroline Hemingway has a one-night stand with her sister-in-law Anna's new brother-in-law Johnathan Carter at Anna's wedding to Matthew. Unfortunately the next day he offers her a job managing the new restaurant which the family is building to showcase their cider and local produce. I have to say I was a little confused by that because Caroline's experience was in organising events, not running a restaurant.
Caroline's reasons for leaving her old job are very mysterious and involve a man - the reader is left to speculate what happened. As the restaurant opens Johnathan and Caroline dance around each other - but he has commitment issues and she thinks it would be tacky to be having an affair with the boss.
I liked this book but I didn't love it. It is clearly a sequel to Anna and Matthew's story, which I have not read, whilst it could be read as a stand-alone easily, there was a lot of typing up loose ends for Anna and Matthew in this book. I think the characters didn't really jump out of the page at me and I couldn't really see why Caroline and Johnathan thought they were in love with each other, they didn't seem to even know each other very well. Maybe if I had read the first book I would have got more of an insight into their characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Caroline's reasons for leaving her old job are very mysterious and involve a man - the reader is left to speculate what happened. As the restaurant opens Johnathan and Caroline dance around each other - but he has commitment issues and she thinks it would be tacky to be having an affair with the boss.
I liked this book but I didn't love it. It is clearly a sequel to Anna and Matthew's story, which I have not read, whilst it could be read as a stand-alone easily, there was a lot of typing up loose ends for Anna and Matthew in this book. I think the characters didn't really jump out of the page at me and I couldn't really see why Caroline and Johnathan thought they were in love with each other, they didn't seem to even know each other very well. Maybe if I had read the first book I would have got more of an insight into their characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
December 28, 2017
This was a very superficial read, I felt that the characters were friends with benefits at best.I never saw a proposal l coming because there was no romance. And this is a romantic book. This truly lost me. the secrets that Caroline was keeping led to her almost ending up in jail. Where she would have been if this was actual reality. So now she's engaged and all her crimes just poof and disappear.
January 12, 2018
Opening with the wedding of Anna and Matthew, Caroline is in tumult. Her brother’s widow is remarrying, making the day painful and emotionally trying. She’s happy for Anna, and thrilled to have time with her niece Emma, but the juxtaposition of Anna’s ability to move forward in her life contrasted with her own uncertainty about her future have her in a knot of mixed emotions. Matthew’s best man and brother Jonathan is instantly in-tune to her – and while well-informed about his past and player history, she’s intrigued. Even more intriguing as she’s looking for a new direction to use her skills as an events organizer is the possibility of the Cider Kitchen. A new offering from the Carters, the restaurant is shortly to open and in need of a manager.
Jonathan is finally back in Little Somersby, living in his father’s house as a sort of roommate / caretaker as Jack isn’t in the best of health. The tumult in the family because of his own bad behaviors is settling – and he’s working (or trying to) side by side with Matthew to run the business. He’s always been one with a list of women on speed dial – with dates, flirting and more than a few conquests: yet none have stuck. He can’t quite figure out Caroline or why he can’t forget her after their night together – and he’s using his position as a family member and her boss to consistently insinuate himself into her presence.
Oh with the back and forth here! Caroline is drawn to Jonathan despite her determination (and hedgehog-like prickles) to keep herself removed. With the restaurant to focus on, and her growing friendship with Matthew’s daughter Meredith, more time with her niece Emma, and then her past resurfacing – there are plenty of elements playing into this story and keep it moving forward. With more twists, a few moments of utter uncertainty, loss and joys – the story is engaging and easy to connect to with characters that stick in your mind.
What Keenan has done here is crafted a family story that is also one of love, life and possibility. Full of challenges, forgiveness, anger and a few moments of outright small-village fun, games and camaraderie; Little Somersby is a place that welcomes visitors – even if residents have to work a bit to find their place.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Jonathan is finally back in Little Somersby, living in his father’s house as a sort of roommate / caretaker as Jack isn’t in the best of health. The tumult in the family because of his own bad behaviors is settling – and he’s working (or trying to) side by side with Matthew to run the business. He’s always been one with a list of women on speed dial – with dates, flirting and more than a few conquests: yet none have stuck. He can’t quite figure out Caroline or why he can’t forget her after their night together – and he’s using his position as a family member and her boss to consistently insinuate himself into her presence.
