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Wynbridge #4

La casa dei meravigliosi tramonti

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La notizia della morte di Gwen, per Lottie Foster, è davvero un fulmine a ciel sereno. Non solo perché era la più cara amica della sua adorata nonna, ma anche perché ha deciso di lasciarle un’eredità impegnativa: lo splendido Cuckoo Cottage. Lottie ha sempre adorato quella villetta, ma Matt, un affascinante costruttore del posto, la mette in guardia: sta cadendo a pezzi. Fortunatamente, però, lui è disposto a darle una mano con tutti i problemi che continuano a saltare fuori. La disponibilità di Matt verso Lottie, agli occhi del suo vicino di casa Will, è decisamente sospetta. Il fatto che sia geloso, è ovvio, non c’entra niente… Ma Will è anche il veterinario di Minnie, la pestifera cagnolina che lei ha ereditato insieme al cottage e alle quattro roulotte d’epoca, che intende rimettere in sesto. Il sogno segreto di Lottie, infatti, è di dar vita a un campeggio vintage anni Cinquanta. Ma non potrà davvero realizzare il suo desiderio prima di aver capito di chi fidarsi, specie adesso che ci sono due uomini a contendersi il suo cuore…

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 13, 2017

105 people are currently reading
1396 people want to read

About the author

Heidi Swain

31 books1,223 followers
Although passionate about writing from an early age, Heidi Swain gained a degree in Literature, flirted briefly with a newspaper career, married and had two children before she finally plucked up the courage to join a creative writing class and take her literary ambitions seriously.

A lover of Galaxy bars, vintage paraphernalia and the odd bottle of fizz, she now writes contemporary fiction and enjoys the company of a whole host of feisty female characters.

Heidi can be found at the keyboard at all hours of the day and night and quite often scribbling longhand in her car during her lunch break. She lives in stunning south Norfolk with her wonderful son and daughter and a mischievous cat called Storm.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer (Jaye).
1,111 reviews64 followers
December 23, 2023

This is a re-read and my review still stands but my rating is 4 Stars. At the time when I read this one I had not realised it was part of a series. The books are standalones all based in Wynbridge but previous characters make appearances and some mild spoilers may occur.

Previous Review
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*Great Summer Read*

*4.5 Stars*

Lottie Foster lost her grandmother and then her grandmother’s best friend Gwen dies a mere few months between them. Gwen leaves Cuckoo Cottage in her Will for Lottie. She spent many years as a young girl visiting and cannot believe she has inherited it. Gwen’s solicitor goes over the finer elements of the Will with a shocked Lottie….

Lottie plans a fresh start and moves in. There are a few people in the village who are not very happy about the fact the cottage belongs to her. She instantly clashes with her nearest neighbour Will and their first meeting is a Hilarious shower scene I won’t spoil it

A builder called Matt appears at the cottage
saying he was drafted in to do some work by Gwen. He is more than nice and nothing seems to be too much for him but Will suspects foul play and the two men despise each other why?

Along with the cottage she inherits a group of vintage caravans Gwen was collecting, Lottie thinks of an idea about what to do with the caravans with the possibility of renovating them. She mentions this to Matt but leaves out her exact plans. He advises her not to do anything but sell them and the cottage and throws a spanner in the works by saying there is a law that prevents a business being run on the land.

With her hopes dashed Lottie decides to have a rethink. She ends up in the beautiful cherry tree tearoom and is staggered by the level of hate towards her.

One person’s name comes up but is it the truth? She bumps into Gwen’s solicitor
who gives her the correct information then just like that Lottie’s eyes open to the fact that someone is lying…..

With two men on the horizon vying for her affections who will capture her heart…
Profile Image for Prabhjot Kaur.
1,136 reviews216 followers
January 23, 2021
This is my first read from Heidi Swain and I ordered this book not knowing that it was the fourth book in a series of books. Then I read some reviews that mentioned that it was perfectly fine to read this even without having read any of the previous books in the series. It works as a stand alone read as well.

