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Lily Pond Lane #1
The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane - New Beginnings: Part One
Escape to the seaside village of Little Pondale with Part One of this heart-warming and romantic, four-part serial.
Mia Ward is amazed to be told she has inherited her great-aunt Matilda’s thatched cottage in the tiny seaside village of Little Pondale – especially as Mia didn’t know she had a great-aunt Matilda.
She’s even more astonished to discover she’ll only inherit the place if she actually lives there for one year. Mia’s a city girl at heart, not to mention she’s afraid of water, so the fact the cottage backs on to a sandy beach, is not, in her opinion, a bonus.
But Mia’s struggling to pay her rent since being fired for inappropriate behaviour at the office party, and her boyfriend’s also dumped her. When her best friend, Ella and Ella’s brother, Garrick offer to help her move and settle in, Mia decides to see this as a new beginning.
It may also be the start of an exciting adventure because now Mia wants to know just who, exactly, was great-aunt Matilda. And she’s determined to find out. But it soon becomes clear that someone is trying to make sure Mia doesn’t stay in Little Pondale….
Mia Ward is amazed to be told she has inherited her great-aunt Matilda’s thatched cottage in the tiny seaside village of Little Pondale – especially as Mia didn’t know she had a great-aunt Matilda.
She’s even more astonished to discover she’ll only inherit the place if she actually lives there for one year. Mia’s a city girl at heart, not to mention she’s afraid of water, so the fact the cottage backs on to a sandy beach, is not, in her opinion, a bonus.
But Mia’s struggling to pay her rent since being fired for inappropriate behaviour at the office party, and her boyfriend’s also dumped her. When her best friend, Ella and Ella’s brother, Garrick offer to help her move and settle in, Mia decides to see this as a new beginning.
It may also be the start of an exciting adventure because now Mia wants to know just who, exactly, was great-aunt Matilda. And she’s determined to find out. But it soon becomes clear that someone is trying to make sure Mia doesn’t stay in Little Pondale….
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2018
969 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Emily Harvale
77 books221 followersEmily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She believes in love at first sight and she loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.
Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale
Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.
Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 17, 2018
5 Captivating Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I am such a sucker when it comes to a book set in a cottage by the sea in the UK... I mean how lovely would it be to live in a cottage named Sunbeam? A cottage in a village called Lily Pondale that backs up to the beach... A village filled with friendly people, not to mention nothing but gorgeous men... not sure what is stopping me from packing my bags immediately? Oh yes... reality! That is why I read to escape reality and so I Can visit a lovely village such as this.... and this book was every bit as charming as the title/cottage/village implies....
Mia is a little down on her luck, lost her job and her man... but now she has the opportunity to inherit a cottage... Mia is a city girl and not quite sure how she’s going to take to living in the country... but the cottage is free and if she lives there for a year she will inherit it outright.... so along with her BFF Ella and Ella’s twin brother Garrick she heads to Lily Pondale...
So many new discoveries... Learning about her great aunt Matilda that Mia never even knew she had.... A cottage full of hidden nooks and crannies and secrets... and a village filled with gorgeous eligible men, Romance is bound to be in the air soon.... A delightful beginning to this serial filled with new beginnings...
Absolutely recommend as a quick delightful summer read, you could definitely finish this in one afternoon by the pool or on the beach...
*** many thanks to the author and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of this book ***
I am such a sucker when it comes to a book set in a cottage by the sea in the UK... I mean how lovely would it be to live in a cottage named Sunbeam? A cottage in a village called Lily Pondale that backs up to the beach... A village filled with friendly people, not to mention nothing but gorgeous men... not sure what is stopping me from packing my bags immediately? Oh yes... reality! That is why I read to escape reality and so I Can visit a lovely village such as this.... and this book was every bit as charming as the title/cottage/village implies....
Mia is a little down on her luck, lost her job and her man... but now she has the opportunity to inherit a cottage... Mia is a city girl and not quite sure how she’s going to take to living in the country... but the cottage is free and if she lives there for a year she will inherit it outright.... so along with her BFF Ella and Ella’s twin brother Garrick she heads to Lily Pondale...
So many new discoveries... Learning about her great aunt Matilda that Mia never even knew she had.... A cottage full of hidden nooks and crannies and secrets... and a village filled with gorgeous eligible men, Romance is bound to be in the air soon.... A delightful beginning to this serial filled with new beginnings...
Absolutely recommend as a quick delightful summer read, you could definitely finish this in one afternoon by the pool or on the beach...
*** many thanks to the author and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of this book ***
June 22, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
She felt about as welcome to the south coast of England as the German Luftwaffe had been in the Second World War.
They're all so twee I half expect a beautiful princess, together with seven vertically challenged men, singing songs and carrying pickaxes, to march down the York stone paths.
The closest you've ever been to a tree is sitting on a wooden chair.
Oh deary me. I'm talking ten chickens at a time, aren't I?
Justin Lake? He's the local baker and his buns are the best for miles around. And I don't just mean the buns he bakes… He's in one of those male stripper dance groups in his spare time.
We're all fairly certain the grandmas of those three young bucks spent the night under the same blanket, if you get my drift.