Oh with the back and forth here! Caroline is drawn to Jonathan despite her determination (and hedgehog-like prickles) to keep herself removed. With the restaurant to focus on, and her growing friendship with Matthew’s daughter Meredith, more time with her niece Emma, and then her past resurfacing – there are plenty of elements playing into this story and keep it moving forward. With more twists, a few moments of utter uncertainty, loss and joys – the story is engaging and easy to connect to with characters that stick in your mind.
What Keenan has done here is crafted a family story that is also one of love, life and possibility. Full of challenges, forgiveness, anger and a few moments of outright small-village fun, games and camaraderie; Little Somersby is a place that welcomes visitors – even if residents have to work a bit to find their place.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
January 20, 2018
What a truly great read this has been. There was plenty going on, with a fair few heartfelt moments throughout plus some sad bits and even a bit of action involving a very bad man.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the characters, but especially seeing how Caroline dealt with the changes and obstacles that she had to contend with and how she developed as a character throughout.
I loved the storyline, which was well written. The setting of the book sounded very quaint and I even learnt a bit about the Cider business.
This is in fact book 2 to the Little Somerby series which can easily be read as a standalone but having read book 2 has made me want to go and read book 1, which is now on my kindle waiting to be read.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the characters, but especially seeing how Caroline dealt with the changes and obstacles that she had to contend with and how she developed as a character throughout.
I loved the storyline, which was well written. The setting of the book sounded very quaint and I even learnt a bit about the Cider business.
This is in fact book 2 to the Little Somerby series which can easily be read as a standalone but having read book 2 has made me want to go and read book 1, which is now on my kindle waiting to be read.
January 15, 2018
Caroline Hemingway is at her late brother's wife Anna's wedding to Matthew. She has travelled across the country from Hampshire to the West Country for the occasion, and we get to meet some of her family members. There is the incredibly cute 4 year old Ellie, one of Anna's daughters, who I immediately took a liking to. The relationship between Caroline and her was lovely to see. Fay Keenan represents the wedding atmosphere well.
After Caroline ends up having a one night stand with Jonathan, (Anna's new brother-in-law) during said wedding, she finds herself in a difficult situation when she is offered the chance to manage the family's new restaurant which will be based on their local food and cider.
Caroline is disconcerted by this because she has a background in running events, but thinks about it when she gets home to Hampshire.
Shortly after, that she finds herself back in the West Country and the new restaurant which is called The Cider Kitchen. This will be her new home and workplace.
Springtime at the Cider Kitchen is a story about new beginnings new relationships and a woman 's quest to move on in life and find where she really belongs. The restaurant itself seemed quite homely and cosy as did Caroline's mezzanine – level home in the same building as the restaurant. The author does a good job of making the story atmospheric.
Although I respected Caroline for her gutsy move to the West Country in an effort to forget about her past and a man (none of which really was explained by the author and most of which was left to the reader's imagination ) I did find that too often she was a little harsh with the people that she met, and a little judgemental of their attempts to help her settle into the area and her new life.
The book is very detailed where the restaurant is concerned but I would've liked more romance. I love the cultural references to the West Country way of life sprinkled throughout the book. I thought that that really enhanced the story. at times though, I felt that it was kind of a bit of a monologue just about the restaurant side of the plot. I did feel that Caroline kind of dominated the story and would've liked to have known more about the other characters. I felt like I didn't really get to know them as much as I would've liked.
I found the book a little hard to get into but once I was into it I was enjoying seeing how Caroline's new life took shape. another thing that I enjoyed throughout the book was the fact that springtime was really ever- present throughout, in that it was the time that Caroline decided to make the change and large move in her life and that spring time is usually seen as a time of hope and new beginnings.
I thought this was a nice touch and well thought out by the author. The cute kittens were ever so sweet and a lovely addition to Caroline's home.
