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Wildflower Park #1
Build Me Up Buttercup
Escape to Wildflower Park with Part One of a brand new four-part serial from bestselling author Bella Osborne.
Life’s not always a walk in the park…
When Anna is dumped by her fiancé, she moves in to her own place on the edge of the gorgeous Wildflower Park and pledges to stay off men and focus on her career, but a handsome new colleague seems to thwart her attempts at every turn. And when she receives an accidental text from a mystery man, could it be the new start she needs? Or someone she really shouldn't be falling for?
Anna’s neighbour Sophie is a stressed-out mum-of-two with a third on the way. Her husband is a constant frustration, and their children are a regular source of newly-invented swear words and unidentifiable sticky surfaces.
Luckily, Anna and Sophie have each other – and Wildflower Park proves to be a sanctuary as they map out a path to find the happiness they both deserve…
Fantastically funny, this irresistibly heart-warming novel will charm fans of Milly Johnson and Jill Mansell.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2018
47 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 9, 2019
4☆ Full of Warmth, Charm and Intrigue.
This is the first part to a new series, but it does end on a fab clifhanger, which I'm thankful I already have part 2 to delve straight into, so i don't have to wait too long.
I adore Bella Osborne's books, so as soon as I see this new series I couldn't wait to read it.
As this book is nice and short I don't really want to give anything away for risk of spoiling it.
The first part of the series is very much character driven, as Bella introduces her characters and builds up their backstories.
The two main characters are Anna and Sophie. Both best friends and co workers.
Anna is recently single, when her ex fiancé Liam ends it with her.
Sophie is married with children. But also pregnant and fed up with her hubby who never shows her attention or affection.
After her relationship collapse with Liam, Anna finds herself moving into a lovely place which is part of Wildflower Park a gated community park that's stunning. I really wish I could visit.
One character I haven't mentioned is the adorable fur Baby Maurice.... who Anna rescued/ adopted, as she hated being alone. But in adopting Maurice, she also made a new friend in Bert who was his previous owner now in a care home. Their budding friendship touched my heart.
There are some exciting characters so far, a potential budding relationship, an annoying ex, a fantastic friendship, cheeky children, plenty of fun & Antics, a mystery admirer, a handsome new boss, a gorgeous location, some hilarious laugh out loud moments and a gorgeous fur Baby who is bigger than your average cat.
Not bad for the first instalment!
Already I feel like the characters have become friends.
Bella's writing style is lovely, full of warmth and charm. She has written a wonderfully compelling plot with an engrossing clifhanger, exciting twists, witty, fun, with loveable characters.
Wildflower Park has so much potential for a fantastic series.
It's a quick and pleasant read, full of warmth, charm and intrigue.
Oh and not forgetting to mention.... just how quaint and pretty is this cover!!... it's adorable!
If you enjoy stories That are split into parts, which are Heartwarming, funny, exciting with great characters, then you will want to give Wildflower Park - Build Me Up Buttercup (part 1) a read.
I am so excited to see what Bella has in-store for the next instalment.
Enjoy!
Thank you to Avon books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
This is the first part to a new series, but it does end on a fab clifhanger, which I'm thankful I already have part 2 to delve straight into, so i don't have to wait too long.
I adore Bella Osborne's books, so as soon as I see this new series I couldn't wait to read it.
As this book is nice and short I don't really want to give anything away for risk of spoiling it.
The first part of the series is very much character driven, as Bella introduces her characters and builds up their backstories.
The two main characters are Anna and Sophie. Both best friends and co workers.
Anna is recently single, when her ex fiancé Liam ends it with her.
Sophie is married with children. But also pregnant and fed up with her hubby who never shows her attention or affection.
After her relationship collapse with Liam, Anna finds herself moving into a lovely place which is part of Wildflower Park a gated community park that's stunning. I really wish I could visit.
One character I haven't mentioned is the adorable fur Baby Maurice.... who Anna rescued/ adopted, as she hated being alone. But in adopting Maurice, she also made a new friend in Bert who was his previous owner now in a care home. Their budding friendship touched my heart.