My Review:
New Beginnings was a fun, light, and engaging start to a new series. I flew right through this first installment and am eager to delve into Part 2, Summer Secrets, next. The characters are highly likable and people I would enjoy spending time with. The storylines are well-written, amusing, and pleasantly entertaining with a bit of a mystery as to exactly who Mia’s long-lost Auntie and sudden benefactor really was. I’m enjoying their discoveries as well as the transitions the city girls are facing by moving into a well-appointed thatched cottage in a rural seaside village with Llamas, no cell reception, and a gossipy housekeeper who spins superstitious tales of witchcraft and has a pet white rat named Prince Gustav. What fun!
She felt about as welcome to the south coast of England as the German Luftwaffe had been in the Second World War.
They're all so twee I half expect a beautiful princess, together with seven vertically challenged men, singing songs and carrying pickaxes, to march down the York stone paths.
The closest you've ever been to a tree is sitting on a wooden chair.
Oh deary me. I'm talking ten chickens at a time, aren't I?
Justin Lake? He's the local baker and his buns are the best for miles around. And I don't just mean the buns he bakes… He's in one of those male stripper dance groups in his spare time.
We're all fairly certain the grandmas of those three young bucks spent the night under the same blanket, if you get my drift.
My Review:
New Beginnings was a fun, light, and engaging start to a new series. I flew right through this first installment and am eager to delve into Part 2, Summer Secrets, next. The characters are highly likable and people I would enjoy spending time with. The storylines are well-written, amusing, and pleasantly entertaining with a bit of a mystery as to exactly who Mia’s long-lost Auntie and sudden benefactor really was. I’m enjoying their discoveries as well as the transitions the city girls are facing by moving into a well-appointed thatched cottage in a rural seaside village with Llamas, no cell reception, and a gossipy housekeeper who spins superstitious tales of witchcraft and has a pet white rat named Prince Gustav. What fun!
June 21, 2018
5☆ A Charming, Fun, Must Read!
The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane: Part One: New beginnings is a gorgeous heart warming story of New Beginnings, Friendship, A picturesque village and it's quirky loveable characters.
When Mia's Great Aunt passed away leaving her an inheritance of her Aunts Sunbeam Cottage in Lily Pond Lane she can't believe it. She knew nothing of her Aunt or the cottage.
However there is a clause, she has to stay and live in Sunbeam Cottage for 1 year, then it becomes hers.
Little Pondale Village is absolutely gorgeous. My kind of village. Quirky adorable fun characters, a sandy beach, potential love interests, what's not to love. I was transported and I didn't want to leave.
This book is a short charming, fun, feel good, humorous read, that in my eyes is a Must Read!
So I'll leave my review there as I don't want to risk giving anything away!
This is part 1, part 2 is out now, so don't delay read this gorgeous new series today!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website:-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane: Part One: New beginnings is a gorgeous heart warming story of New Beginnings, Friendship, A picturesque village and it's quirky loveable characters.
When Mia's Great Aunt passed away leaving her an inheritance of her Aunts Sunbeam Cottage in Lily Pond Lane she can't believe it. She knew nothing of her Aunt or the cottage.
However there is a clause, she has to stay and live in Sunbeam Cottage for 1 year, then it becomes hers.
Little Pondale Village is absolutely gorgeous. My kind of village. Quirky adorable fun characters, a sandy beach, potential love interests, what's not to love. I was transported and I didn't want to leave.
This book is a short charming, fun, feel good, humorous read, that in my eyes is a Must Read!
So I'll leave my review there as I don't want to risk giving anything away!
This is part 1, part 2 is out now, so don't delay read this gorgeous new series today!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website:-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
June 18, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Mia Ward has just been fired from her job and dumped by her boyfriend when she gets a surprise announcement.
Her Great-Aunt Matilda, whom she’d never heard of before, had recently died at the age of ninety-nine and in her will, she had left her home, Sunbeam Cottage, in a place called Little Pondale, plus £10,000 to Mia. There was one catch though, she has to live in the cottage for a whole year before it could legally become hers.
Mia headed to the sleepy, small village with her best friend Ella and her twin brother Garrick who travelled with her to help her move her stuff and settle in. They were also due to stop with her for a few days.
The cottage was a lot bigger than Mia imagined and gorgeous too. It even has a hidden attic room. The place was so nice that both Ella and Garrick decide to stay with Mia for a while longer.
This is the first part in a series of books following Mia and her friends and their new lives in the small village of Little Pondale. The place is tiny with a pond in the middle and overlooking the sea.
The first book follows the trio as they move into the cottage and explore the village and the locals, plus Mia tries to discover more about the aunt she never knew.
The story is a quick read at only 163 pages and was filled with wonderful characters and gorgeous scenery. I’m now looking forward to seeing where book two ‘The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane-Part Two: Summer Secrets‘, takes the three of them and learning more about the elusive Great-Aunt Matilda.
Mia Ward has just been fired from her job and dumped by her boyfriend when she gets a surprise announcement.
Her Great-Aunt Matilda, whom she’d never heard of before, had recently died at the age of ninety-nine and in her will, she had left her home, Sunbeam Cottage, in a place called Little Pondale, plus £10,000 to Mia. There was one catch though, she has to live in the cottage for a whole year before it could legally become hers.
Mia headed to the sleepy, small village with her best friend Ella and her twin brother Garrick who travelled with her to help her move her stuff and settle in. They were also due to stop with her for a few days.