I found the book a little slow and predictable in parts. The contrast between Caroline's Hampshire life as being busier and the West Country life as being slower was shown effectively in the run-up to the move, I thought. The doubting, anticipation and finally making the move were done well although I would have liked some more insight and detail as to how Caroline's past affected her and therefore her decision to move.
Thanks to Fay Keenan and Aria for my eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I had never read anything by Fay Keenan before this, and am assuming book #1 is Anna and Matthew's story, which I would like to read to have more backstory to these two characters.
After Caroline ends up having a one night stand with Jonathan, (Anna's new brother-in-law) during said wedding, she finds herself in a difficult situation when she is offered the chance to manage the family's new restaurant which will be based on their local food and cider.
Caroline is disconcerted by this because she has a background in running events, but thinks about it when she gets home to Hampshire.
Shortly after, that she finds herself back in the West Country and the new restaurant which is called The Cider Kitchen. This will be her new home and workplace.
Springtime at the Cider Kitchen is a story about new beginnings new relationships and a woman 's quest to move on in life and find where she really belongs. The restaurant itself seemed quite homely and cosy as did Caroline's mezzanine – level home in the same building as the restaurant. The author does a good job of making the story atmospheric.
Although I respected Caroline for her gutsy move to the West Country in an effort to forget about her past and a man (none of which really was explained by the author and most of which was left to the reader's imagination ) I did find that too often she was a little harsh with the people that she met, and a little judgemental of their attempts to help her settle into the area and her new life.
The book is very detailed where the restaurant is concerned but I would've liked more romance. I love the cultural references to the West Country way of life sprinkled throughout the book. I thought that that really enhanced the story. at times though, I felt that it was kind of a bit of a monologue just about the restaurant side of the plot. I did feel that Caroline kind of dominated the story and would've liked to have known more about the other characters. I felt like I didn't really get to know them as much as I would've liked.
I found the book a little hard to get into but once I was into it I was enjoying seeing how Caroline's new life took shape. another thing that I enjoyed throughout the book was the fact that springtime was really ever- present throughout, in that it was the time that Caroline decided to make the change and large move in her life and that spring time is usually seen as a time of hope and new beginnings.
I thought this was a nice touch and well thought out by the author. The cute kittens were ever so sweet and a lovely addition to Caroline's home.
I found the book a little slow and predictable in parts. The contrast between Caroline's Hampshire life as being busier and the West Country life as being slower was shown effectively in the run-up to the move, I thought. The doubting, anticipation and finally making the move were done well although I would have liked some more insight and detail as to how Caroline's past affected her and therefore her decision to move.
Thanks to Fay Keenan and Aria for my eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I had never read anything by Fay Keenan before this, and am assuming book #1 is Anna and Matthew's story, which I would like to read to have more backstory to these two characters.
December 29, 2017
Had great hopes for this one. Started out pretty good, then totally and completely bogged down in the middle.
December 23, 2017
I had read the first book in the series and had high hopes for the second one.
Caroline is invited to her former sister-in-law's wedding. Caroline has mixed feelings about it but for Anna and her niece, she comes. Having no intention of staying.
But when an opportunity to use her skills as an event planner pops up, she makes a year commitment to stay and run the new Cider Kitchen.
I found neither Caroline or Jonathan sympathetic characters. There was no romance between them and it seemed to me it was just a few rolls in the hay. And the secrets that Caroline was keeping led to her almost ending up in jail. Where she would have been if this was reality.
However, instead, Jonathan proposes. Where did that come from? And Caroline gets her crime swept under the rug and says yes.
It was very superficial.
Thank you Netgalley/Atria
Caroline is invited to her former sister-in-law's wedding. Caroline has mixed feelings about it but for Anna and her niece, she comes. Having no intention of staying.
But when an opportunity to use her skills as an event planner pops up, she makes a year commitment to stay and run the new Cider Kitchen.
I found neither Caroline or Jonathan sympathetic characters. There was no romance between them and it seemed to me it was just a few rolls in the hay. And the secrets that Caroline was keeping led to her almost ending up in jail. Where she would have been if this was reality.
However, instead, Jonathan proposes. Where did that come from? And Caroline gets her crime swept under the rug and says yes.
