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Meadowbrook Manor #1

A Year at Meadowbrook Manor

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‘A lovely heart-warming hug of a book about family and following your heart.’ Zara Stoneley

One divided family, one life-changing year…Harriet Singer hasn’t been home in ten years. When her beloved dad dies suddenly, she races to be there for her estranged siblings, despite the memories it brings back.

Then Harriet learns that all four Singer siblings must live together for one year, caring for their dad’s Animal Sanctuary, or forfeit their inheritance.

Living under the same roof could make or break the family, but it’s time Harriet stopped running and faced her past. Especially when her first love turns up…

A heart-warming story about love, hope and family, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Jules Wake and Heidi Swain.

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2018

116 people are currently reading
199 people want to read

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Faith Bleasdale

16 books40 followers

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5 stars
387 (49%)
4 stars
264 (33%)
3 stars
104 (13%)
2 stars
23 (2%)
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9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Cora Tea Party Princess.
1,323 reviews860 followers
January 25, 2018
5 Words: Family, grief, obligation, attraction, change.

A Year At Meadowbrook Manor was a lovely way to start 2018.

This book really has the feel-good factor, even if it does start off shrouded in grief. I loved the family dynamics, how even from beyond the grave the Singer siblings were almost taunted by their father. He seems almost as much of a wind up as my own dad.

Even people who weren't part of the family by blood were counted as part of the family. Gwen was so lovely, a real matriarch even if she was technically staff. The added complications of attraction and romance were a nice interjection to the family drama. I couldn't help but root for the couple.

If I could visit Meadowbrook Manor, I would in a heartbeat. It is not only a beautiful setting, but the sense of family, community, and love is prevalent in every description. It's a family home, and I loved the nostalgia that Harriet felt. The animal sanctuary I thought was a unique touch, you can't go wrong adding some floof to a story.

This book is a perfect pick me up, something to keep you warm on cold days and night.
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,409 reviews120 followers
March 29, 2018
Feel good, escape from reality,laugh out loud book.
Their mother died years ago and their father just died. The Singer siblings as adults are no longer a close knit group as they were during their childhood. There are 4 siblings, 2 men and 2 women. Listening to their father's pre-will they are stunned.They must all live together in their childhood home without their spouses for a year with no jobs and only a small allowance. Now this is what I think is the unrealistic part. They must all agree to do it to or the will is void. Their father wants them to recapture their childhood closeness. The father has quite a bit of money . He has a manor,elaborate gardens and an animal sanctuary on his property that is extremely important to him . They must run the sanctuary daily and raise quite a large sum of money fundraising in this year to support it and they are not allowed to donate their own money. It was fun reading about the different activities they did for the fundraising too. Can the Singer siblings pull it off live together for a year and fund raise this large sum of money? Read this fun book and find out.
Pub Date 22 Jan 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Avon Books UK through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,356 reviews571 followers
March 30, 2018
Faith Bleasdale is back with a bang! This is the first book I have noticed published by the author for about a decade (my maths may be slightly off), but I recall loving her back in the 00's so was delighted when this book appeared on my radar as a new release.

After such as gap I did wonder if my memory was playing tricks on how much I enjoyed previous books by the author, but thankfully my instincts are spot on, this is one fabulous book, and I am delighted to see what appears to be a sequel available for pre-order already!

The Singer siblings used to be very close as kids but now as adults they haven't spent as much time together as they would have liked. So their fathers last wishes somewhat shock them, but the aim is to bring them back together as a family, in order to get their full inheritance.

The siblings are all rather different there is the ambitious one, the dull one, the party animal one and the married one - well based on first impressions at any rate, until you get to know them as the story progresses and I found they were a wonderful group of siblings.

What I loved most as the animal sanctuary and the stories behind all the various animals staying there, such a varied menagerie of creatures looking for new homes. They were all adorable and it was hilarious to see how the privileged Singer's were going to get their hands dirty in the day to day running of the sanctuary.

There is plenty of drame to keep everyone entertained, some completely hilarious moments often involving the "celebrity" who is used to help drum up publicity, and is a heart warming story of family loyalty, relationships and new beginnings.