Let's start with the main reason I had ordered this book and it was this gorgeous cover and the blurb suggesting that it was a romance set up in the country-side. It seemed like a perfect weekend read.

It started out with Lottie Foster inheriting The Cuckoo Cottage from her gran's life long friend, Gwen which Lottie was not prepared for but looked forward to anyway. She arrives at The Cuckoo Cottage and is determined to make a life there despite the village gossip which suggests that Lottie won't last the year as Gwen had initially mentioned to be the main term in her will. Lottie makes some friends and they help her out with different things. She starts running into some problems what with the fixing of the cottage and worrying that she might have to sell it off like the village gossip suggested as the fixing is going to cost a fortune which she doesn't have. She starts thinking of setting up her own business but again runs into some problems.

I loved it in the beginning what with the picturesque country-side and lazy days and food. But then the book started to stretch a bit. I still enjoyed it but it became apparent that it wasn't going to be a 5 star rating from me.

My biggest issue was with the MC. I really tried to like her but she was plain stupid. She was shown to be this independent, modern woman who didn't need no man and was fine on her own when it was clear that she wasn't fine on her own. She constantly needed help from others including men, women, child and even a dog. She was nearly thirty and had a job before moving to Wynbridge and yet had no savings what so ever. How's that even possible? She didn't even have any belongings so obviously that's not where her money went. She didn't like to drive in fact, she couldn't even think of driving and I thought the reason would be a big one when it turned out it was not even that convincing. I had to re-read that bit a few times just to make sure I hadn't missed something. She trusted Matt and not Will which is fine because she met both of them recently and she had her reasons but when it came to get the repairs done, why didn't she get a second opinion or second quote or second something. We all know to do that. She didn't even listen to anyone when they kept on telling her.

She was the damsel in distress even though she was portrayed not to be. If this book had come out say twenty years ago, I wouldn't mind but this came out couple years ago and to get a character so weak when portrayed as strong, independent was unbelievable. Chris and Marie help took care of the cottage before she arrived and not even once she called to say thank you or invite them over for a proper lunch/dinner to thank them. I am not counting the invitation for a cuppa anytime for that matter. I wondered why she didn't have any friends or acquaintances (Eric and John not counting) in Lincoln and I got to know why.

I did however like all the supporting characters from Mags to Ed to Jemma and Lizzie. That was one of the best things about the book along with its picturesque setting. I didn't mind Will's character although I wish we got more of him. I also wish that the romance wasn't all so sudden and had developed a bit.

Having said all of the above, I still really enjoyed the book and would be reading Heidi Swain's other books but I just hope that the MCs are better in those.

3.5 stars
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,361 reviews570 followers
June 26, 2017

Why is it that good books always come to an end far too soon? I was really enjoying the story, had been rooting for Lottie to realise the truth about one of the men interested in her, and the next thing I know I'm up to the epilogue, and then have run out of words and pages! Such a shame as I was loving the book, and now have to spend the next few months waiting for the next book by this talented author!

Although this is the fourth book set in and around Wynbridge, let me assure you its able to be read as a complete standalone, with a whole new main character. However for those of you that have read others by the author, you will join me in being delighted to be able to catch up with their latest exploits, and seeing familiar faces, while of course learning all about Lottie, and her life.

Lottie unexpectedly comes into an inheritance of Cuckoo Cottage, so long as she lives there for a year. She loved the cottage as a child, so is excited at finally trying to make something of her life. Within her first few days in the cottage she meets two rather different but both attractive men, one good and one bad...although it takes Lottie ages to work out which is which!

There were times I wanted to knock some sense into Lottie, was all my senses were shouting in one direction, but its always tricky when there are smooth talkers about. Lottie though does come up with a plan for how she could make a living, so long as things work according to plan.

There is just such an easy to read, good vibe from this story, that had me turning pages incredibly fast without me noticing. I was so absorbed in the story and enjoying every element of it from new found friendships, to overcoming old fears, learning to trust, some cute chickens, a dog who is a good judge of character, and of course being able to catch up with my favourite characters from previous books by the author.

Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage is a fabulous story that i thoroughly enjoyed reading. After four books I feel incredibly at home in Wynbridge, and I find it quicker each time to remember the characters, which helps. The two men involved in Lottie's potential romance are like chalk and cheese, and her neighbours are on the whole familiar characters that have her best interests at heart.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Anja.
115 reviews
April 20, 2018
The story is about Lottie, who inherits a cottage from her grandma's best friend Gwen. Gwen has also other things for Lottie in mind so she can earn a living out of her little cottage. But there are people who keep telling Lottie that things cannot work out the way she planned them to...

Oh, finally. Finally it's over. In the beginning, I was still enjoying the book but as the story went on the uneasy feeling in my stomach began to grow by the second. All due to one of the two new men in Lottie's life. He was horrible and permanently gaslighting Lottie, which was a nightmare to witness and just plainly exhausting to read.

Again, I was expecting something different, just like when reading 'The Cherry Tree Café' by the same author. I mean, look at the cover! It shouts 'nice and easy read'. But it wasn't, not for me anyways. I was expecting to read about Lottie and her business idea and her plans and life living in a cute little cottage with huge fields surrounding it, but that was not what I got. I guess it was not idyllic enough for my taste? I don't want suspicion ruin what could've been a lovely story, thank you very much.

Also, Lottie was stupid. She trusted people she barely knew and was suspicious about already and doesn't even really question the things they say or do. On the other hand she distrusts people who are her friends or doesn't fully believe what they are telling her. Makes total sense to me. Why is a person at almost 30 so damn naive?

In the end, everything was cleared of course, but that was not nearly enough. Oh, and the love story came up quite short as well. Which I generally dislike.

I need a break from Miss Swain now. I still have one book to go, which is set in the same village / town / whatever as the other two but that has to wait one or two books.

3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Nicola Clough.
879 reviews41 followers
July 17, 2017
This book was amazing so excellent from start to finish and such a heartwarming story from start to end. Heidi just keeps improving so much with each book she writes and now can't wait for the next book. It's lovely to hear more from the village and meet new characters. Lottie inherited her grandmothers best friends house when she passes away and she think could be a new start but she isn't use to village life and can she move forward or do they all want her to fail before she starts. Can she find love and be happy in a home she use to love visiting as a child. This is an absolute must read.
Profile Image for Liz.
575 reviews31 followers
October 20, 2018
An easy, pleasant read. It was obvious in which direction the story was heading but enjoyable nevertheless.

3.5 stars
Profile Image for Jenna.
958 reviews42 followers
January 10, 2021
As I write this review, I can’t help but be perplexed by the 4.22 star rating it currently holds. Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage was my second and, most definitely, last read from Heidi Swain. Having not been a fan of The Cheery Tree Café, I began this novel with some trepidation but also allowing her the benefit of the doubt considering I’d only ever read her debut novel. However, Heidi Swain has utterly failed to improve her writing skill in any sense.

There were so many elements of this book that I didn’t like that to attempt a review beginning with the positive aspects of the novel is unachievable. First, there was zero plot. Zero. Nothing of any import happened. Nothing of intrigue happened. All that is presented is 450+ pages of mundanity.

The characters were just as broad as the plot; each having the exact same personally, mannerisms and speech. Lottie, out heroine, was a particular horror; ungrateful, idiotic and whiney, I wish Will truly had run her clear off the road and into the afterlife. Heidi Swain also had awful issues with keeping her characterisation consistent and logical. The novel begins with an unskilled info-dump of Lottie’s life with a distinct highlight of the fact that she has trust issues. However, do we ever see these trust issues? She invites every Tom, Dick and Harry into her home, or visits theirs, divulges personal information to Matt and Will, among others, after knowing them for anything from a few weeks to sixty seconds. Is that a person with trust issues? Her reason for avoiding driving was so ridiculous I had to put the book down. Without including spoilers, it’s related to a character that she never mentions, thinks about, discusses. Nada. Yet, this person who is never on her mind, stops her driving? Finally, the romance between Will and Lottie was laughable. Where was the chemistry? Where was the emotion? “I think she’s hot” and “I think he’s hot” is not romance or love - that is lust, a fact the author is clearly unaware of.

