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The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite #3
A Vicarage Wedding
Rachel Holley has always dreamed of a wedding—the white dress, the fairy tale, and of course, the happily-ever-after. But when her fiancé breaks it off the night before, claiming she doesn’t love him, Rachel’s fairy tale ends in ashes.
Homeless, hopeless, and feeling like her life has been completely derailed, Rachel must start over in all sorts of ways—and hold her head up high in the fishbowl of her tiny village. The last person she expects to become a friend is Sam West, the taciturn owner of The Bell, Thornthwaite’s rougher pub, and a little rough around the edges of himself.
But as Rachel gets to know Sam, and sees him caring for his orphaned nephew, she finds herself drawn to this enigmatic man. Nothing about Sam is what Rachel expected in a life partner, and yet she can’t deny their increasing closeness. But can love flourish on the rebound? And will there be a vicarage wedding after all?
Homeless, hopeless, and feeling like her life has been completely derailed, Rachel must start over in all sorts of ways—and hold her head up high in the fishbowl of her tiny village. The last person she expects to become a friend is Sam West, the taciturn owner of The Bell, Thornthwaite’s rougher pub, and a little rough around the edges of himself.
But as Rachel gets to know Sam, and sees him caring for his orphaned nephew, she finds herself drawn to this enigmatic man. Nothing about Sam is what Rachel expected in a life partner, and yet she can’t deny their increasing closeness. But can love flourish on the rebound? And will there be a vicarage wedding after all?
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2018
282 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hewitt
877 books1,702 followersKate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 14, 2018
I was really looking forward to this book and didn't let me down at all it's simply fantastic and didn't want to put it off. Full of families and romance and finding who's best for you to make you happy. It's very well written and characters are excellent and has you hooked from the first page and worth more than five stars. The setting of the book is beautiful and shows how sisters pull together.
Rachel has always dreamt of the perfect wedding and is with her fiancé and due to get married the next day when he breaks it off saying he doesn't think she loves him enough and her life chances. Her parents have left the vicarage so in a way she's homeless and unsure where life is taking her. She wants to hold her head up so others think she is ok though. She becomes friend with the owner of the bell pub and it's not a friendship you would expect as he's a little rough and has a complicated life. She moves into a flat above the pub with her sister and Rachel starts to get close with San as she is also looking after his orphaned nephew and teaching him. Can she get the truth from Sam and be happy with him and can she find love or is she on the rebound. Will there be a wedding at the vicarage or not and will it be hers or not. Great to hear about her sisters as well and she is living with one and she hears news from her and can she support her or not. Great to see how the sisters pull together and support each other.
Fantastic read so highly recommend this book.
Rachel has always dreamt of the perfect wedding and is with her fiancé and due to get married the next day when he breaks it off saying he doesn't think she loves him enough and her life chances. Her parents have left the vicarage so in a way she's homeless and unsure where life is taking her. She wants to hold her head up so others think she is ok though. She becomes friend with the owner of the bell pub and it's not a friendship you would expect as he's a little rough and has a complicated life. She moves into a flat above the pub with her sister and Rachel starts to get close with San as she is also looking after his orphaned nephew and teaching him. Can she get the truth from Sam and be happy with him and can she find love or is she on the rebound. Will there be a wedding at the vicarage or not and will it be hers or not. Great to hear about her sisters as well and she is living with one and she hears news from her and can she support her or not. Great to see how the sisters pull together and support each other.
Fantastic read so highly recommend this book.
July 16, 2018
One thing I like about British romances as opposed to American romances is that the British ones always read a bit more like women’s fiction, meaning that there is more depth, and the heroine is usually at a point of discovery in her life. A Vicarage Wedding is no different.
Jilted the evening before her wedding, Rachel must come to terms with why she was getting married and that requires a careful journey through her present as well as consideration of the past when she thought life was perfect.
As part of the journey, Rachel meets Sam, a man who has had a difficult past, but who has righted himself. Sam ends up taking in his troubled nephew after he is removed from Sam’s sister by social services.
There is a lot going on in A Vicarage Wedding, which I quite liked. Rachel changes through the course of the novel after a lot of introspection and help from her family. She realizes that real love changes you as well and that the marriage she was about to enter into wasn’t based on the same kind of love.
While A Vicarage Wedding is the third book in the Holley Sister of Thornthwaite series, I never felt lost or inundated with unnecessary characters who needed to “pop” in as so often happens in series’ novels.
This novel will appeal to readers who like more depth to their romances. It’s also very, very sweet and probably a 1 on a heat scale of 1-5.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jilted the evening before her wedding, Rachel must come to terms with why she was getting married and that requires a careful journey through her present as well as consideration of the past when she thought life was perfect.
As part of the journey, Rachel meets Sam, a man who has had a difficult past, but who has righted himself. Sam ends up taking in his troubled nephew after he is removed from Sam’s sister by social services.
There is a lot going on in A Vicarage Wedding, which I quite liked. Rachel changes through the course of the novel after a lot of introspection and help from her family. She realizes that real love changes you as well and that the marriage she was about to enter into wasn’t based on the same kind of love.
While A Vicarage Wedding is the third book in the Holley Sister of Thornthwaite series, I never felt lost or inundated with unnecessary characters who needed to “pop” in as so often happens in series’ novels.