There are some exciting characters so far, a potential budding relationship, an annoying ex, a fantastic friendship, cheeky children, plenty of fun & Antics, a mystery admirer, a handsome new boss, a gorgeous location, some hilarious laugh out loud moments and a gorgeous fur Baby who is bigger than your average cat.
Not bad for the first instalment!
Already I feel like the characters have become friends.
Bella's writing style is lovely, full of warmth and charm. She has written a wonderfully compelling plot with an engrossing clifhanger, exciting twists, witty, fun, with loveable characters.
Wildflower Park has so much potential for a fantastic series.
It's a quick and pleasant read, full of warmth, charm and intrigue.
Oh and not forgetting to mention.... just how quaint and pretty is this cover!!... it's adorable!
If you enjoy stories That are split into parts, which are Heartwarming, funny, exciting with great characters, then you will want to give Wildflower Park - Build Me Up Buttercup (part 1) a read.
I am so excited to see what Bella has in-store for the next instalment.
Enjoy!
Thank you to Avon books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
December 31, 2018
I always love Bella Osborne’s books and wish I had all instalments of this latest one to devour in one sitting. I have the first three- so I will catch up with the characters early in the New Year.
The books contain lots of humour, friendships, work woes and relationships past and present.
Anna is moving on from a relationship split and has a new home and her job is facing a new merge with fresh challenges. She also decides to get a cat- and Maurice is a lovely character. Anyone who has had to transport a cat ANYWHERE in the back of a vehicle will sympathise with her journey home from the rescue centre. We had one who hated every second of a trip in the car and wailed the whole time and another who would try to get in anyone’s car as soon as they opened the door to see where they were going.
I loved the team building exercise and was imagining all the activities they could have ended up with and thinking that the one they did sounded so different and could see it as a great one for building up the team spirit with a newly merged team.
I look forward to hearing more about Wildflower Park and how the story is going to pan out. I am interested to hear more from possible love interests!
The books contain lots of humour, friendships, work woes and relationships past and present.
Anna is moving on from a relationship split and has a new home and her job is facing a new merge with fresh challenges. She also decides to get a cat- and Maurice is a lovely character. Anyone who has had to transport a cat ANYWHERE in the back of a vehicle will sympathise with her journey home from the rescue centre. We had one who hated every second of a trip in the car and wailed the whole time and another who would try to get in anyone’s car as soon as they opened the door to see where they were going.
I loved the team building exercise and was imagining all the activities they could have ended up with and thinking that the one they did sounded so different and could see it as a great one for building up the team spirit with a newly merged team.
I look forward to hearing more about Wildflower Park and how the story is going to pan out. I am interested to hear more from possible love interests!
January 14, 2019
Oh my goodness, what a start to a series. Bella Osborne does a great job of introducing people and situations in her serialised novels that just leave you wanting more and this is no exception!
It was great to meet Anna at the beginning of this story, she's been hurt and she's vulnerable but that doesn't make her weak and also it doesn't mean that she's not a successful independent woman. I love love love best friend Sophie and I can't wait to see how she fares later down the line.
We have a few other characters who I think are going to make for excellent sub plots. We have met Bert who is in a retirement home and Anna's new friend. Anna also has a new mysterious friend who I am DYING to know more about. Then we have Hudson, from over the pond who is definitely going to shake things up and ruffle a few feathers!
The main setting for this series is wildflower park, the gated garden at the back of Anna and Sophie's homes and I can't wait to read more about this in future extracts. Then I have to mention the carrot that Bella leaves dangling at the end of this particular instalment, no spoilers here but I NEED to know what that is all about.
This is a strong start to a new series and I definitely recommend checking it out!
It was great to meet Anna at the beginning of this story, she's been hurt and she's vulnerable but that doesn't make her weak and also it doesn't mean that she's not a successful independent woman. I love love love best friend Sophie and I can't wait to see how she fares later down the line.
We have a few other characters who I think are going to make for excellent sub plots. We have met Bert who is in a retirement home and Anna's new friend. Anna also has a new mysterious friend who I am DYING to know more about. Then we have Hudson, from over the pond who is definitely going to shake things up and ruffle a few feathers!