In other ground-breaking news, Heidi Swain has discovered a new disease – diabetes type 3. Her writing style is so sickly sweet it leaves an aftertaste. The writing is clunky and arduous to get through, which, for using simple vocabulary, is a true feat. Additionally, the author is a fan of telling rather than showing, because what sort of reader would want to imagine a scene rather than being force-fed it? The dialogue has the same issues and never sounds authentic.

Heidi Swain is clearly not an author for me. I’m glad others have found enjoyment in her words but, sadly, I cannot count myself among them.
Profile Image for ThatBookGal.
725 reviews103 followers
October 5, 2017
I have never disliked a main character more than I disliked Charlotte 'but everyone calls me Lottie' Foster. Sure she's an utter delight, and says all her p's and q's, but what a complete airhead. For someone I'm supposed to believe is able to run her own business, there was literally nothing going on upstairs at all. I'm pretty sure from the first few chapters any reader would have the measure of every single character in the book, but not Charlotte 'but everyone called me Lottie' Foster. The whole premise of the book is basically centred around her blind faith of people, yet its repeatedly stated that she does not trust people. I've given the book 2 stars mostly for the setting which was pleasant, but the story itself was bland and unrealistic. I wouldn't recommend this one.
Profile Image for Samantha Tonge.
Author 33 books336 followers
May 31, 2017
A charming read from Heidi Swain that offers perfect, summery, cosy escapism. Lottie Foster has inherited Cuckoo Cottage and moves in, despite rumblings in the village that by rights, it shouldn't be hers. She faces an uphill battle to settle to life in the wild - especially when faced with Matt and Will, two gorgeous but equally enigmatic locals.
The setting is gloriously English and cheerful. I loved all the references to nature. Reading this book is like pulling on your hiking boots and getting away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. A humorous, romantic read to brighten your day!
Profile Image for Gail Wood.
20 reviews
May 19, 2023
Brilliant book my favourite so far couldn’t put it down
Profile Image for Christie Barlow.
Author 41 books437 followers
April 24, 2017
If it’s cosy heart-warming reads you adore, full of village life, idyllic scenery, and utterly adorable characters then Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage by Heidi Swain is the book for you!

Firstly we are introduced to Lottie Foster, a gorgeous character and when her grandmothers best friend dies she leaves Lottie her home, Cuckoo Cottage, with one stipulation, she must live there for a least a year. After moving in and making an unexpected discovery in one of the barns of vintage caravans a business idea begins to bubble away.

Everything was going swimmingly until she meets Matt, a charming local builder who points out that beneath the charm Cuckoo Cottage is falling apart and needs money spending on it, money Lottie just doesn’t have. Then throw handsome neighbour ex-army vet Will into the mix and what could possibly go wrong?

But before she can finally enjoy living with her legacy she must uncover who she can trust, and who to avoid at all costs! And with two men vying for her attention, can she find love in her new home…?

Over all, expect humorous moments, romantic confusion, learning curves and chickens – such a winning formula! So pull on those wellies on and head for Wynbridge to enjoy this delicious heart-warming rom com with that extra special something.

A story that captures life perfectly and your heart.
Profile Image for Steffi.
3,280 reviews183 followers
July 30, 2020
Ich habe schon einige Bücher von Heidi Swain gelesen, auch aus der Wynbridge Reihe, daher war ich sehr gespannt auf dieses Buch.

Zu Beginn hat mir die Geschichte auch sehr gut gefallen. Ich fand es interessant Lottie bei ihrer Ankunft in Wynbridge zu begleiten und wie sie die ersten Kontakte knüpft. Das Setting von Wynbridge hat mir ebenfalls wieder sehr gut gefallen. Die ländliche Atmosphäre war definitiv zum Wohlfühlen und ich mag den kleinen Ort.