This novel will appeal to readers who like more depth to their romances. It’s also very, very sweet and probably a 1 on a heat scale of 1-5.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2018
A cosy read that will make you wish for more. Luckily, this is the third in the series and so I am going to dig up the other two. The story starts the day before Rachel's wedding when her fiance unexpectedly calls the whole thing off. I really admire the guts and perceptiveness of the guy in this regard and even for a while was tempted to know more about Dan's (he is the fiance) future. He seems to know Rachel more than she knows herself. But that is a plot for another book altogether.
Rachel succeeds in capturing our hearts soon enough with her caring nature and patience. She is the best teacher any child could wish for. We could never tire of reading about her life in the village school. On the other hand, there is Sam West, our handsome rugged hero, who reminds us a lot of Darcy if you minus the aristocratic background. He might act tough all he wants, but deep inside he is a big softie.
As the title suggests, it is not only the story of Rachel but also that of the vicarage and the village it is situated. Like any other village around the globe, Thornthwaite has its particular set of rigid and uptight behavioural traits, but we can't help but fall in love with the thriving community there.
Rachel succeeds in capturing our hearts soon enough with her caring nature and patience. She is the best teacher any child could wish for. We could never tire of reading about her life in the village school. On the other hand, there is Sam West, our handsome rugged hero, who reminds us a lot of Darcy if you minus the aristocratic background. He might act tough all he wants, but deep inside he is a big softie.
As the title suggests, it is not only the story of Rachel but also that of the vicarage and the village it is situated. Like any other village around the globe, Thornthwaite has its particular set of rigid and uptight behavioural traits, but we can't help but fall in love with the thriving community there.
July 29, 2018
Rachel Holley, one of four vicar's daughters in the village of Thornthwaite has always dreamed of the perfect wedding followed by the perfect life with lots of kids, a big home, and a dog. All that seems to be coming true until the night before the wedding, when her fiance, Dan, calls it off. Dan doesn't think that she really loves him. Rachel finds herself almost penniless after the wedding expenses, heartbroken, and soon to be homeless because her parents are moving to China to do mission work. Rachel is blindsided by it all, but somehow, her sisters and parents are not all that surprised. Rachel and her youngest sister, the footloose Miriam need to find a flat right away. Rachel finds one above the village's "rougher" pub, The Bell. The landlord, Sam West, is undeniably attractive, but more than a little taciturn and forbidding. As Rachel gets to know him better and sees him working hard at the pub and trying to raise his challenging nephew, Nathan, she sees him in a very different light. Rachel is Nathan's primary school teacher and becomes involved in his home care. Nathan has problems that need to be addressed clinically, but Sam is resistant for some reason.
I was not aware that A Vicarage Wedding is third in a projected four-book series but Kate Hewitt manages to paint a picture of the whole Holley family in a few words. I got to know them all without having to read the previous two books. I will be reading them, however, very soon. Rachel's journey to a better understanding of herself and what true love looks and feels like made for a most enjoyable afternoon and evening's read. Thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for an advance digital copy. The opinions are my own.
July 29, 2018
Rachel is the third of the Holley sisters from the vicarage and had always dreamt of her white wedding and it is all happening at last.... until the night before the wedding and Dan her fiance calls it off because he doesn't believe she really loves him! Homeless and penniless she rents the flat above the pub from Sam, a man she is unsure of as he is a bit rough around the edges and a bit scary! As she gets to know him however and sees the way he cares for his nephew Nathan she starts to realise that there is a lot more to Sam than she first thought...... but he is so far from being her type!
Great to be back with the Holley sisters with another lovely heartwarming story, a lovely series and I am looking forward to the last one to complete the series
Great to be back with the Holley sisters with another lovely heartwarming story, a lovely series and I am looking forward to the last one to complete the series
September 23, 2018
4.5 stars RTC
November 16, 2019
Three and a half stars.
Rachel's story. Rachel and Dan had their whole lives mapped out. Big wedding, expensive dress, honeymoon in Provence, big house, Aga, dog, five kids. Then on the night before their wedding Dan calls off the wedding, saying Rachel doesn't really love him. Although Rachel is devastated part of her is also relieved and in her heart of hearts she knows he's right. Dan is a good man, a good catch, solid, dependable, he would make a great father, but although Rachel loves him he doesn't make her go all tingly.
Now, with her parents gone to China, Rachel must pick up the pieces of her life and understand that her dream of a loving family of her own doesn't have to be a five star glossy extravaganza, sometimes love can grow where you least expect it, and something good is worth working hard for.
I will say that although this series is (dare I say it) pretty formulaic, it also throws some curveballs. I had thought that Anna and Dan would get together in the first book and I didn't expect the romance in this book to take the turn it did.
Already started on Miriam's novel.
Rachel's story. Rachel and Dan had their whole lives mapped out. Big wedding, expensive dress, honeymoon in Provence, big house, Aga, dog, five kids. Then on the night before their wedding Dan calls off the wedding, saying Rachel doesn't really love him. Although Rachel is devastated part of her is also relieved and in her heart of hearts she knows he's right. Dan is a good man, a good catch, solid, dependable, he would make a great father, but although Rachel loves him he doesn't make her go all tingly.
Now, with her parents gone to China, Rachel must pick up the pieces of her life and understand that her dream of a loving family of her own doesn't have to be a five star glossy extravaganza, sometimes love can grow where you least expect it, and something good is worth working hard for.
I will say that although this series is (dare I say it) pretty formulaic, it also throws some curveballs. I had thought that Anna and Dan would get together in the first book and I didn't expect the romance in this book to take the turn it did.