The cottage was a lot bigger than Mia imagined and gorgeous too. It even has a hidden attic room. The place was so nice that both Ella and Garrick decide to stay with Mia for a while longer.
This is the first part in a series of books following Mia and her friends and their new lives in the small village of Little Pondale. The place is tiny with a pond in the middle and overlooking the sea.
The first book follows the trio as they move into the cottage and explore the village and the locals, plus Mia tries to discover more about the aunt she never knew.
The story is a quick read at only 163 pages and was filled with wonderful characters and gorgeous scenery. I’m now looking forward to seeing where book two ‘The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane-Part Two: Summer Secrets‘, takes the three of them and learning more about the elusive Great-Aunt Matilda.
May 7, 2018
I instantly fell in love with the village of Little Pondale as soon as Mia and her friends Ella and Garrick arrive in it. I mean what is not to love? A picturesque setting with chocolate box cottages and a welcoming pub at the heart of it. I fell, hard. The author transported me there and I didn’t want to leave.
There are so many fabulous characters and lots of single men! Ella is like a breath of fresh air, full of energy and fun. Even the annoying neighbour Hettie had me chuckling. There is certainly plenty to keep the readers entertained. With there being plenty of available men it makes it hard to know who some of the characters are going to find romance with.
This is a great start to the story and I can not wait to return to The Cottage On Lily Pond Lane. A light hearted and uplifting story which will capture your heart. Loved it.
My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Rachel’s Random Resources for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
There are so many fabulous characters and lots of single men! Ella is like a breath of fresh air, full of energy and fun. Even the annoying neighbour Hettie had me chuckling. There is certainly plenty to keep the readers entertained. With there being plenty of available men it makes it hard to know who some of the characters are going to find romance with.
This is a great start to the story and I can not wait to return to The Cottage On Lily Pond Lane. A light hearted and uplifting story which will capture your heart. Loved it.
My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Rachel’s Random Resources for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
June 20, 2018
What a lovely, charming start to this series. I can’t wait to read part 2.
Full review to follow shortly.
Full review to follow shortly.
July 7, 2018
Utterly brilliant book. Just a delight to read. What’s not to love. Getting an inheritance of a home rent free for a year and if you can manage that it’s yours along with enough money to live off. Little Pondale sounded idyllic and delightful. But I’m sure with most small villages it will have ups and downs. Looking forward to finds no out more about Mattie. She sounded very interesting as did her home with secret rooms and secret doors all over it. Looking forward to part two and hope it’s as good as part one
July 10, 2018
Yep, another 5-Star rating from me. I can’t help it. If I really enjoy a book, I give it five stars...what can I say? 🤷🏼♀️
I’m super into chick-lit right now. It’s such a great escape from all the negativity that surrounds us every day.
This one was a cute and whimsical read. I’m about to dive into part two!! 💕
I’m super into chick-lit right now. It’s such a great escape from all the negativity that surrounds us every day.
This one was a cute and whimsical read. I’m about to dive into part two!! 💕
abandonados
July 1, 2023No me convence. El estilo, cómo está escrito y una escena en concreto con la que sé que no me va a encantar hacia dónde va la historia.
Haciendo limpieza del kindle así que puede que haya muchos abandonos este mes 😅
Haciendo limpieza del kindle así que puede que haya muchos abandonos este mes 😅
September 29, 2019
I am a HUGE fan of British stories about someone moving to a tiny village, finding new friends, a new way of life and a new love.
Mia has been blessed in a big way. A great – aunt she never knew existed has left her a beautiful home along with enough cash to live there. If she lives in the cottage for a year, she will inherit the entire estate and become very wealthy.
Mia and her two best friends have come to the village and found the cottage, which turns out to be so much more than expected. There is enough room for all three of them to live there as long as they choose.
Mia and her best friends are in their mid-thirties. Normally that would mean they are at a point in life which means a sense of who they are. For these three, I did not get that feeling. In fact, I did not get any strong feelings for any of the three of them.
The plot was interesting. The villagers add a depth to the story. Each of them have a back story. And evidently everyone who lives in this village is a beautiful person.
I really have a problem with a series of chapters which apparently go on and on. Each book leads to the next book with no actual conclusion. I prefer books which have a beginning – a middle – and an end.
I admit, there were attractive parts to the plot. The village sounds perfect. But, I would prefer to find a story which does not make me get another book to find out the next interesting event.
I always want to know what happens. But, not this time.
Mia has been blessed in a big way. A great – aunt she never knew existed has left her a beautiful home along with enough cash to live there. If she lives in the cottage for a year, she will inherit the entire estate and become very wealthy.
Mia and her two best friends have come to the village and found the cottage, which turns out to be so much more than expected. There is enough room for all three of them to live there as long as they choose.
Mia and her best friends are in their mid-thirties. Normally that would mean they are at a point in life which means a sense of who they are. For these three, I did not get that feeling. In fact, I did not get any strong feelings for any of the three of them.
The plot was interesting. The villagers add a depth to the story. Each of them have a back story. And evidently everyone who lives in this village is a beautiful person.
I really have a problem with a series of chapters which apparently go on and on. Each book leads to the next book with no actual conclusion. I prefer books which have a beginning – a middle – and an end.
I admit, there were attractive parts to the plot. The village sounds perfect. But, I would prefer to find a story which does not make me get another book to find out the next interesting event.