Leider hat mich die Geschichte dann immer mehr gelangweilt, weil sich die Handlung einfach zu sehr gezogen hat und es nicht wirklich etwas passiert ist. Außerdem fand ich, dass es zu wenig um die Geschäftsidee von Lottie ging und dies eigentlich nur am Rande erwähnt wurde. Auch von Lottie selbst war ich zunehmend genervt, insbesondere ihr Verhalten gegenüber Will und Matt. Sie war unglaublich naiv und hat blind alles geglaubt was ihr erzählt wird. Will fand ich einigermaßen sympathisch, aber es ist ziemlich blass geblieben. Matt war komplett unsympathisch und ich mochte ihn einfach gar nicht. Er kam mir außerdem die meiste Zeit sehr suspekt vor.

Leider konnte mich dieser Teil der Wynbridge nicht so ganz überzeugen, da mir ein roter Faden in der Geschichte fehlte und es insgesamt zu lang gezogen war. Dennoch bin ich an den weiteren Teilen der Reihe interessiert.
Profile Image for Lisa Whittaker.
392 reviews8 followers
August 6, 2019
I saved this book especially for my holiday and as usual with Heidi’s books, it didn’t disappoint,

It was great to re-visit Wynbridge and catch up with the characters that I have met in Heidi’s other books. I loved Lottie. She was my kind of girl! I had my suspicions about a certain character in the book (won’t say who as don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it) which were proved right.

Through the beautifully, descriptive writing, it is easy to imagine cuckoo cottage, the barns and the surrounding fields. I just wish Wynbridge existed so I could stay in one of Lottie’s gorgeous caravans.

As always, an absolute ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me. I just adore Heidi’s books.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
729 reviews16 followers
July 21, 2017
First I just want to say what a fantastic fandabbiedozie book want to give it 10*
Having read the 3 previous books set in the wonderful little market town of Wynridge I feel as if Iam coming back home to friends I've yet met, Heidi has a wonderful way of capturing the smell and feel of the countryside it makes you feel as if your there looking over green pasturers I love how Heidi brings in new characters that mingle so well with the ones we have known since book 1 from Cherry Tree cafe /skylark farm/and mince pies and mistletoe at the Christmas market giving nothing away this new book has you sitting on the edge of your chair totally hooked this is a stand alone book but I would recommend reading all from this amazing lady can't wait for the next visit to this wondrous market town.
Profile Image for Katie Gregory.
9 reviews9 followers
August 30, 2017
I really love her books so much , couldn't stop putting down the book, really enjoyed it so much. Would love to read more of her books 📚📚😍
Profile Image for Kaisha (The Writing Garnet).
655 reviews184 followers
August 29, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

After a little time away from losing myself in one of Heidi Swain's delectable novels (it wasn't easy, believe me), I returned to Wynbridge with a spring in my step and copious amounts of excitement. After all, if you have read any of Heidi Swain's previous novels, you'll know that returning to Wynbridge is like catching up with old friends whilst making new ones in the process.

Lottie Foster is back in Wynbridge for a flying visit -  visit that is, unfortunately, surrounded by a lot of sadness and guilt. Just as Lottie was about to leave Wynbridge and make her way back to her mundane daily life, she is stopped dead in her tracks (pardon the pun) by information that could potentially change her life completely. Well, either that or she ends up being the most talked about woman in the village. Oh, wait...

Having adored Heidi Swain's previous novels, I was so excited to see what the latest Wynbridge instalment would bring. How was The Cherry Tree Cafe thriving? Were the owners of Skylark Farm still living their dream? Whilst I was looking forward to catching up with some old friends, Lottie's arrival in Wynbridge took over my thoughts in more ways than one. First of all, she didn't exactly make a calm entrance back into the village, now did she? I probably shouldn't have laughed at that, but I did, sorry!

As soon as the front door of Cuckoo Cottage was unlocked, I just knew that Lottie's new life wasn't going to be as plain sailing as she would have liked. I was waiting for the guy to come in and rescue the 'damsel in distress'. It didn't seem to matter whether she was actually 'in distress' or not but, sure enough, a male swooped in and popped himself on Lottie's radar. Predictable? A teeny bit. However, what I wasn't expecting was a second male character to swoop in and re-rescue the 'damsel in distress'. Predictable? Not in the slightest, although he (Matt) seemed to appear out of nowhere like he was waiting for the right moment to pounce.