Already started on Miriam's novel.
July 16, 2018
A Vicarage Wedding by Kate Hewitt
Rachel Holley has always dreamed of a wedding—the white dress, the fairy tale, and of course, the happily-ever-after. But when her fiancé breaks it off the night before, claiming she doesn’t love him, Rachel’s fairy tale ends in ashes.
Homeless, hopeless, and feeling like her life has been completely derailed, Rachel must start over in all sorts of ways—and hold her head up high in the fishbowl of her tiny village. The last person she expects to become a friend is Sam West, the charismatic owner of The Bell, Thornthwaite’s rougher pub, and a little rough around the edges of himself.
But as Rachel gets to know Sam, and sees him caring for his orphaned nephew, she finds herself drawn to this enigmatic and surprisingly charming man. Nothing about Sam is what Rachel expected in a life partner, and yet she can’t deny their increasing closeness. But can love flourish on the rebound? And will there be a vicarage wedding after all?
This is Rachel Holley and Sam West's story.
“I don’t know what I want.” She shook her head, despairing. It was impossible to go back to what they’d once been just a few moments ago. “I don’t want to marry you whilst feeling as if I’m holding a gun to your head.”
“You wouldn’t be, Rach.”
The nickname caught her on the raw. How could she be Rach in a moment like this? “I feel like everything is ruined,” she said, her voice quavering. “We can never go back now.” Why did he have to say anything? “What do you want from me, Dan? What would convince you that I love you enough?”
“Rachel…” Dan sighed and raked a hand through his hair, his slumped shoulders seeming to bear the weight of the world, and then only just. “This isn’t easy to say…”
“Obviously.” She folded her arms, barely managing to keep from tapping her foot. Better to seem irritated than terrified, surely. At least it made her seem strong. “Just spit it out, Dan, please.”
“The wedding’s off.” Rachel blinked. “What I mean is, I’m calling it off.”
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Will there be a vicarage wedding after all?
A Vicarage Wedding by Kate Hewitt is a wonderful well written 4 star book.
Kate's Books with Tule:
A Yorkshire Christmas
Christmas Around the World
Falling for Christmas
Falling for the Freemans
Falling Hard
Falling for the Freemans
A Cotswold Christmas
Willoughby Close
Meet Me At Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Find Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Kiss Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Marry Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
A Vicarage Christmas
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
A Vicarage Reunion
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
A Vicarage Wedding
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
Rachel Holley has always dreamed of a wedding—the white dress, the fairy tale, and of course, the happily-ever-after. But when her fiancé breaks it off the night before, claiming she doesn’t love him, Rachel’s fairy tale ends in ashes.
Homeless, hopeless, and feeling like her life has been completely derailed, Rachel must start over in all sorts of ways—and hold her head up high in the fishbowl of her tiny village. The last person she expects to become a friend is Sam West, the charismatic owner of The Bell, Thornthwaite’s rougher pub, and a little rough around the edges of himself.
But as Rachel gets to know Sam, and sees him caring for his orphaned nephew, she finds herself drawn to this enigmatic and surprisingly charming man. Nothing about Sam is what Rachel expected in a life partner, and yet she can’t deny their increasing closeness. But can love flourish on the rebound? And will there be a vicarage wedding after all?
This is Rachel Holley and Sam West's story.
“I don’t know what I want.” She shook her head, despairing. It was impossible to go back to what they’d once been just a few moments ago. “I don’t want to marry you whilst feeling as if I’m holding a gun to your head.”
“You wouldn’t be, Rach.”
The nickname caught her on the raw. How could she be Rach in a moment like this? “I feel like everything is ruined,” she said, her voice quavering. “We can never go back now.” Why did he have to say anything? “What do you want from me, Dan? What would convince you that I love you enough?”
“Rachel…” Dan sighed and raked a hand through his hair, his slumped shoulders seeming to bear the weight of the world, and then only just. “This isn’t easy to say…”
“Obviously.” She folded her arms, barely managing to keep from tapping her foot. Better to seem irritated than terrified, surely. At least it made her seem strong. “Just spit it out, Dan, please.”
“The wedding’s off.” Rachel blinked. “What I mean is, I’m calling it off.”
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Will there be a vicarage wedding after all?
A Vicarage Wedding by Kate Hewitt is a wonderful well written 4 star book.
Kate's Books with Tule:
A Yorkshire Christmas
Christmas Around the World
Falling for Christmas
Falling for the Freemans
Falling Hard
Falling for the Freemans
A Cotswold Christmas
Willoughby Close
Meet Me At Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Find Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Kiss Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Marry Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
A Vicarage Christmas
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
A Vicarage Reunion
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
A Vicarage Wedding
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
July 26, 2018
I enjoyed another visit to Thornthwaite for an update on the lives of the Holley sisters. I love the way the Holley family is close and caring. The sisters and parents express concern and support, but also challenge each other to become their best selves.
This time we look deeply into Rachel's dreams and fears, as Dan calls off their wedding in between the rehearsal and the rehearsal party/dinner. Her life is totally shaken and Rachel is forced to examine her deepest desires and motivations, while moving on with practical matters like securing housing, navigating village curiosity, and dealing with the romantic overtures of a new man in town. I love that this book is more about becoming a stronger and truly self-aware woman and less about finding a new man.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.