It was very superficial.
Thank you Netgalley/Atria
December 31, 2023
A digitized ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I feel absolutely terrible, I put this book on my to-start-soon shelf since Nov 28, 2017 and was just too busy to every change its status. I think it's a slight improvement comparing to its predecessor, but there were also some unbelievable plot line, like... forgetting to fridge something then almost lead to mass food poisoning, no human being was harmed, but hounds were... like, it really felt like amateur mistakes I can't really see any real restaurant staff making it, and our main gal certainly didn't acted sorry enough IMHO.
Something I find surprising is that, this book doesn't completely shift focus onto a new couple, our previous couple is pretty much still heavily featured. Consider me extremely surprised when I came across their sex scenes, something I can do without lmao. Alas, the inclusion of them (the people themselves), I have no problem with, and actually appreciated. 3 for probably 3.5.
I feel absolutely terrible, I put this book on my to-start-soon shelf since Nov 28, 2017 and was just too busy to every change its status. I think it's a slight improvement comparing to its predecessor, but there were also some unbelievable plot line, like... forgetting to fridge something then almost lead to mass food poisoning, no human being was harmed, but hounds were... like, it really felt like amateur mistakes I can't really see any real restaurant staff making it, and our main gal certainly didn't acted sorry enough IMHO.
Something I find surprising is that, this book doesn't completely shift focus onto a new couple, our previous couple is pretty much still heavily featured. Consider me extremely surprised when I came across their sex scenes, something I can do without lmao. Alas, the inclusion of them (the people themselves), I have no problem with, and actually appreciated. 3 for probably 3.5.
November 29, 2017
Having read the first book in this series I thought I would give the second book a try. This was just not for me. Caroline and Jonathan were both terrible characters. Their lack of romance was very strange and I'm still not sure how they ended up in a relationship. This book seems to follow the same formula as the first in the series. Woman meets man in a meet cute way, they kind of like each other and start to get intimate, man gets angry or withdraws from speaking to the woman for weeks, woman wonders what she's done wrong, man realizes he wants the woman back and grovels, and they end up married.
Throw in some poorly written sex scenes and a strange drug dealer and that's the book in a nutshell. I did not find this romantic or cosy or sexy, mostly confusing. I did enjoy reading the updates on Anna and Matthew from the first book
Throw in some poorly written sex scenes and a strange drug dealer and that's the book in a nutshell. I did not find this romantic or cosy or sexy, mostly confusing. I did enjoy reading the updates on Anna and Matthew from the first book
January 16, 2018
The Blurb :
Caroline Hemingway can't help but feel a little strange watching her ex sister-in-law marrying the owner of Carter's Cider Farm, but she's delighted Anna's found happiness after the death of her late husband, and Caroline's brother, James. If only Caroline could find her own love story...
Desperate to escape the rat race, Caroline decides to take the plunge and move to the idyllic village of Little Somerby, where she is given the task of opening and running a restaurant in one of the forgotten barns on the Cider Farm.
Opening and running The Cider Kitchen is no easy task, and there are many challenges on the way, but slowly Caroline feels she's being accepted into the local community, and starts to believe she may have found her forever home. But secrets from her past seem destined to haunt her, and not even the attentions of the very dishy Jonathan Carter can distract her from all she's left behind...
My Thoughts :
This is the second book in the Little Somerby Series. You dont need to of read book one to follow the storyline but its better as you are in tune with a lot of the charactors that appear in the second one.
Caroline Hemingway, attends the wedding of her ex-sister in law, Anna. As awkward as it may seem, Caroline is delighted that Anna has found happiness again after James died, James was the brother of Caroline. At the wedding Caroline ends up having a one night stand with Jonathan Carter, who just also happens to be Anna’s new Brother in law.
Learning that the family own a cider farm, Jonathan persuades Caroline to stay on in the village and become the manager of the restaurant they are due to open.
Caroline’s agrees to stay on amd make some changes in her life and as she settles in to her new life, will the past come back to haunt her?.
We focus on parts of Caroline and Jonathan’s will they, wont they relationship. And at times its frustrating with secrets being held back and them not getting far but it was lovely to be back with familiar charactors and the beautiful setting that is Little Somerby.