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Suze.
1,884 reviews1,299 followers
June 19, 2018
When Harriet's father dies unexpectedly, Harriet has to return to her childhood home. She hasn't been at Meadowbrook Manor for years. She regularly kept in touch with her father via Skype, but her busy life in New York prevented her from coming home. Now she regrets the decision. Harriet has three siblings. She's the eldest and has always been protective of her two brothers and sister. Gus is the serious brother and Freddie likes a good party. Pippa is the youngest and is the only one who's married. Harriet and her siblings used to be close, but they've lost contact. Harriet doesn't think she has much chance to do something about that though, because she plans to return to New York straight after the funeral, but her father had a different plan...

Harriet's father stated in his will that his four children have to live at Meadowbrook Manor for a full year before getting their inheritance. They have to run their father's Animal Sanctuary and raise enough funds to keep it afloat. If they succeed, they will each get a large sum of money. Harriet's decision to stay is being made for her and she has no choice but to stay at Meadowbrook for a year and come to terms with the past. Every emotion she felt before she left has returned and Harriet has no idea what to do with this. While looking after her siblings Harriet has to find herself again. Was their father right and will their year together make them all happier people?

A Year at Meadowbrook Manor is a fantastic heartwarming story. I loved every single page of this magnificent book. Harriet is a cool businesswoman. She dresses in expensive designer wear, she's fit and healthy and she's always in total control. That changes when she hears the terms of the inheritance. Now she has to muck out stables and walk dogs, so fancy clothes have no place in her life anymore. She also has to get to know her siblings again and as they're all struggling with something she's determined for them to become a stronger and reunited family. Harriet gives herself one hundred percent, but she has many obstacles to overcome. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out if she'd find friendship, family and maybe even love during her year at Meadowbrook Manor.

Faith Bleasdale has a lovely feelgood writing style. A Year at Meadowbrook Manor is such a charming, entertaining and moving story. I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the house and its surroundings, especially the Animal Sanctuary. I loved reading about the animals and their fabulous personalities and I liked seeing the siblings grow. Faith Bleasdale has written a wonderful novel filled with humor, warmth and drama. Each chapter is interesting, I was captivated from beginning to end and there are many great surprising twists and turns that kept me glued to the pages. A Year at Meadowbrook Manor is a delightful story that put a big smile on my face.
Profile Image for Justkeepreading.
1,871 reviews5 followers
January 10, 2018
A light and fluffy read. Perfect for people who don’t have a lot of time/ people who want an easy read/ chicklit and romance fans.

Harriet singer hasn’t been back to her hometown for the past ten year. Her only connection to family updates are a weekly Skype call with her father. Instead Harriet’s days are filled with New York lives and work commitments.

When her father passes away from heart problems. It comes as a surprise to Harriet, her sister and their two brothers. It didn’t however come as a surprise to their father. Who faced with the option of having a heart bypass that might not work or living out his days however many he had left by living them exactly how he wanted. Means he has had time to conduct his will.

The only problem is that there is a stipulation. To be able to hear the reading of the will. Th siblings first need to live together in their big Manor House and animal sanctuary for a year.

With relationships with her sibling at breaking point. Could Harriet’s father bring them all back together and repair broken relationships? And with Harriet being back home and realising that her teenage crush is home too could their Be romance on the cards as well?

A well written, light, warm hearted read. I just want to go and live at Meadowbrook manor myself.
Profile Image for Norma B.
78 reviews
August 7, 2018
When I saw this cover,I felt this was going to be a pleasant insight surrounding on a sunny cottage town. I like happy woman's fiction books and this is a beautiful story about family and love. The challenges given to them that they need to keep in order to grow more and learn about themselves,but most importantly, sacrifices and a promise they can hopefully keep to a loved one.
Broken hearts also make this romance novel, and the bond shared by one another.
I felt I was living in the cottage and community in this book by its descriptions all around.
My freind did a review on one of these books by the author here on Goodreads and this is how I found it and wanted to read it and happy I did discover this author.
Profile Image for Donna Maguire.
4,895 reviews120 followers
February 3, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

As soon as I saw the cover for this book and read the blurb I knew it was one that would be right up my street and I read it as soon as it arrived on my Kindle!

I really enjoyed the time that I was able to spend with the family and to be honest I am a sucker for any book that has a bit of an animal theme so it was always going to be a winner with me - a really nice relaxed writing style for the plot works brilliantly and it is such an easy read!!