I wouldn't say that I fell in love with Lottie's character straight away but, because I had grown accustom to the closeness of the current Wynbridge residents as part of the previous novels, I felt as though Lottie Foster was a little bit of an outsider and I was hoping she hadn't moved to Wynbridge, purely to cause trouble. Sounds a bit daft getting protective over a fictional village I know, but it's a little bit difficult not to emotionally attach yourself to the village and its hardworking residents. I felt as though we have come such a long way already by overcoming such heart-breaking hurdles with various characters, I guess I just didn't want their lives unraveling due to Lottie's situation.

Matt annoyed me from the moment he stepped foot into Cuckoo Cottage. Obviously I cannot divulge the reasons why as it'll give away the storyline but, he really needs to take a good hard look in the mirror and grow up (and yes, that's the nice way of putting it!). As for Lottie and Will's friendship, it seemed to me that she had only been back in the village a moment of minutes before she was dreaming of getting jiggy with her new neighbour. Whilst their friendship certainly was entertaining, I did feel as though they had reached 0-100 in the blink of an eye. Or maybe I'm just old-fashioned.

Overall, I found that 'Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage' was such a joy to read, keeping me entertained from start to finish. Yes certain parts of the storyline came across as a little predictable, but, it didn't take any of the Wynbridge away, nor did it ruin my enjoyment of the novel at all. The more I read of the book, the more I found myself warming to Lottie Foster and her little personality quirks - especially how she threw herself into emergency situations. For me, I preferred that side of her personality, and I truly believe that there is a lot more to Ms.Foster than we were shown. Hopefully she will return in later books (if any) as I really feel she is a gem just waiting to be discovered properly.

'Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage' was such a pleasurable read which was full of giggles, heart-warming moments, live rivals, and memories. It is so hard not to fall in love with Wynbridge but, once again, I fell in love with it one more time.

Wynbridge may be magical in itself, but it's Heidi Swain's energising and exquisite storytelling which makes it that way, as well as making me come back for more. Stunning.

Thanks Netgalley.
Profile Image for Lisa Willis.
476 reviews13 followers
November 26, 2023
Heidi Swain has done it again - sucked me right in and then I didn't want to the story to end. I love these trips to Wynbridge.

Lottie inherits Cuckoo Cottage from an old family friend. Matt, the builder, is on hand to help as it seems the cottage is falling apart. Is he too good to be true? Her new neighbour, Will, seems to think so.

I loved Lottie, she may have been a bit naieve with a few things, but she was such a genuine character. I was rooting for her from the beginning to make her new life a success and find out the truth - could she trust Will or Matt?

I love how characters from the other books make an appearance - it's like one big family.
Profile Image for Hannah Wilson .
434 reviews18 followers
July 6, 2021
We got to know a bit about Gwen in the previous book, her colourful character and joyful nature shining through so it was quite a shock starting this book with her death. I did love the fact that Lottie and everyone attended the funeral with bright colours and balloons though, it really did feel like a fitting farewell party for her! And now I've got visions of the grandad from Up! I think this could well have been a male version of Gwen...

Anyway..! Once Lottie arrives in Wynbridge it doesn't take long for her to starting bumping into the local residents, quite literally with some of them, and we are soon introduced to the two men who will cause all the drama in this book. First off, we have Will, driving way too quickly down the tiny country roads without care or abandon even if he is on his way to an emergency - he's a vet and also happens to be Lottie's closest neighbour. Not long after, only narrowly escaping Will's careless driving, Lottie finds herself in a pile of stinging nettles until a dashing saviour, Matt, comes to her aid with a handy tube of cream to ease the stinging.

Ensue the Matt vs Will debate... I think we were both team Matt at first although there was something that made you wonder if Heidi was making you think this way on purpose. Was something going to happen in the story that was going to make you switch your opinion? I'm not going to say too much on this debate but it's not such an easy decision as the book progresses, however when it gets near the end I think both me and Stace wanted to punch one of them!