I always want to know what happens. But, not this time.
February 20, 2019
There are the bones of a good story buried in here, but it’s tough to dig it out from underneath the piles of extraneous commas.
(And of course Garrick and Ella aren’t identical twins!)
Be aware that when they say this is part one, they mean it. It’s like one episode of a soap opera. You have to buy the next book to find out what happens. I’m not even adding it to my booklist for the year. The book is so short and incomplete that I’d feel as though I were cheating.
(And of course Garrick and Ella aren’t identical twins!)
Be aware that when they say this is part one, they mean it. It’s like one episode of a soap opera. You have to buy the next book to find out what happens. I’m not even adding it to my booklist for the year. The book is so short and incomplete that I’d feel as though I were cheating.
April 4, 2019
I have been wanting to read this series for so long now, and when I won a Kindle Unlimited voucher I jumped at the chance to download these onto my Kindle! I love the pretty, simple cover. I love the sea glittering away in the background, the pond in the centre, and the cute little cottages with beautiful flowers all over the cover. It gives you a great view into Little Pondale and I couldn't wait to get stuck in!
It starts with Mia moving into Sunbeam Cottage and there's quite of bit of drama to start with. With a tractor blocking the way, and then mad neighbour Hettie arriving and stirring trouble, Mia wonders if she bit off more than she can chew. There's also a bit of mystery involved with the move, as Mia had never heard not met her great-aunt Matilda (or Mattie) but the villagers all seem to know her really well and keep telling Mia that Mattie always spoke highly of her despite them not being in contact.
I found with this novel, that it concentrates on a couple of days at a time, and I found myself half way through still reading about the move in day. However, I really liked this because there was so much description and so much going on that it really didn't feel like it had been dragged out at all. I loved the other villagers we got to meet and was really looking forward to reading more about what Mia got up to in Little Pondale, and I couldn't wait to unravel some of those mysteries that seemed to be hanging around...
It starts with Mia moving into Sunbeam Cottage and there's quite of bit of drama to start with. With a tractor blocking the way, and then mad neighbour Hettie arriving and stirring trouble, Mia wonders if she bit off more than she can chew. There's also a bit of mystery involved with the move, as Mia had never heard not met her great-aunt Matilda (or Mattie) but the villagers all seem to know her really well and keep telling Mia that Mattie always spoke highly of her despite them not being in contact.
I found with this novel, that it concentrates on a couple of days at a time, and I found myself half way through still reading about the move in day. However, I really liked this because there was so much description and so much going on that it really didn't feel like it had been dragged out at all. I loved the other villagers we got to meet and was really looking forward to reading more about what Mia got up to in Little Pondale, and I couldn't wait to unravel some of those mysteries that seemed to be hanging around...
April 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this book it was really cute and awesome. Mia is left a cottage at Lily Pondale by her great aunt whom she never met. She has to stay in the cottage for a year which doesn’t seem to be a problem. The village is cute and the cottage has so much charm and has been updated to modern standards by her late aunt. This was just an introductory book but I really enjoyed it.
February 19, 2019
Really enjoying the Lily pond lane series, Mila Ella and Garrick and the beginnings of adventures of living in Sunbeam cottage.
April 30, 2019
loved this now got part 2 ready
June 19, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I really enjoyed this story!!
It was a genuine pleasure to read it and it took me no time at all to read. I loved the setting and I would absolutely love to be able to visit!
The characters were great, I liked them all from the outset and their interaction was brilliant, it really made the story such a likable one and it would be a brilliant holiday or summer read. It is light-hearted, positive and very uplifting and I CANNOT wait to read the second part!!
Five stars from me for this one – very highly recommended.
I really enjoyed this story!!
It was a genuine pleasure to read it and it took me no time at all to read. I loved the setting and I would absolutely love to be able to visit!
The characters were great, I liked them all from the outset and their interaction was brilliant, it really made the story such a likable one and it would be a brilliant holiday or summer read. It is light-hearted, positive and very uplifting and I CANNOT wait to read the second part!!
Five stars from me for this one – very highly recommended.
June 15, 2018
A fabulous introduction to what promises to be a fun series!
Mia Ward is on her uppers; she's lost her job and finding it practically impossible to get another, been dumped by her boyfriend and is struggling to meet the London rent, so it seems like the answer to her prayers when she is contacted by a solicitor about a legacy in her name. It turns out that her great Aunt Matilda - someone completely unheard of to Mia - has not only remembered her in her will, but has left her a seaside cottage which, if she lives in for one calendar year, she will inherit free and clear. Although Mia isn't fond of the sea, or much of a country girl, this offer has come along at such an opportune time that her friend Ella and her brother Garrick join her on the journey to Little Pondale .. and so our tale begins.
This is only the second Emily Harvale novel I've read, but she's an author who's on my 'must read more of' list. Light-hearted rom-coms are her trademark and her writing is always set around a good story with fabulously created characters and lots of laughter. I am so looking forward to reading the rest of this series, and already have the second book in my tbr list. If you are looking for a warm, enjoyable fun series then this is one I definitely recommend. Well worth five full vibrant stars!