4.5 stars from me rounded up to 5 for Goodreads and Amazon - a well written entertaining book!!
Profile Image for Lauren.
133 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2018
This was a nice book, easy to read. I was originally drawn to it because of the animal sanctuary as I love animals. I did like it, but I didn't feel like it was anything too special and the story was a bit predictable. Overall, it was a cute, light read.
Profile Image for Christina.
24 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2018
This book was a nice easy read and was a good concept for a novel. Having said that, it was very predictable in parts and I felt the plot could have been more detailed or had some more twists.
Profile Image for Dwayne Adriel.
1 review
February 23, 2025
4 Stars/⭐⭐⭐⭐

"A Year At Meadowbrook Manor" begins when Harriet Singer came home due to her fathers sudden death. She was reunited with her siblings and her childhood friend that is also her love interest in this story. At first it was hard for them to adjust for their fathers sudden death and getting used by the feeling with being with each other again. Their father left a "pre-will" that brought the Singer sibling closer to each other and being a family again. They are expected to help with the sanctuary, with the people in the village, and are given a budget of 40 pound per week. Harriet assigned everyone in their designated roles/task to fulfill for the whole year. In the middle of the book Harriet found out that her sisters husband is planning on to fraud the money that they will be getting on the will alongside with her brothers girlfriend. Harriet created a plan to attempt that she will be able to stop but at first she was unsuccessful leading up for her and her siblings to fight. But she succeed on stopping them but leaving her sister and brother wirh a broken heart but free as a falling feather from the sky. She also got her happy ending with her childhood friend that she has been keeping her feelings since she was young.

Harriet is bossy, independent, and a relatable character especially for the oldest child of the family. She reminds me of the song "The Prophecy" By Taylor Swift.

We can learn from this story that family will always and forever stick together especially while they are experiencing a challenge.

Date Started: 02/13/25
Date Finished: 02/21/25
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Judy Christiana.
997 reviews14 followers
August 6, 2018
This was the first book I read by Faith Bleasdale. I have a fondness for fiction that takes place in United Kingdom. The book cover first attracted me, then second was the place setting.

I totally enjoyed the plot. As siblings grow up into adulthood, often they lose the close relationships due to life circumstances. The core of the story is siblings that care about each other, but they do not know each other any more. Their mother died when they were children. Three of the four siblings were sent to boarding school, so their close connection was frayed very early in life. The youngest was allowed to stay at home and not attend boarding school. As always the children's upbringing resulted in the people they become.

When their father passes away, the children meet at the family house, Meadowbrook Manor. The siblings need to work and live together and ensure that the animal sanctuary remains viable.

I thought the character development was excellent. Each character had a unique outlook on life. I thought the plot was totally believable and I was drawn into the story and was hoping for a happy outcome for this family.

I am looking forward to the second book in this series, Secrets at Meadowbrook Manor. I am so happy to have found Faith Bleasdale's writing.





Profile Image for Kat Mitcheson .
264 reviews6 followers
February 2, 2018
a good read. 4 siblings brought back together due to the death of their father to stay for a whole year as stated in the pre will. no money no anything just 40 pounds per week per adult. food and all other is paid for but that's it.
Gwen is the last who takes care of meadowbrook manor luckily and these adults don't know how to behave around each other and Harriet finds a secret that her sisters hubby wants to fraud the money from them all. She has to find a way to get him shown for what he is but it's not easy. his is the peacekeeper and believes her but pippa won't hear that about her husband. Freddie is too busy drinking and her gf is some random celeb whose working with Mark to steal the house and money. they want to get all the siblings to hate Harriet so they set up problems with the animal sanctuary so it's goes on her fault. She finds him out and it breaks them up... with who believes what etc,
it's a great read.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,420 reviews12 followers
May 6, 2018
An absolutely wonderful book to read, I just couldn't put it down. The story was captivating and I just had to keep reading to see how it all ended.

4 siblings reconnect after their Father dies and leaves a rather strange request in his will. Each of them have gone their own way but their Father thought they all needed a wake up call, and he was the one to give it to them, albeit from beyond his grave!

There's also the matter of the animal sanctuary on his land and the animals there who needed their help.

So 4 siblings, a previous love, 2 bulls, alpacas, cats, dogs and chickens - what could go wrong!