This time we look deeply into Rachel's dreams and fears, as Dan calls off their wedding in between the rehearsal and the rehearsal party/dinner. Her life is totally shaken and Rachel is forced to examine her deepest desires and motivations, while moving on with practical matters like securing housing, navigating village curiosity, and dealing with the romantic overtures of a new man in town. I love that this book is more about becoming a stronger and truly self-aware woman and less about finding a new man.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.
July 19, 2018
eARC: Netgalley
Love, love, love this series! Of course, to be honest, I can say that about all of Kate Hewitt's books. She creates such true to life characters who have real life problems. Everything is not sunshine and roses. There are real life issues that all the rest of us struggle with too.
That being said, A Vicarage Wedding surprised me and had me guessing for a while. It's great to see the sisters finding their way...and the parents too! Can't wait for the next book!
Love, love, love this series! Of course, to be honest, I can say that about all of Kate Hewitt's books. She creates such true to life characters who have real life problems. Everything is not sunshine and roses. There are real life issues that all the rest of us struggle with too.
That being said, A Vicarage Wedding surprised me and had me guessing for a while. It's great to see the sisters finding their way...and the parents too! Can't wait for the next book!
July 15, 2018
“Don’t judge a book by its cover”, this is the life lesson taught in this book. This pertains to people (you don’t know the person by first appearance and you don’t know what is going on in their life).
This book has a very good story line you slowly peel back the layers to find out who the real Rachel is. Look for a happy ending that includes Rachel, Sam and Nathan.
This book has a very good story line you slowly peel back the layers to find out who the real Rachel is. Look for a happy ending that includes Rachel, Sam and Nathan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2024
This could not hold my attention. I feel bad for rating this so low because I enjoyed the other books.
July 15, 2018
I've been waiting for Rachel's story and it did not disappoint. This is a lovely series and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
August 6, 2018
I think this is the first book I’ve read by Kate Hewitt so far, but it definitely won’t be the last. It’s rare that I rate a romance / chick-lit novel as a full 5/5, but I thoroughly enjoyed ‘A Vicarage Wedding’. Sometimes it’s nice to completely immerse yourself in the notion of a sparks-aplenty-type romance, and this was exactly that.
Rachel is due to get married, but her fiancé calls off the wedding the night before. What could have been a completely life-changing disaster, becomes the turning point for a far more suitable romantic suitor for Rachel, and I couldn’t help but feel completely invested in Rachel’s characters as well as those of the other main characters. A great read - highly recommend.
Rachel is due to get married, but her fiancé calls off the wedding the night before. What could have been a completely life-changing disaster, becomes the turning point for a far more suitable romantic suitor for Rachel, and I couldn’t help but feel completely invested in Rachel’s characters as well as those of the other main characters. A great read - highly recommend.
July 25, 2018
Why did it have to end so soon?? I was so into reading this book that I didn't even realize it was over until I hit the last page. I kept trying to swipe further on my Kindle and it wasn't going anywhere. This is one of those books where you can't put it down until it's over. Once you pick it up, be prepared to keep on reading through the night, into the morning, past your alarm clock, and on into your lunch break. Seriously - it's that entertaining! I had never read this author before, and given that this is the third in a series, I have definitely been missing out. The wonderful thing about it, though, is that Kate Hewitt wrote this book in such a way that it is entirely unnecessary to read the first two books in order to fully enjoy this one. She is a gem!
"The wedding's off." With those words ringing in her ears, Rachel's carefully planned future crumbles before her eyes. The day before her wedding, she and her fiance part ways, and Rachel is left to pick up the pieces of her dreams. Although it starts to seem like a blessing in disguise when she realizes that perhaps she loved the dream more than the man. Moving into an apartment above a local pub with her youngest sister, who has problems of her own, Rachel dives right into the rest of her life. She picks up the puppy that was supposed to be part of her new dream and makes it part of her old one, and the man living downstairs who is also her landlord might just be the last piece in the puzzle to what her future should be like. Life may not be easy or simple, but with family and faith, it might be worth all the trouble if it means happiness is within reach.
Rachel was my soul sister - truly, I felt so much kinship with her and wanted to sit down with her at the table and plan things out. I was upset with her sister, Esther, frequently. In fact, I have two notes in my Kindle that read, "Esther is such an ass" and "Oh my God, Esther...shut up." So as you can see, I had a lot of feelings while reading. Dan, the ex-fiance, made me mad too, but seeing as how it was all for the best, I got over that pretty quickly. Each character in this book really tugged at my heartstrings (except for Esther, because she annoyed me), and I really felt like I was part of their family while reading. Anna was the sweetheart sister who was in love with a kind, generous man, Miriam was the rebellious one in the family who wanted to make her own way in the world but struggled to do so, and Rachel's parents were supportive and protective, just like you'd want your parents to be in such a situation. And then we get to Sam. Sam was the hunky landlord who was a broody yet well-intentioned man, secretly in love with Rachel although never really saying it. Although I could read between the lines. It was there. He felt like he wasn't worthy of her, so his reticence made sense, but I just wanted to give him a giant hug too. He and Rachel were really a great couple, and I liked seeing their interactions as the story progressed.
Sadly, the story just left me feeling a bit bereft at the end. I wanted more. I didn't get enough time with them and the Holley family. But hopefully Miriam will get her own book shortly, and I can get a fix in then. Absolutely wonderful read and highly recommended to romance fans!