My thanks to both the author and Rachel's Random Resources for providing my copy. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Mia Ward is on her uppers; she's lost her job and finding it practically impossible to get another, been dumped by her boyfriend and is struggling to meet the London rent, so it seems like the answer to her prayers when she is contacted by a solicitor about a legacy in her name. It turns out that her great Aunt Matilda - someone completely unheard of to Mia - has not only remembered her in her will, but has left her a seaside cottage which, if she lives in for one calendar year, she will inherit free and clear. Although Mia isn't fond of the sea, or much of a country girl, this offer has come along at such an opportune time that her friend Ella and her brother Garrick join her on the journey to Little Pondale .. and so our tale begins.
This is only the second Emily Harvale novel I've read, but she's an author who's on my 'must read more of' list. Light-hearted rom-coms are her trademark and her writing is always set around a good story with fabulously created characters and lots of laughter. I am so looking forward to reading the rest of this series, and already have the second book in my tbr list. If you are looking for a warm, enjoyable fun series then this is one I definitely recommend. Well worth five full vibrant stars!
My thanks to both the author and Rachel's Random Resources for providing my copy. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
March 9, 2019
Bloody Nora! I’ve been cheated. This isn’t a novel, it’s an instalment of a serial in a woman’s magazine. Well that’s what it seems like after the story came to a sudden stop. I was enjoying it until that happened. I was looking forward to finding out Mattie’s back storylines and now I will never know unless they turn up free on Prime as I won’t be paying for them.
April 11, 2019
Decided to read this as it was listed free on Amazon prime. It was a lovely easy read, however, the character Ella got somewhat annoying with her continuous repeated sayings throughout!
Shame the other parts of this story aren't as I was looking forward to finding out more about the mysterious Mattie (Matilda!).
Shame the other parts of this story aren't as I was looking forward to finding out more about the mysterious Mattie (Matilda!).
June 19, 2018
This is part one of a four-part serialisation of Emily Harvale’s new book and, as such, it is a super quick read if you are looking for something to squeeze in to a lazy couple of hours in a sunny garden with a glass of Pimms to hand (this would be my highly recommended way of reading it!). I raced through it, largely because it is a great, fun read.
Mia stands to inherit Sunbeam Cottage on Lily Pond Lane in Little Pondale from an great-aunt she never knew existed if she lives in it for a year first. This doesn’t look like it is going to be any hardship since the cottage is gorgeous (I’d move in today, just for the attic) and backs right on to a sandy beach with sea views in the lovely village of Little Pondale that is packed to the rafters with gorgeous, single, rugby-playing bachelors. If she stays the year, she will also inherit a fortune. What a terrible burden!
So far, so preposterous but this book is so absolutely charming, cute and funny that you can forgive the stretch and suspend your disbelief enough to just sit back and enjoy the ride. We all love a bit of escapism from time to time, let’s face it. Emily then throws at us a nosy and annoying neighbour, the mystery of why Mia knew nothing about Great-Aunt Mattie but she seemed to know all about Mia and who will inherit the estate if Mia doesn’t see out the year so there is a great deal to pique the reader’s interest. Plus, did I mention the plethora of gorgeous, single rugby-playing bachelors yet? I did? Well, it bears repeating I think.
There are also hints that Little Pondale may not be quite the sleepy hamlet that Mia and her friends first assume with suggestions of paganism, curses and other shenanigans in store. A lot gets packed in to a short read.
I already have my suspicions about who the unknown beneficiary might be so I’ll be interested to see if I’m right.
Mia stands to inherit Sunbeam Cottage on Lily Pond Lane in Little Pondale from an great-aunt she never knew existed if she lives in it for a year first. This doesn’t look like it is going to be any hardship since the cottage is gorgeous (I’d move in today, just for the attic) and backs right on to a sandy beach with sea views in the lovely village of Little Pondale that is packed to the rafters with gorgeous, single, rugby-playing bachelors. If she stays the year, she will also inherit a fortune. What a terrible burden!
So far, so preposterous but this book is so absolutely charming, cute and funny that you can forgive the stretch and suspend your disbelief enough to just sit back and enjoy the ride. We all love a bit of escapism from time to time, let’s face it. Emily then throws at us a nosy and annoying neighbour, the mystery of why Mia knew nothing about Great-Aunt Mattie but she seemed to know all about Mia and who will inherit the estate if Mia doesn’t see out the year so there is a great deal to pique the reader’s interest. Plus, did I mention the plethora of gorgeous, single rugby-playing bachelors yet? I did? Well, it bears repeating I think.
There are also hints that Little Pondale may not be quite the sleepy hamlet that Mia and her friends first assume with suggestions of paganism, curses and other shenanigans in store. A lot gets packed in to a short read.
I already have my suspicions about who the unknown beneficiary might be so I’ll be interested to see if I’m right.
July 8, 2018
If you are looking for a bit of an escape, look no further than The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane.
I’m going to borrow Mia’s words when she described the name of the cottage. It’s a “jolly, bright, and optimistic” book that just charmed me from the very beginning..
Mia has just inherited a cottage from her great-aunt Matilda. It couldn’t have come at a better time as she has just lost her job and her boyfriend. Although, neither of them were a huge loss to her, especially the ex. The irony is she had no idea she had an Aunt Matilda. There is one stipulation...she must live in the cottage at least a year before it truly becomes hers. During this time, she plans on discovering just who her mysterious aunt was with the help of her friends, Ella and Garrick. As she settles in, she realizes this mystery may be harder to solve than she thought.