There is everything in this book from fun and laughter to sadness and tears. I'm so pleased to find out there's a 2nd book planned for the future. If you only read 1 book, read this one!
360 reviews
April 14, 2019
The story starts with 4 siblings coming home to Meadowbrook Manor, for the funeral of their wealthy father.
When the will is read, they learn that unless they all live at the manor for one year, none of them will inherit anything.
Also, they must all help with & raise £25,000 for the animal sanctuary, which is on the property, within that year too.
Of course, there are various ups & downs & the siblings learn to live together again & work as a team.
They are not allowed to use their own money, or credit cards for the year & are given a £40.00 weekly allowance to live on, with board & lodging thrown in for free.
It's a really good storyline & you get to know each sibling bit by bit. All of them learn more about themselves & what they really want in their lives.
Well worth the read.
It's the first novel I've read by this author & I would like to read more of her books.
Profile Image for January.
563 reviews
February 6, 2019
This was a sweet, light book. I enjoyed the four siblings and Conner, and the predictable fun plot. The village people reminded me of Downtown Abbey and Brit comedies; I enjoyed “seeing” them! I also liked the idea of the sanctuary - I’m not a pet person, but I love the idea of such beautiful ground being used for such a great cause. Mark and Loretta were a bit too 2-dimensionally evil, Conner wrapped it all up a bit too quickly, and “Harry” fretted quite a bit too much... all for something we knew would end well didn’t we? ;) and, alls well that ends well, good light pleasant read!

Ps: Pippa looked like Pippa M in my head, fresh and natural and gorgeous (even though I think she was often described as blonde I couldn’t unsee it!) :)
Profile Image for Fred.
434 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2018
I have to admit that I read this book slowly because I didn't want it to end. Four siblings, broken in different ways, are brought together for a year by their dead father's last will and testament. Back in their childhood home, they find a way to heal. A lovely story with well-developed characters who are believable and likable. I loved this book and it is certainly one of those books that you want to read more than once.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
439 reviews
July 6, 2018
An Absolute Delight

I throughtly enjoyed this book. From start to finish it was full of great characters who had to learn to not be individuals but come together as a Family. Along the way are beautiful descriptions of a wonderful manor hoise, gardens, animals and of course the local village and its people.
Twists and turns and misunderstandings, as well as love and caring fill every page.
I loved it and I am sure anyone will.
8 reviews
March 2, 2021
To be honest , the cover first attracted me. a very sweet story line ( I wish I didnt know that because it spoiled the story to some extent!) . I enjoyed reading it . it is not perfect but it is sweet and readable and makes you feel good. In the second half you can find humour too!
It will make a fantastic movie!

I am learning English and the book was kind of a dictionary ! too many new words for me!
15 reviews
March 26, 2018
A year at Meadowbrook

I really enjoyed this book. It had the ability to make you feel the moods of each character and easily relate to what the circumstances were causing at the time. There were very few slow places and a number of one's where I couldn't put it down. It was a fun, pleasing read that just about anyone could enjoy.
39 reviews
January 7, 2019
Amazing, loved it

This book is a very light read easy to follow. It's bursting with good characters and a thought provoking storyline. It's characters are truly believable, individually they are independent but together are a force to be reckoned with. can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for aji ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪.
87 reviews
August 5, 2024
I have mixed emotions about this one. Some parts felt like it was dragged, some felt like it was rushed, and others felt like it was just glossed over. But it still made me shed a tear or two so I’ll give it a praise. Absolutely seething with Mark from the very start, and my fave character would probably be Freddie (except during *that* part of the book).
Profile Image for Judy Engle Seely.
24 reviews
April 5, 2018
I loved the concept of this book. Four siblings required by their late father to spend a solid year together living in the house at Meadowbrook Manor in order to inherit his estate. Throw in an animal sanctuary, and I was all in.
2 reviews
June 24, 2018
Loved it!

I loved this book. It engaged me from the first and made me laugh and cry. I found myself having to close it while on my break at work because I didn't want to cry in public on my break. If a book makes me cry and laugh out loud, it's good!
Profile Image for Caroline Montague.
137 reviews6 followers
January 24, 2018
I loved this book. This is the first book I have read by Faith and I will definitely read more! Five ⭐️ read!!
Profile Image for Annarella.
14.2k reviews165 followers
March 6, 2018
Very enjoyable and fun to read! A really feel good book that keeps you interested till the end.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley
Profile Image for Beth Gosser.
206 reviews
July 21, 2018
Can not wait for sequel

Very interesting read. Liked the drama and the romance. Not quite as pected so I really enjoy this clever book
K





Profile Image for Nicole.
1,159 reviews12 followers
August 6, 2018
Cute, simple story, complete with an Aga. A nice summer read for 1.99.
Profile Image for Jessica Russell.
104 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2019
3.5* I really enjoyed this book. I needed something easy to read and this hit the spot I flew through it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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