I must admit I was more invested in book one and the story of Anna and Matthew but still a great second book in the series from Fay Keenan.
May 8, 2018
Thankyou Netgalley for the opppurtunity for letting me read this book!
I did very much enjoyed this book. The story seems to have some tension and romance at the same time. I think the author did a very well job by putting these elements correctly into the story.
Furthermore, the story did feel real. I felt sorry voor Jonathan and Caroline at the same time, I did their characters are put out nicely.
Caroline is a stubborn, lonely woman who actually doesnt want to be someone elses responsibility. She has her own life, her own struggles to deal with. Jonathan is more or less the same as Caroline. Their stubborness is why its so funny to read their conversations.
Their personality really gets to me, and doesnt need much details to get to know one another.
I loved it, although I figured this book waa supposed to be a second book in a series. I think this book can be put as a standalone as well.
Again, thankyou! I really did enjoy this one!
Why Im not giving it five starts is because mainly, Ive read some others books which in the end I loved more but did had quite the same put together story.
I did very much enjoyed this book. The story seems to have some tension and romance at the same time. I think the author did a very well job by putting these elements correctly into the story.
Furthermore, the story did feel real. I felt sorry voor Jonathan and Caroline at the same time, I did their characters are put out nicely.
Caroline is a stubborn, lonely woman who actually doesnt want to be someone elses responsibility. She has her own life, her own struggles to deal with. Jonathan is more or less the same as Caroline. Their stubborness is why its so funny to read their conversations.
Their personality really gets to me, and doesnt need much details to get to know one another.
I loved it, although I figured this book waa supposed to be a second book in a series. I think this book can be put as a standalone as well.
Again, thankyou! I really did enjoy this one!
Why Im not giving it five starts is because mainly, Ive read some others books which in the end I loved more but did had quite the same put together story.
April 5, 2018
Knocked a star off for the cat incident, I felt it was unnecessary and overly harsh and as a cat lover, it upset me.
However, it was nice to come back to Little Somerby again, and catch up with Matthew and Anna once more and I knew Jonno would get his happy ending. It was obvious that Caroline was running from something other than a bad relationship but I didn't guess what it was.
On the whole, very enjoyable
However, it was nice to come back to Little Somerby again, and catch up with Matthew and Anna once more and I knew Jonno would get his happy ending. It was obvious that Caroline was running from something other than a bad relationship but I didn't guess what it was.
On the whole, very enjoyable
January 12, 2018
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I really enjoyed this book, the story is not overly complicated and after some of the books I have read lately it was exactly what I needed to start off 2018 with!
I liked the characters and the writing style used for their different personalities in the book as great, I really did feel like I was there with them at times.
A really pleasant read that I have already recommended to my mum for her upcoming holiday - 4 stars from me for this one - definitely a book I'd recommend!
I really enjoyed this book, the story is not overly complicated and after some of the books I have read lately it was exactly what I needed to start off 2018 with!
I liked the characters and the writing style used for their different personalities in the book as great, I really did feel like I was there with them at times.
A really pleasant read that I have already recommended to my mum for her upcoming holiday - 4 stars from me for this one - definitely a book I'd recommend!
Read
April 22, 2018DNF at 34%. Nothing much was happening really.
January 6, 2018
Springtime At The Cider Kitchen, the a story of second chances, family, and dark secrets.
We start the book meeting Caroline Hemingway, and she is in the unusual position of being at her late brother's wife wedding! But little did she know that being there would lead to a who change in her life, when she is offered the job of running the new restaurant for her ex sister-in-law's new family! Or that she would end up in bed with Jonathan Carter, the man who later would become her boss.
So after escaping the rat race, Caroline is happy to settle in to life in Little Somerby, and working for the Carter's of Cider Farm. But just when everything is going so well for her, someone comes back into her life, and tries to destroy her!