Two major things kept me flying through the pages...the mystery surrounding Aunt Matilda and a possible love match between Mia and Garrick. They have been friends their entire lives, and Mia has always had a crush on him. However, she gave up on that years ago, but now that he is single, she finds those feelings bubbling up to the surface again.
This promises to be a great little series! The setting is so charming, and the way in which Harvale has described it makes me feel as if I am there. There is also an very eclectic cast of secondary characters, such as Hettie, Alexia, and Jet.
This is a part of a four-part serial. I’ve never been a fan of serials, but Emily Harvale has changed my mind. Each book so far is very reasonable priced, and honestly, this one reads more like a book. It also doesn’t end on any major cliffhanger. However, it also makes me very excited to return to this quaint little village and catch up with Mia, Ella, and Garrick!
I’m going to borrow Mia’s words when she described the name of the cottage. It’s a “jolly, bright, and optimistic” book that just charmed me from the very beginning..
Mia has just inherited a cottage from her great-aunt Matilda. It couldn’t have come at a better time as she has just lost her job and her boyfriend. Although, neither of them were a huge loss to her, especially the ex. The irony is she had no idea she had an Aunt Matilda. There is one stipulation...she must live in the cottage at least a year before it truly becomes hers. During this time, she plans on discovering just who her mysterious aunt was with the help of her friends, Ella and Garrick. As she settles in, she realizes this mystery may be harder to solve than she thought.
Two major things kept me flying through the pages...the mystery surrounding Aunt Matilda and a possible love match between Mia and Garrick. They have been friends their entire lives, and Mia has always had a crush on him. However, she gave up on that years ago, but now that he is single, she finds those feelings bubbling up to the surface again.
This promises to be a great little series! The setting is so charming, and the way in which Harvale has described it makes me feel as if I am there. There is also an very eclectic cast of secondary characters, such as Hettie, Alexia, and Jet.
This is a part of a four-part serial. I’ve never been a fan of serials, but Emily Harvale has changed my mind. Each book so far is very reasonable priced, and honestly, this one reads more like a book. It also doesn’t end on any major cliffhanger. However, it also makes me very excited to return to this quaint little village and catch up with Mia, Ella, and Garrick!
June 15, 2018
As I was reading the book I found myself getting really into the story. I started feeling a connection with Mia, Ella and even with Garrick, a friendship of some kind. And being from a small town, with other small towns around, close to the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by forest (or at least it used to be forest before the fire) and even fields from people that still plant their vegetables… I have to say that I love the village of Little Pondale.
The village has that feel that I can relate to. The feeling of going to the small grocery shop down the road and knowing almost everyone. Or going for a walk and people say “Hello”. Or people remembering your name of knowing who’s your grandma. And I loved that feel while I read the book.
I loved that Hettie, the noisy neighbor, was all talkative right from the start and that Ella was a breath of fresh air in contrast to Mia’s soft approach. And it certainly made me laugh at how many amazing character there are, and okay, how many single men there are in the village. I was almost like “Can I go there? Maybe I can find Mr. Perfect-For-Me.“
All jokes aside, Emily transported me to Little Pondale and it made me never want to leave. It was the kind of book that will capture your heart, make you laugh and just imagine how life in that village is and all the picturesque feel to it.
Behind all that light storytelling, you still have questions. Questions about aunt Mattie and that side of the family. About every person in village, especially after meeting Hettie. And all those elements just makes you want to read the next chapter, and the next chapter, and the next chapter, until you get to the end and then have to get the 2nd book.
That’s what happened to me and I loved it!
The village has that feel that I can relate to. The feeling of going to the small grocery shop down the road and knowing almost everyone. Or going for a walk and people say “Hello”. Or people remembering your name of knowing who’s your grandma. And I loved that feel while I read the book.
I loved that Hettie, the noisy neighbor, was all talkative right from the start and that Ella was a breath of fresh air in contrast to Mia’s soft approach. And it certainly made me laugh at how many amazing character there are, and okay, how many single men there are in the village. I was almost like “Can I go there? Maybe I can find Mr. Perfect-For-Me.“
All jokes aside, Emily transported me to Little Pondale and it made me never want to leave. It was the kind of book that will capture your heart, make you laugh and just imagine how life in that village is and all the picturesque feel to it.
Behind all that light storytelling, you still have questions. Questions about aunt Mattie and that side of the family. About every person in village, especially after meeting Hettie. And all those elements just makes you want to read the next chapter, and the next chapter, and the next chapter, until you get to the end and then have to get the 2nd book.
That’s what happened to me and I loved it!
August 22, 2024
Audibook review narrated by Penny Andrews
Blurb: Mia Ward is amazed to be told she has inherited her great-aunt Matilda’s thatched cottage in the tiny seaside village of Little Pondale – especially as Mia didn’t know she had a great-aunt Matilda.
She is a city girl but needs somewhere to live since she got fired for being wild at a Christmas party and now has no income. With her best friend Ella and Ella's twin brother, Garrett - Mia moves to Lilly Pond Lane
Whilst there she also meets a hunky farmer, Jet.
The audible productions was as always brilliant and Penny does some fantastic voice overs, I was so engaged with this cute story and Penny's voice.
And it is a cute story, with meddlesome characters as you'd expect in a tiny village and Mia having to break through all the barriers of being not just an outsider but a City girl outsider.