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
"The wedding's off." With those words ringing in her ears, Rachel's carefully planned future crumbles before her eyes. The day before her wedding, she and her fiance part ways, and Rachel is left to pick up the pieces of her dreams. Although it starts to seem like a blessing in disguise when she realizes that perhaps she loved the dream more than the man. Moving into an apartment above a local pub with her youngest sister, who has problems of her own, Rachel dives right into the rest of her life. She picks up the puppy that was supposed to be part of her new dream and makes it part of her old one, and the man living downstairs who is also her landlord might just be the last piece in the puzzle to what her future should be like. Life may not be easy or simple, but with family and faith, it might be worth all the trouble if it means happiness is within reach.
Rachel was my soul sister - truly, I felt so much kinship with her and wanted to sit down with her at the table and plan things out. I was upset with her sister, Esther, frequently. In fact, I have two notes in my Kindle that read, "Esther is such an ass" and "Oh my God, Esther...shut up." So as you can see, I had a lot of feelings while reading. Dan, the ex-fiance, made me mad too, but seeing as how it was all for the best, I got over that pretty quickly. Each character in this book really tugged at my heartstrings (except for Esther, because she annoyed me), and I really felt like I was part of their family while reading. Anna was the sweetheart sister who was in love with a kind, generous man, Miriam was the rebellious one in the family who wanted to make her own way in the world but struggled to do so, and Rachel's parents were supportive and protective, just like you'd want your parents to be in such a situation. And then we get to Sam. Sam was the hunky landlord who was a broody yet well-intentioned man, secretly in love with Rachel although never really saying it. Although I could read between the lines. It was there. He felt like he wasn't worthy of her, so his reticence made sense, but I just wanted to give him a giant hug too. He and Rachel were really a great couple, and I liked seeing their interactions as the story progressed.
Sadly, the story just left me feeling a bit bereft at the end. I wanted more. I didn't get enough time with them and the Holley family. But hopefully Miriam will get her own book shortly, and I can get a fix in then. Absolutely wonderful read and highly recommended to romance fans!
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
August 1, 2018
When I picked up this book I was expecting a light-hearted romance something I could spend an enjoyable afternoon reading, what I didn’t expect was to get really emotional when reading it. Maybe it’s just me but I did find myself shedding a few tears at points and I felt like any time Rachel was down or worried that I was feeling right along with her.
I think what got to me the most about this one was how Rachel starts to reevaluate herself and sees that what she has been striving for wasn’t what would make her dream happen. I think that is so relatable, I can certainly say for myself that I had some grandiose plans when I was younger based on what I thought would make me happy that turned out to be the opposite. It was nice to see this reflected in Rachel and made me enjoy reading about her character.
I will admit that I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, this seems like a bit of a faux pas now, and whilst I think I maybe have missed out a little on some of the family bond, seeing how Rachel and Dan got together in the first place and what brought the Holley sisters to this moment, I don’t feel as if I needed to read the other ones to get on well with this one. Although having said that I maybe needed to read Esther’s story so that I would like her a little better, I mean she is written brilliantly and not all sisters get on well together so it was good that she is more confrontational but not knowing her so well meant she was a bit annoying at times.
I loved the relationship between Rachel and Sam, it wasn’t in your face love at first sight nonsense, the build up was perfect, the indecision over whether they do like each other and what drew them together made me eager for it to work out.
I would like to see how this develops in the next book, that and I’m curious to find out what happens to Miriam in her book.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
I think what got to me the most about this one was how Rachel starts to reevaluate herself and sees that what she has been striving for wasn’t what would make her dream happen. I think that is so relatable, I can certainly say for myself that I had some grandiose plans when I was younger based on what I thought would make me happy that turned out to be the opposite. It was nice to see this reflected in Rachel and made me enjoy reading about her character.
I will admit that I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, this seems like a bit of a faux pas now, and whilst I think I maybe have missed out a little on some of the family bond, seeing how Rachel and Dan got together in the first place and what brought the Holley sisters to this moment, I don’t feel as if I needed to read the other ones to get on well with this one. Although having said that I maybe needed to read Esther’s story so that I would like her a little better, I mean she is written brilliantly and not all sisters get on well together so it was good that she is more confrontational but not knowing her so well meant she was a bit annoying at times.
I loved the relationship between Rachel and Sam, it wasn’t in your face love at first sight nonsense, the build up was perfect, the indecision over whether they do like each other and what drew them together made me eager for it to work out.
I would like to see how this develops in the next book, that and I’m curious to find out what happens to Miriam in her book.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
October 11, 2022
I found this third book in the Holly Sisters series enjoyable, but I found Rachel to be a bit patronizing in parts. And yes, the pushing of the christian agenda, while it's not over barring, it is there and that just irritates me personally and puts a little blemish on an otherwise lovely story.
July 21, 2018
I loved Vicarage Wedding by Kate Hewitt, book three in her Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite series. The night before her wedding, her fiancé calls off the wedding as he believes Rachel is in love with the idea of love and marriage, not in love with him. Rachel is gobsmacked as she never saw this coming and she thought she loved him. As she adjusts to these changes in her life, she finds a place to rent above the rougher bar in the village, owned by Sam West. Sam helps Rachel move into the recently renovated flat, apartment, and this is the push these two needed to form a friendship. Sam might look a little rough at the edges but is really a nice person with a warm heart. After a rough childhood and hanging with the wrong crowd, Sam has learned his lesson and wants a better life for himself and his nephew who under his care. The placement of Sam’s troubled nephew in Rachel’s classroom gives them another opportunity to spend time together, whether a good or bad thing. Rachel is juggling a number of issues which are frustrating her; the pregnancy of her baby sister, the engagement and wedding planning of her other younger sister, training her new puppy, her parents’ move to China, and dealing with Sam’s challenging nephew as a student in her classroom. Rachel is determined to prove to Sam that he is worthy of her attention and affection, but Sam is not quite sold on it.