All I can say is WOW, I've enjoyed all of Heidi's books so far but I think this one was definitely my favourite so far. It just got me so invested and so riled up at the end that I know this is going to stay with me for a while. I loved the visit's back to Skylark farm but now I'm really hoping we get to see some more new visitors to Cuckoo Cottage and Jemma get's to put her plan into action! I feel more wedding and fayre vibes please Heidi ;)
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,961 reviews227 followers
April 4, 2021
It looks like Lottie is getting a fresh start when she is left a cottage and surrounding land when her grandmother’s best friend dies. I loved the sound of Cuckoo Cottage as well as the little village. It sounded very idyllic and quaint. Thinks certainly look like they are off to a good start when Lottie meets the local vet, Will, although it isn’t the most ideal of introductions!

The downside to any small village is everyone knowing everyone’s business as well as gossips being out in force. As Lottie is the out of towner, she is under the scrutiny of many of the residents there. Thankfully most are lovely and I couldn’t wait to get to know them better along with Lottie. I did have my reservations about one certain character whose intentions I constantly questioned and found myself getting ever so wound up over.

There is lots going on that held my attention and the new friendships and love interests were enjoyable to read. I particularly liked Mags and her son Ed and would loved to have got to know a bit more about Mags in particular as felt there was more to her character. I also couldn’t help but get a bit swept away with Will. From the first time we get to meet him in the story, I couldn’t wait to find out more about him and what had brought him to the area also.

Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage was a wonderfully quaint read that was great escapism. The author had me visualising so many wonderful things in my head from the cottage itself to Lottie’s business ideas which I thought was such a fabulous idea. Things definitely don’t run smoothly for Lottie but it makes for a wholly entertaining read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Profile Image for Julia.
3,083 reviews94 followers
October 19, 2019
Coming Home To Cuckoo Cottage by Heidi Swain is the most charming contemporary novel about overcoming loss, second chances and learning to live again.
Grief can threaten to sink us. We need to find a way through it. The novel shows a great love that reaches beyond the confines of the grave. It is a love that knows just what is needed for a character to come to life and begin to live properly for the first time. I loved the inclusion of a small dog. Dogs can turn a house into a home.
The novel is set in Wynbridge. It is a small town with a big personality. Your business is never your own for long. “Nothing, absolutely nothing, stays private around here.” The reader sees the importance of seeking the truth for themselves as others with agendas may spread rumours that are not true. The upside to living in a small town is that a warm welcome awaits. “It felt like I was going home.” The reader ‘feels’ welcomed as the arms of the community reach beyond the novel.
It is important to not just exist but to truly live. Past events have meant a character lived a confined life but a new cottage in a familiar location sets a life on fire with new hope and possibilities. A character begins to dream big dreams.
The fragrance of love pervades the whole novel.
The characters were wonderfully drawn. Their interactions were highly amusing at times. There were some big personalities that clashed and there was an atmosphere of love and care for the youngest to the oldest member of Wynbridge.
Heidi Swain has perfectly captured the warmth of summer in her novel with her delicious descriptions. The summer sun reaches from the tale to shine into the reader’s life. The whole novel is perfectly charming, as are all Heidi Swain’s novels. I adore her books.
Profile Image for Julie Williams.
453 reviews80 followers
July 24, 2017


This gorgeous summer read is must for the romantics amongst us and the cover is so adorable to boot!

Lottie Foster finds herself owner of the beautiful quaint Cuckoo Cottage when an old family friend Gwen dies. Lottie hopes this will be a much needed fresh start and shake up her life needs. Unfortunately some of the village folk of Wynbridge are not so happy with the new owner and their constant gossiping is something that Lottie finds hard to get to grips with. Luckily her neighbours are on hand to help and try to help her see that this is what living in a small village is like. Lottie finds herself in turmoil with two men Will and Matt vying for her affection and fighting for her attention. Let’s just say that living in Cuckoo Cottage is not plain sailing and gaining the trust of the locals is no easy feat.