I loved all the banter, the love triangle and the fact that there is a mystery. Not a murder mystery but one of Mia trying to find out who exactly her aunt Matilda was and why she would leave her entire estate to Mia + 10K in the bank for her and all her expensive jewellery.
This book is parts 1&2 of a series, ending on a superb cliffhanger which makes you want to read/listen to parts 3&4 to find out what happens between the love triangle of Mia-Garrett-Jett and why did Aunty Matilda leave everything to Mia.
For all lovers of authors like Jenny Colgan, Jill Mansell and Tessa Bailey, this book will win you over without a doubt.
Kerry Kennedy Author
Blurb: Mia Ward is amazed to be told she has inherited her great-aunt Matilda’s thatched cottage in the tiny seaside village of Little Pondale – especially as Mia didn’t know she had a great-aunt Matilda.
She is a city girl but needs somewhere to live since she got fired for being wild at a Christmas party and now has no income. With her best friend Ella and Ella's twin brother, Garrett - Mia moves to Lilly Pond Lane
Whilst there she also meets a hunky farmer, Jet.
The audible productions was as always brilliant and Penny does some fantastic voice overs, I was so engaged with this cute story and Penny's voice.
And it is a cute story, with meddlesome characters as you'd expect in a tiny village and Mia having to break through all the barriers of being not just an outsider but a City girl outsider.
I loved all the banter, the love triangle and the fact that there is a mystery. Not a murder mystery but one of Mia trying to find out who exactly her aunt Matilda was and why she would leave her entire estate to Mia + 10K in the bank for her and all her expensive jewellery.
This book is parts 1&2 of a series, ending on a superb cliffhanger which makes you want to read/listen to parts 3&4 to find out what happens between the love triangle of Mia-Garrett-Jett and why did Aunty Matilda leave everything to Mia.
For all lovers of authors like Jenny Colgan, Jill Mansell and Tessa Bailey, this book will win you over without a doubt.
Kerry Kennedy Author
June 25, 2018
I'm not quite sure what I expected when I picked up this book but I'm so glad I decided to read it. All three characters were entertaining from the fun and the lively Ella to her brother Garrick who I may have possibly developed a crush on. Then you have Mia who has received quite a shock as she stands to inherit a cottage from a great-aunt she never knew. Mia is sweet and instantly likeable especially as her life has been pretty much completely changed. I loved the mystery surrounding the inheritance and I'm so eager to find out more about Matilda and also the charming village that this trio find themselves in. From the wonderful descriptions of the village to the cottage I could just move in myself!
When you pick up this book you will be faced with questions that need answering. Along with seeing how or if any relationships will blossom, it was such a brilliant start to the story and I can't wait to read part two so I can discover more. So much happens in this story that once I sat down to read it I didn't stop until I found myself on the last page. There is an uplifting vibe to this book but with the addition of a mystery at it's heart making it feel just that little bit special.
What a gem this story is and I'm sure will continue to be! It was fun, charming and had me smiling away to myself all the way through.
Five stars from me!
With thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for my copy.
When you pick up this book you will be faced with questions that need answering. Along with seeing how or if any relationships will blossom, it was such a brilliant start to the story and I can't wait to read part two so I can discover more. So much happens in this story that once I sat down to read it I didn't stop until I found myself on the last page. There is an uplifting vibe to this book but with the addition of a mystery at it's heart making it feel just that little bit special.
What a gem this story is and I'm sure will continue to be! It was fun, charming and had me smiling away to myself all the way through.
Five stars from me!
With thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for my copy.
June 16, 2018
As Mia, Ella and Garrick search the thatched, chocolate box cottages of Lily Pond Lane, Mia wonders which one she has inherited from her great-aunt Matilda. It doesn't take long to find Sunbeam Cottage, the largest in the row and just like its name, bright yellow!
What would it be like inside?
Mia expected overstuffed armchairs and an inch of dust but she was in for a real surprise.
Her great-aunt Matilda had been ostracised from the family many years ago and nobody had any answers to Mia's questions. The old lady was completely unknown to Mia but had left her the cottage with just one requirement, that she lived there for one year. Mia is at a crossroads in her life, she is a city girl without a job or a relationship, so what has she got to lose?
The characters in The Cottage on Little Pond Lane are warm, friendly and endearing, Ella is the perfect best friend for Mia, and Ella's handsome twin brother Garrick is dependable, clever and funny I loved the neighbour, Hettie Burnstall from Duckdown Cottage, but 'Oh Deary me' that woman could talk!
Everything about this book warmed my heart, the characters, the location, the village full of single men!... New Beginnings is a brilliant start to the series and I can't wait for part two.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources and the author for providing me with a copy which I have reviewed honestly.
What would it be like inside?
Mia expected overstuffed armchairs and an inch of dust but she was in for a real surprise.
Her great-aunt Matilda had been ostracised from the family many years ago and nobody had any answers to Mia's questions. The old lady was completely unknown to Mia but had left her the cottage with just one requirement, that she lived there for one year. Mia is at a crossroads in her life, she is a city girl without a job or a relationship, so what has she got to lose?
The characters in The Cottage on Little Pond Lane are warm, friendly and endearing, Ella is the perfect best friend for Mia, and Ella's handsome twin brother Garrick is dependable, clever and funny I loved the neighbour, Hettie Burnstall from Duckdown Cottage, but 'Oh Deary me' that woman could talk!