When I settled down to read Springtime in the Cider Kitchen I was excited, being a British ex-pat, I love to read books from British authors, I think it's because they relate better to the locations their books are set in, the intricate mannerisms the only people who live in that country will fully understand. And I will say that the author Fay Keenan definitely has that. And for most of the book, everything flowed nicely...then Bam! A sort of crazy plotline, when nothing is really explained in detail, and goes just a little haywire! And for me that spoiled the book a little; as I was working my way through one emotionally charged situation, another 2 get shoved on top all at once, and it all got a little confusing.
Overall they book was good, but it didn't need all of that drama! I give Springtime At The Cider Kitchen 4 stars
We start the book meeting Caroline Hemingway, and she is in the unusual position of being at her late brother's wife wedding! But little did she know that being there would lead to a who change in her life, when she is offered the job of running the new restaurant for her ex sister-in-law's new family! Or that she would end up in bed with Jonathan Carter, the man who later would become her boss.
So after escaping the rat race, Caroline is happy to settle in to life in Little Somerby, and working for the Carter's of Cider Farm. But just when everything is going so well for her, someone comes back into her life, and tries to destroy her!
When I settled down to read Springtime in the Cider Kitchen I was excited, being a British ex-pat, I love to read books from British authors, I think it's because they relate better to the locations their books are set in, the intricate mannerisms the only people who live in that country will fully understand. And I will say that the author Fay Keenan definitely has that. And for most of the book, everything flowed nicely...then Bam! A sort of crazy plotline, when nothing is really explained in detail, and goes just a little haywire! And for me that spoiled the book a little; as I was working my way through one emotionally charged situation, another 2 get shoved on top all at once, and it all got a little confusing.
Overall they book was good, but it didn't need all of that drama! I give Springtime At The Cider Kitchen 4 stars
November 29, 2017
I loved the first one of Fay's books ('The Second Chance Tea Shop'), and I loved this one too. Fay has such a natural, easy style - the plot rattles along briskly, the characters are affectionately painted and leap from the page, and the setting is so vivid I found myself longing to be sat in that tea shop, or drinking at that bar, or dining in that bistro, or strolling down that lane to that cottage (it's not all about gastronomy!).
Characters from the first novel do make an appearance, and it's great to catch up with old friends, (although you don't necessarily have to read it to enjoy this), but they don't intrude. It's Jonathan and Caroline's turn now, as the novel zooms in on other aspects of village life. Truth be told, whilst I loved the main characters from book 1, their story was deliciously resolved, and I was hungry for more - so it's wonderful to discover more about Jonathan's rakish ways!
This has all of the joys of a Keenan classic: romance, family intrigue, hidden pasts, and sex. Fay knows how to write a sex scene without making your toes curl, whilst leaving you feeling just slightly hot under the collar ...
Highly recommend. Love, love, love.
Characters from the first novel do make an appearance, and it's great to catch up with old friends, (although you don't necessarily have to read it to enjoy this), but they don't intrude. It's Jonathan and Caroline's turn now, as the novel zooms in on other aspects of village life. Truth be told, whilst I loved the main characters from book 1, their story was deliciously resolved, and I was hungry for more - so it's wonderful to discover more about Jonathan's rakish ways!
This has all of the joys of a Keenan classic: romance, family intrigue, hidden pasts, and sex. Fay knows how to write a sex scene without making your toes curl, whilst leaving you feeling just slightly hot under the collar ...
Highly recommend. Love, love, love.
January 1, 2018
This is a really lovely read with plenty going on .. family happenings, an established business and a fledgling one, a new career with a shadow from the past in the background and two people trying to ignore their magnetic attraction.
Beginning with a wedding, this story lulls you into a false sense of security but there is plenty of drama to follow! Getting a new business off the ground creates stress at the best of times .. add in a professional but determined new manager and an owner who can't keep his nose out and you get plenty of fireworks. I love the characters, especially the children, all beautifully and realistically created. I didn't realise this was a sequel until I was near the end but this is a solid stand-alone story, and a very heart-warming and entertaining one at that!
I certainly regret not reading the first in series, but should there be any more - and I hope there are - I will make sure I don't miss out! The only niggle I have - as a Scot - is the spelling of whiskey with an 'e', but that's just a personal preference.