Rachel truly learned the lesson that love, marriage and family is not based on material things but from the hard work a couple does to create the love, family and a future together. Just being together will not necessarily bring love, but an inner attraction along with the right chemistry. There is no perfect love, husband, or family but hard work can help create one. Now, can she convince Sam?
This was a wonderful love story showing that love can truly exist with the right partner. Ms. Hewitt did a fantastic job creating realistic characters, keeping the story line interesting, making me forget the world around me and not letting me go until I turned the last page, wanting more. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Rachel truly learned the lesson that love, marriage and family is not based on material things but from the hard work a couple does to create the love, family and a future together. Just being together will not necessarily bring love, but an inner attraction along with the right chemistry. There is no perfect love, husband, or family but hard work can help create one. Now, can she convince Sam?
This was a wonderful love story showing that love can truly exist with the right partner. Ms. Hewitt did a fantastic job creating realistic characters, keeping the story line interesting, making me forget the world around me and not letting me go until I turned the last page, wanting more. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 19, 2018
Kate Hewitt’s A Vicarage Wedding may hit close to home for some readers. The perfect wedding with the perfect dress, along with the idea of being married is often a strong motivator. It is just not a lasting one, hence the high divorce rate in the world today. So I couldn’t help but admire Rachel’s fiancé for his serious, howbeit late questioning of Rachel.
Rachel is an unusual main character. She wondered if she was indeed materialistic and shallow, I certainly would have told her yes. It was the importance of her pride, instead of feeling as if she had lost the love of her life that bothered me the most about her. While the men all of them added to the story; her former fiancé, Sam and his nephew, it is her growth in the story makes this a satisfying read. I don’t have a sister, but the genuine love and annoying behavior that goes on between Rachel and her sisters also made this an interesting read. It seemed real to me, just the way sisters would behave.
I found A Vicarage Wedding to be different from the usual romance book. Refreshing, authentic and a little bit funny. Rachel winds up with the right man, just not one she could imagine being the right man. Recommend to romance readers who like a story out of the ordinary.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rachel is an unusual main character. She wondered if she was indeed materialistic and shallow, I certainly would have told her yes. It was the importance of her pride, instead of feeling as if she had lost the love of her life that bothered me the most about her. While the men all of them added to the story; her former fiancé, Sam and his nephew, it is her growth in the story makes this a satisfying read. I don’t have a sister, but the genuine love and annoying behavior that goes on between Rachel and her sisters also made this an interesting read. It seemed real to me, just the way sisters would behave.
I found A Vicarage Wedding to be different from the usual romance book. Refreshing, authentic and a little bit funny. Rachel winds up with the right man, just not one she could imagine being the right man. Recommend to romance readers who like a story out of the ordinary.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 19, 2018
When first started this book, I felt sad for Holley. But, the further I got into the story, the more I realized Dan breaking up with her before the wedding was actually the best thing for them both. Holley seemed to be a bit of a perfectionist and needed to see that love and life didn’t always come wrapped in pretty packaging. Sometimes love is a little bit messy and imperfect. You don’t always get the big house you were dreaming of either. When Holley met Sam, he was the total opposite of what she normally looked for in a man, but even though they had different upbringings, lives and goals, they meshed really well. And when Sam got custody of his troubled nephew, Holley was right there to help Sam out. She was needed more than she realized.
I would almost call this book more of a women’s fiction than romance because there was so much more than just the romantic part. There was family drama as well as Holley’s journey into becoming a better version of herself. The story didn’t just center around Holley and Sam either. There was a lot about life and Holley’s family as well.
A couple of lines in the book summed it up perfectly:
She’d been thinking about what she wanted, what kind of life she envisioned for herself. But what if happiness was to be found in something else entirely? And not just happiness, but importance? Meaning? Something that had been missing now for a while.
I would almost call this book more of a women’s fiction than romance because there was so much more than just the romantic part. There was family drama as well as Holley’s journey into becoming a better version of herself. The story didn’t just center around Holley and Sam either. There was a lot about life and Holley’s family as well.
A couple of lines in the book summed it up perfectly:
She’d been thinking about what she wanted, what kind of life she envisioned for herself. But what if happiness was to be found in something else entirely? And not just happiness, but importance? Meaning? Something that had been missing now for a while.
July 23, 2018
I just love this series. I like how it is set in another place that almost at times seems back in time, but really is in modern time. I easily forget that. This story in the series focuses on Rachael Holley. It is a story to self discovery. When Rachael is jilted at the alter by her fiance the night before their wedding, she is forced to take a look at her life and see what her fiance' meant about not being in love with him.
As the story goes it tells of her dreams and how she had her life planned out down to the perfect man to the big house with the dog. When Rachael meets Sam, it causes her to step back and evaluate what it is she really wants, who she really is and why.
This story was an inspirational read, as are the first two in the series. Each book containing some sort of real life lesson. Full of emotions, these stories tend to be relatable and easy to read. This particular story points out that happiness is not always the fairy tale you read about in stories, but it is hard and challenging. But first and foremost, you must believe in yourself before you can love.