Everything about this book warmed my heart, the characters, the location, the village full of single men!... New Beginnings is a brilliant start to the series and I can't wait for part two.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources and the author for providing me with a copy which I have reviewed honestly.
October 29, 2018
From the second Mia Ward stepped out of her new 4x4 and surveyed her new home, Sunbeam Cottage in Little Pondale, after losing 'both her job and her boyfriend in rapid succession,' and 'feeling about as welcome to the south coast of England as the German Luftwaffe had been in the second world war' I was quite sure I was all in.
Mia has been left cottage and an inheritance in the will of her great ant Matilda. Matilda has given a stipulation that Mia has to live there for a year before she can receive her due. I really enjoyed this, although I had a few mini issues, the colossal dumping of information and a bit of confusion character-wise- although given that this is the first of the series I'd say it isn't something that bothered me too much. There were fabulously inviting settings and descriptions and mysteries of delicious proportions and given the amount of bloggers I've heard saying they love the series, I look forward to book 2, which is where I'm off to now!
Rating: 4.5/5
Mia has been left cottage and an inheritance in the will of her great ant Matilda. Matilda has given a stipulation that Mia has to live there for a year before she can receive her due. I really enjoyed this, although I had a few mini issues, the colossal dumping of information and a bit of confusion character-wise- although given that this is the first of the series I'd say it isn't something that bothered me too much. There were fabulously inviting settings and descriptions and mysteries of delicious proportions and given the amount of bloggers I've heard saying they love the series, I look forward to book 2, which is where I'm off to now!
Rating: 4.5/5
May 19, 2024
This is a sweet and thoughtful four-star read. I read parts one and two together so will review them as one, as I don’t remember where one ended and the next started. I really enjoyed the story as a whole, and wanted to give it five-stars, but there were a couple of points that knocked the story for me so I couldn’t, I think I know Matties secret, but I won’t know for certain until I get into parts three and four. There was too much chopping of emotions for me to really enjoy getting to know Mia, I just wanted to tell her to grow up a couple of times, as she was criticizing others for what she was doing herself. The village just sounds ideal, and somewhere I would adore, and I understand Mia in her confusion over the cottage, as we would all struggle to take the information in a meeting like that, so that I understand, but some other stuff I really don’t. I a eager to find out if the fortune teller was right with Garrick, but not in the way the group think.
May 30, 2018
Mia has inherited an great aunts cottage by the sea. An aunt whom no-one knows anything about other than her middle name “was trouble” so she was told. Anyone in the family that knew her has now passed away. Mia takes her two friends Ella and Garrick down with her to move in and discover the area. In order to inherit the house fully, Mia has to live in the house for a year. There are things that are hidden that give Mattie a rather mysterious air.This is a wonderful summertime relaxing read with beautiful descriptions of surrounding to lose yourself in. In this first part we learn of the basic outline of the plot, the background to it and about the characters. I have a feeling that part two holds much more in store plot wise and look forward to reading it very soon.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy
October 27, 2024
Do I like this book? I don’t just like it—I’m absolutely in love.
This novel is everything I look for in a read. From the stunning, vividly detailed scenery to the charming storyline, each element draws me in and keeps my imagination running. The author’s descriptive style makes it so easy to picture every place, every moment. My mind paints each scene as if I'm right there.
As a country girl who moved to the big city, I felt a deep, personal connection to this story. The charming cottage, Matilda’s mysterious bedroom, and the cosy, quaint setting bring a wonderful sense of nostalgia and belonging. Each character is delightful, feeling like a friend from the very first chapter. Ella, with her witty humour, adds a spark—I could absolutely see myself being friends with her. This book has a heartwarming quality that makes you want to stay in Lily Pond Lane forever.
This novel is everything I look for in a read. From the stunning, vividly detailed scenery to the charming storyline, each element draws me in and keeps my imagination running. The author’s descriptive style makes it so easy to picture every place, every moment. My mind paints each scene as if I'm right there.
As a country girl who moved to the big city, I felt a deep, personal connection to this story. The charming cottage, Matilda’s mysterious bedroom, and the cosy, quaint setting bring a wonderful sense of nostalgia and belonging. Each character is delightful, feeling like a friend from the very first chapter. Ella, with her witty humour, adds a spark—I could absolutely see myself being friends with her. This book has a heartwarming quality that makes you want to stay in Lily Pond Lane forever.
June 20, 2018
New Beginnings is a promising start to the series. It introduces some sparky characters and what a setting! The cottage which Mia inherits has some surprising features which hint at some mysteries to come. Just who was the mysterious Matilda and why does the village seem to know sll about Mia when she did not know anything about her aunt? There is plenty to guess at.
As a novella, it is a great read for a summer afternoon. The writing flows smoothly and all the characters add to the story. I am anticipating plenty of new friendships ahead for Mia, Ella and Garrick and I am sure there is more to their neighbour, Hettie, than meets the eye.
In short: an intriguing start to a promising series:
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
As a novella, it is a great read for a summer afternoon. The writing flows smoothly and all the characters add to the story. I am anticipating plenty of new friendships ahead for Mia, Ella and Garrick and I am sure there is more to their neighbour, Hettie, than meets the eye.
In short: an intriguing start to a promising series:
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
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