My thanks to publishers Aria for approving my copy of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Beginning with a wedding, this story lulls you into a false sense of security but there is plenty of drama to follow! Getting a new business off the ground creates stress at the best of times .. add in a professional but determined new manager and an owner who can't keep his nose out and you get plenty of fireworks. I love the characters, especially the children, all beautifully and realistically created. I didn't realise this was a sequel until I was near the end but this is a solid stand-alone story, and a very heart-warming and entertaining one at that!
I certainly regret not reading the first in series, but should there be any more - and I hope there are - I will make sure I don't miss out! The only niggle I have - as a Scot - is the spelling of whiskey with an 'e', but that's just a personal preference.
My thanks to publishers Aria for approving my copy of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
January 6, 2018
Don't be fooled by the cute cover, this story is not a feel-good romantic romp in the countryside or a heartwarming romance. The main characters are edgy and self-indulgent. Realistic but not easy to empathise with.
This was my first excursion into Little Somerby, and I didn't need to read the first book in the series to understand the setting and characters of this one. Although, Anna and Matthew are easier to like than Caroline and Jonathan.
The first couple of chapters peaked my interest, and I found I wanted to see what happened to Caroline and Jonathan after their initial encounter. However, they are both such self-absorbed, spiky characters that I can't honestly say I cared whether they got their happy ever or not.
Even though I didn't like the main characters, I still found the story interesting, it was for the most part well-paced, and the plot held my interest.
An original take on village life and new beginnings with a good cast of supporting characters.
I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This was my first excursion into Little Somerby, and I didn't need to read the first book in the series to understand the setting and characters of this one. Although, Anna and Matthew are easier to like than Caroline and Jonathan.
The first couple of chapters peaked my interest, and I found I wanted to see what happened to Caroline and Jonathan after their initial encounter. However, they are both such self-absorbed, spiky characters that I can't honestly say I cared whether they got their happy ever or not.
Even though I didn't like the main characters, I still found the story interesting, it was for the most part well-paced, and the plot held my interest.
An original take on village life and new beginnings with a good cast of supporting characters.
I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 19, 2017
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley for a honest review.
This is the 2nd book in the Little Somerby series, I have not read the 1st book but the transition into the 2nd book was fine. This story is about Caroline who is the sister-in-law to the first book heroine and Jonathan the brother to the first book Hero. This book started out pretty good but soon it just went a bit strange for me, I found myself not really liking Caroline or Jonathan nor did I feel they really connected. I found the opening of the restaurant interesting but like I said I couldn't get invested in Caroline and Jonathan's romance, really there was no romance in it for me. I also found the writing style not to me liking in that it didn't really draw me into the story or the characters. Overall this book was not for me.
This is the 2nd book in the Little Somerby series, I have not read the 1st book but the transition into the 2nd book was fine. This story is about Caroline who is the sister-in-law to the first book heroine and Jonathan the brother to the first book Hero. This book started out pretty good but soon it just went a bit strange for me, I found myself not really liking Caroline or Jonathan nor did I feel they really connected. I found the opening of the restaurant interesting but like I said I couldn't get invested in Caroline and Jonathan's romance, really there was no romance in it for me. I also found the writing style not to me liking in that it didn't really draw me into the story or the characters. Overall this book was not for me.
February 23, 2019
The 2nd in the Little Sommerby books, this time centering around Jonathan and Anna's Sister In Law, Caroline.
The story starts with Anna and Matthew's wedding, which Caroline attends, she and Jonathan are attracted to each other, but he doesn't have a good track record with women, and Caroline isn't looking for a long term relationship.
Carters Cider are opening a restaurant on the site and are looking for a Manager; Caroline, needing a change of scene and having left her job is offered the Manager job by Jonathan. However, there are things in Caroline's past which come back to haunt her, and threaten to upset her newly found, happy world.
I enjoyed this book as much as the 1st, twists and turns, whilst the outcome can be guessed, the book is written in a way in which you want to read it to the end. I'm looking forward to the next book. ..
The story starts with Anna and Matthew's wedding, which Caroline attends, she and Jonathan are attracted to each other, but he doesn't have a good track record with women, and Caroline isn't looking for a long term relationship.