So if you are looking for a story that has meaning and will pull on your heart-strings, then this book is perfect for you. I highly suggest starting at the beginning of the series, but you don't have to. It is easy to read as a standalone and not be lost.
*ARC provided by Neverland Book Tours & Kate Hewitt
As the story goes it tells of her dreams and how she had her life planned out down to the perfect man to the big house with the dog. When Rachael meets Sam, it causes her to step back and evaluate what it is she really wants, who she really is and why.
This story was an inspirational read, as are the first two in the series. Each book containing some sort of real life lesson. Full of emotions, these stories tend to be relatable and easy to read. This particular story points out that happiness is not always the fairy tale you read about in stories, but it is hard and challenging. But first and foremost, you must believe in yourself before you can love.
So if you are looking for a story that has meaning and will pull on your heart-strings, then this book is perfect for you. I highly suggest starting at the beginning of the series, but you don't have to. It is easy to read as a standalone and not be lost.
*ARC provided by Neverland Book Tours & Kate Hewitt
July 17, 2018
Oh goodness I enjoyed A Vicarage Wedding. I pretty much dropped everything else in my day to keep turning the pages and it was so worthwhile! Kate Hewitt is a master of deeply emotional stories and this one certainly contains emotions aplenty.
Rachel Holley, jilted a day before her wedding, examines what went wrong and starts the process of rebuilding her life, learning plenty about herself as she goes. I loved Rachel. She is such a warm and caring woman, even if her wedding plans might have given people a different impression. Rachel regards things like the big house that she’d planned too live in after her marriage as symbols of the life she wants to lead, a life filled with family, laughter, children and dogs.
This is a story of opposites attracting and you couldn’t, on the surface, get two more opposite people than Rachel Holley and Sam Wells. Sam’s had a tough life and is silent and brooding most of the time, while Rachel is very much a people person. I really loved watching Rachel break down Sam’s barriers while he simultaneously helped her to heal.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. I really struggled to put it down when I had to because there was always a hook luring me to the next page and the next. I loved Kate Hewitt’s descriptions of the gorgeous, if wet, Cumbrian countryside. I loved the characters and I loved the story.
Rachel Holley, jilted a day before her wedding, examines what went wrong and starts the process of rebuilding her life, learning plenty about herself as she goes. I loved Rachel. She is such a warm and caring woman, even if her wedding plans might have given people a different impression. Rachel regards things like the big house that she’d planned too live in after her marriage as symbols of the life she wants to lead, a life filled with family, laughter, children and dogs.
This is a story of opposites attracting and you couldn’t, on the surface, get two more opposite people than Rachel Holley and Sam Wells. Sam’s had a tough life and is silent and brooding most of the time, while Rachel is very much a people person. I really loved watching Rachel break down Sam’s barriers while he simultaneously helped her to heal.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. I really struggled to put it down when I had to because there was always a hook luring me to the next page and the next. I loved Kate Hewitt’s descriptions of the gorgeous, if wet, Cumbrian countryside. I loved the characters and I loved the story.
July 24, 2018
It is bittersweet that we are almost at the end of this series. Each Holley sister has had her story told somewhat along the way. This time the focus is on Rachel and her wedding to Dan, the perfect man.
Except that something has not been quite perfect for a while.
The most fabulous wedding has been planned and the date set before her parents move to China to do their mission work. Esther and Will are together and happier than they've been in a while, Anna has found love and feels more at home and confident than ever, and even the wandering sister, Miriam is home, suggesting she may stay a spell.
When the wedding is called off and it turns our Miriam is hiding something, everyone's futures are affected.
This is a book about faith and family and finding one's own strength to build new dreams for the future. It deals with timely subjects and issues that can be controversial and require delicate handling. I believe each reader will connect with something in the story, each in their own way. It has the potential to be a very emotional read.
Kate Hewitt writes characters her readers connect with and care about.
She also hits hard with life altering events. Whether or not everything is wrapped up neatly at the end of one book, the reader has a satisfied feeling and a renewed sense of hope.
Except that something has not been quite perfect for a while.
The most fabulous wedding has been planned and the date set before her parents move to China to do their mission work. Esther and Will are together and happier than they've been in a while, Anna has found love and feels more at home and confident than ever, and even the wandering sister, Miriam is home, suggesting she may stay a spell.
When the wedding is called off and it turns our Miriam is hiding something, everyone's futures are affected.
This is a book about faith and family and finding one's own strength to build new dreams for the future. It deals with timely subjects and issues that can be controversial and require delicate handling. I believe each reader will connect with something in the story, each in their own way. It has the potential to be a very emotional read.
Kate Hewitt writes characters her readers connect with and care about.
She also hits hard with life altering events. Whether or not everything is wrapped up neatly at the end of one book, the reader has a satisfied feeling and a renewed sense of hope.
July 16, 2018
I really loved this book. I loved the flow of the story. I loved how with the title you expected one thing but in this first chapter it completely changes. I liked how real all the characters are. They have real life problems and are dealing with them like I would. I love when I can really relate to not just the main character but the others ones also. I felt like it was really down to earth. I enjoyed Rachel’s relationship with all her sister’s. I thought Sam was just adorable. And the fact he took his nephews in. I mean that really shows what kind of man he is no matter what his past is. I thought it was so cute how Sam and Rachel met. Even though Rachel is the main character I felt like the author did pretty much all the characters in the book justice. I love when two people just have that instant spark. And they always try to be friends first which never ends well. The author really knows how to make you feel for each character large or small and I appreciate that! I would definitely read another book by this author.