I found myself engrossed in this delightful tale and willing Lottie to open her eyes and discover who is being sincere. This novel has a lovely mix of characters that I warmed to straight away. This is the fourth novel around Wynbridge but can be read as a standalone. I am already looking forward to the next instalment!

Profile Image for Simona.
613 reviews123 followers
July 12, 2017
*Book provided by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage is the 4th book by bestselling author Heidi Swain, I have read the first one and loved her writing from the start. That’s why I was really excited to read this one too. We return to the beautiful town of Wynbridge and meet some familiar characters, I really need to read the other two books as well. This one can totally be read as a standalone though.

Lottie Foster has inherited Cuckoo Cottage and moves in, but it’s not so easy. Some people think it shouldn’t be hers and according to Matt, a gorgeous local builder, a lot of work needs to be done around it. Then there is also Will, her closest neighbour, who doesn’t seem to trust Matt. She really doesn’t know what to do, who to trust and with both men wanting her attention she really is fighting a battle in several ways. Will she find love and happiness in her new home?!

Heidi Swain is a really talented writer, her descriptions are on point, it really feels like being there with the characters. This book really has left a smile on my face, it’s so uplifting, comforting and just wonderful. There is a sparkly glow around the whole story and it just gives you that warm feeling of never wanting to leave the story! A heart-warming summer read, which is surrounded by authentic characters, a beautiful setting and a dynamic storyline.
Profile Image for Jessica.
266 reviews11 followers
May 20, 2017
Another fantastic book by Heidi Swain!

This is a truly beautiful book set in lovely Wynbridge the place we all know and love with the familar wonderful characters from previous books.

Lottie Foster is the main character is this book. She inherits Cuckoo Cottage from her grans best friend Gwen.

She is planning to set up business in the facilities at Cuckoo Cottage but is being led astray by local builder Matt.

Lottie also catches the eye of her neighbour Will who seems the perfect man.

There is a hint of mystery with a few of the charcters throughout the book which keeps you guessing right until the end what really is going on.

It is a really lovely and enjoyable read from start to finish and from the opening pages the book grabs your attention and you just cannot put it down!

A spectacular 5 stars from me!
Profile Image for Suze.
1,884 reviews1,298 followers
November 11, 2017
Lottie recently lost her grandmother and is very sad when her grandmother's best friend Gwen passes away as well. To her surprise Lottie inherits Gwen's wonderful Cuckoo Cottage. Lottie is thrilled she has a new home and a nice place to live, but when Gwen's charming builder Matt tells her about the work that needs to be done on the cottage she's a little shocked, will she be able to afford everything that needs to be fixed according to Matt's survey?

Cuckoo Cottage is remote, so Lottie needs a car to reach Wynbridge, the local village. Fortunately she has nice neighbors who are looking out for her. However, there's also the local vet Will, who isn't too welcoming at first. He tries to make up for it later, but can Lottie actually rely on him? Matt and Will don't like each other much, which is a constant stress factor for Lottie. Who should she trust and who are her true friends? Not everyone wants her to live in Cuckoo Cottage, will she be able to feel at home in her new surroundings?

Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage is a heartwarming story. I immediately loved Lottie. She's kindhearted and creative. She's also a little bit naive and I kept hoping that part of her personality wouldn't break her heart. She deserves a much warmer welcome than she gets and due to her insecurities she's easily influenced. This makes incredibly interesting reading. Lottie learns a lot, she grows as a person and she realizes she can do more than she initially thought. She conquers her fears, finds out she can depend on people and she discovers what it's like to be valued. I really enjoyed all of those things about Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage.

Heidi Swain's stories always make me dream of beautiful countryside cottages, delicious food, gorgeous men and cozy get-togethers. One of the best things about her books for me is the way she creates an atmosphere. Her stories instantly make me feel good and always put a big smile on my face. Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage is a fantastic enchanting story filled with surprising moments. It's lovely lighthearted and sunny, which makes it the perfect cheer up read.
24 reviews
April 25, 2020
It was ok, very predictable and I rolled my eyes numerous times when Lottie was rather gullible. Saving grace was Will & the potential relationship between them, this kept my interest enough to finish the book.
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