Carters Cider are opening a restaurant on the site and are looking for a Manager; Caroline, needing a change of scene and having left her job is offered the Manager job by Jonathan. However, there are things in Caroline's past which come back to haunt her, and threaten to upset her newly found, happy world.
I enjoyed this book as much as the 1st, twists and turns, whilst the outcome can be guessed, the book is written in a way in which you want to read it to the end. I'm looking forward to the next book. ..
October 3, 2021
In Band 2 geht es nun überwiegend um Caroline, Annas Ex-Schwägerin (also der Schwester ihres verstorbenen Mannes). Sie kommt zu Annas Hochzeit.
Auch Caroline hatte es nicht leicht und sucht nach einer Veränderung. Da bietet ihr Jonathan an das neue Restaurant der Carters zu leiten. Jaja, Jonathan… der wohl noch einzige heiße Junggeselle in Little Somerby 😉 Der aber gern Jungeselle ist und ja nichts anbrennen lässt.
Neben Caroline, kommen aber Anna und Matthew nicht zu kurz. Auch ihn ihrem Leben passiert ein bissel was 😊
Alles in allem wieder ein tolles und sogar spannendes Buch. Ich freu mich schon darauf den 3. Band zu lesen 🥰
***
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Auch Caroline hatte es nicht leicht und sucht nach einer Veränderung. Da bietet ihr Jonathan an das neue Restaurant der Carters zu leiten. Jaja, Jonathan… der wohl noch einzige heiße Junggeselle in Little Somerby 😉 Der aber gern Jungeselle ist und ja nichts anbrennen lässt.
Neben Caroline, kommen aber Anna und Matthew nicht zu kurz. Auch ihn ihrem Leben passiert ein bissel was 😊
Alles in allem wieder ein tolles und sogar spannendes Buch. Ich freu mich schon darauf den 3. Band zu lesen 🥰
***
Interesse am Austausch übers englisch lernen durch lesen? Dann komm doch in meine Goodreads Gruppe
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March 30, 2018
I am from Somerset originally and though I live overseas it's a place I love to return to, so I thoroughly enjoyed this book's setting in a cosy Somerset village and old cider farm - the author clearly knows the West Country very well.
I found one plot element a tad over-melodramatic and some of the dialogue unrealistic but despite that I really rooted for the characters and was charmed by the heart of this novel.
Be warned there is one instance of a cruel animal death which i found quite upsetting and unexpected due to the book's genre of a light countryside romance.
Overall if you like fun, romantic books with dashing but damaged characters then you'll enjoy this.
I found one plot element a tad over-melodramatic and some of the dialogue unrealistic but despite that I really rooted for the characters and was charmed by the heart of this novel.
Be warned there is one instance of a cruel animal death which i found quite upsetting and unexpected due to the book's genre of a light countryside romance.
Overall if you like fun, romantic books with dashing but damaged characters then you'll enjoy this.
June 26, 2023
A mixed review
I started off really enjoying this book and liked it enough to finish it but it became too far fetched for me to fall in love with it, Bearing in mind only we the readers know how both Caroline and Jonathan feel about each other. Would she really be so rude so often to her boss? Manager maybe, but still an employee. The drugs part of the book was too weak. It never actually came to a realistic conclusion. Having said all that negative stuff about the story, I did like the setting and the characters and although I never got to read book 1 I could well read at least a sample of book 3, and maybe the whole story.
I started off really enjoying this book and liked it enough to finish it but it became too far fetched for me to fall in love with it, Bearing in mind only we the readers know how both Caroline and Jonathan feel about each other. Would she really be so rude so often to her boss? Manager maybe, but still an employee. The drugs part of the book was too weak. It never actually came to a realistic conclusion. Having said all that negative stuff about the story, I did like the setting and the characters and although I never got to read book 1 I could well read at least a sample of book 3, and maybe the whole story.
January 18, 2018
This was well written and a little different to normal books but it was fun nonetheless. The story was a little more complicated than normal and some things did seem a little far fetched but it was well written and I enjoyed it overall.
I was sent this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was sent this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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