August 1, 2018
I didn't take me long to settle back into this series. It all felt so familiar and it was great to see where the whole family had got to. Each of the sisters has their own distinct story to tell and Rachel's story is just as revealing about what makes her tick. Rachel has to come to terms with what is really important to her happiness and comes to discover quite a bit about herself as the story progresses.
Just as in the previous novels in the series, there are some serious issues behind the romance and idyllic village settings. The long range effects of a broken childhood, and glimpses of childhood where the family unit is disrupted and lacking, open Rachel's eyes to other people's life chances. Not that everything in Rachel's childhood has been without flaws, and she comes to understand how a tragic occurence in her family has affected her deeply in ways she had not realised.
In short: Full of romance but with a sharp edge and life lessons learned.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
Just as in the previous novels in the series, there are some serious issues behind the romance and idyllic village settings. The long range effects of a broken childhood, and glimpses of childhood where the family unit is disrupted and lacking, open Rachel's eyes to other people's life chances. Not that everything in Rachel's childhood has been without flaws, and she comes to understand how a tragic occurence in her family has affected her deeply in ways she had not realised.
In short: Full of romance but with a sharp edge and life lessons learned.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
August 8, 2018
The magical thing about the Holley books is that each sister, despite her unique traits and personality, is astruggling with something that seems so relatable and understandable. While reading Rachel's story, I frequently found myself thinking "I feel the same way!" and linking difficulties in my own relationship history with hers. But, thinking back, I know I felt the same way when reading Anna and Esther's stories as well. With a gentle, cozy touch, Kate Hewitt has taken the things that we all struggle with and mistakenly think that we are alone in and shown that, even with a wonderful family to rely on and a wonderful community to live in, no one is immune to these common human problems. We are all trying to figure life out and can often use a hefty dose of compassion, patience and understanding - from ourselves as well as from others. I really did enjoy Rachel's story and am looking forward with a mix of anticipation and dread to reading the last book in the series and to learning Miriam's full tale.
August 2, 2018
The book is a tad slow on the onset, laying the ground work of describing characters and the main character, Rachel Holley’s, predicament but is good once all the initial details are done.
Rachel is dumped on the eve of her wedding to Dan because he knows she does not truly and deeply love him. She is left to rearrange her life because there will be no new husband and no new home. Luckily, and after enduring some time in her parent’s former home, she finds a flat to rent over a pub in the town. The owner, Sam West, finds himself in a new situation-guardian for his troubled third grade nephew, Nathan, who is also Rachel’s new student. She comes to Sam’s rescue several times becoming closer to both Sam and Nathan. Complications and troubles arise to put a monkey wrench in their relationship but it all has a chance to work out in the end.
Rachel is dumped on the eve of her wedding to Dan because he knows she does not truly and deeply love him. She is left to rearrange her life because there will be no new husband and no new home. Luckily, and after enduring some time in her parent’s former home, she finds a flat to rent over a pub in the town. The owner, Sam West, finds himself in a new situation-guardian for his troubled third grade nephew, Nathan, who is also Rachel’s new student. She comes to Sam’s rescue several times becoming closer to both Sam and Nathan. Complications and troubles arise to put a monkey wrench in their relationship but it all has a chance to work out in the end.
July 19, 2018
This Series is really a great read!
Ah yes! This is the third book in the Holley Sisters series and boy do I ever need tissues when I read these books. Rachel's wedding is called off right after the practice the night before the wedding by the groom. But some of the sisters aren't surprised ( or this reader). I love reading this book it 's so well written and thought out. Rachel is a teacher and she has a big heart that doesn't stop when the school bell rings. Wonderful catching up with favorite characters from last books in this series and looking forward to the last sister's book as well. I really enjoyed this taste of the uk .
Ah yes! This is the third book in the Holley Sisters series and boy do I ever need tissues when I read these books. Rachel's wedding is called off right after the practice the night before the wedding by the groom. But some of the sisters aren't surprised ( or this reader). I love reading this book it 's so well written and thought out. Rachel is a teacher and she has a big heart that doesn't stop when the school bell rings. Wonderful catching up with favorite characters from last books in this series and looking forward to the last sister's book as well. I really enjoyed this taste of the uk .
September 23, 2018
Recently this year I was introduced to the writings of Kate Hewitt and I am now truly a fan. Another installment of the Holley sisters. The night before Dan and Rachel’s wedding the groom tells Rachel he doesn’t think she loves him. She hesitates and it becomes more apparent she is in love with being married but not head over heels in love with her fiancé. Coming to grips with reality she must face life and find direction. Just like the previous books in this series, I enjoyed the story. Good choice to read.
July 18, 2018
I never read any book by this author and this came as a wonderful surprise.
It's more women's fiction than romance and there's a lot of food for thought.
I loved the cast of characters and the evolution in the heroine mindsetting. I loved the plot that get me hooked since the beginning.
I look forward to reading the other books in this series and the next instalment.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Tule Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC
It's more women's fiction than romance and there's a lot of food for thought.
I loved the cast of characters and the evolution in the heroine mindsetting. I loved the plot that get me hooked since the beginning.
I look forward to reading the other books in this series and the next instalment.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Tule Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC
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