The main setting for this series is wildflower park, the gated garden at the back of Anna and Sophie's homes and I can't wait to read more about this in future extracts. Then I have to mention the carrot that Bella leaves dangling at the end of this particular instalment, no spoilers here but I NEED to know what that is all about.
This is a strong start to a new series and I definitely recommend checking it out!
January 1, 2019
This novella is part 1 of a 4 part series set around Anna as she comes to terms with splitting up with her fiancée just a year before her wedding. She moves to a new flat on the edge of a pretty and peaceful communal garden known as Wildflower Park, to be near her best friend Sophie.
Anna starts to move on with her life. She gets a rescue cat. She starts a text flirtation with a stranger. She has a handsome new colleague at work and she is doing well moving on with her life until her ex fiancé is hired into her team at work.
This is a short read and I love the idea of telling the story in a series (I'm not sure if this is a trend I've missed or if it is a new thing). Osborne has the ability to capture true to life situations and the characters of Anna and Sophie are likeable and believable. I read this is one sitting and it ended on a cliff-hanger that had me hankering for more. I can't wait to read the next instalment!
Thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for providing me with a copy to review for the blog tour.
Anna starts to move on with her life. She gets a rescue cat. She starts a text flirtation with a stranger. She has a handsome new colleague at work and she is doing well moving on with her life until her ex fiancé is hired into her team at work.
This is a short read and I love the idea of telling the story in a series (I'm not sure if this is a trend I've missed or if it is a new thing). Osborne has the ability to capture true to life situations and the characters of Anna and Sophie are likeable and believable. I read this is one sitting and it ended on a cliff-hanger that had me hankering for more. I can't wait to read the next instalment!
Thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for providing me with a copy to review for the blog tour.
January 27, 2019
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
In part 1 we get introduced to the characters, their situation, as well as the setting.
The main characters are Anna and Sophie. Anna is dumped by her fiancé and moves to a new place in Wildflower Park. She wants to focus on her career, but that is not so easy. A handsome new colleague or a mystery man, well, well... Sophie is a mum of two and the third one is on the way, but her husband is no help at all.
I love how both of them are the main characters and their friendship is great to follow and read about.
In part 2 things are starting to heat up and make the story more exciting. Can’t wait to see where things are going now.
Bella Osborne managed to put in cliff-hangers and really build up the tension. Her writing is charming, entertaining and just lovely!
In part 1 we get introduced to the characters, their situation, as well as the setting.
The main characters are Anna and Sophie. Anna is dumped by her fiancé and moves to a new place in Wildflower Park. She wants to focus on her career, but that is not so easy. A handsome new colleague or a mystery man, well, well... Sophie is a mum of two and the third one is on the way, but her husband is no help at all.
I love how both of them are the main characters and their friendship is great to follow and read about.
In part 2 things are starting to heat up and make the story more exciting. Can’t wait to see where things are going now.
Bella Osborne managed to put in cliff-hangers and really build up the tension. Her writing is charming, entertaining and just lovely!
January 28, 2019
Oh wow! what a book! I was really looking forward to read the new book from Bella Osborne as I have reading her books for the past couple of years now and enjoyed every one of them. I am really excited about this new series of books "Wildflower Park". First book in the series is really good, I would say that it's even better than the previous book from Bella Osborne. It's a short book but so much is happening and it ends on a big mystery! I can't wait to read the second part now! If you are looking for a page turner book, this one is for you!!!
January 19, 2019
Loved this first installment in a brand new series. Loved the characters and can't wait to see where the story goes. Love this authors writing.
January 1, 2019
Wow what a brilliant start to this new series it's simply brilliant and has you hooked straight away and you want to read more to find out what happens. I really can't wait now for part two. It's full of starting over after a break up and living on the beautiful part of wildflower park. Some romance as well and friendship.
Anna has just split from her fiancée and moves to a place on the edge of a beautiful wildflower park and she's trying to settle down and is determined not to go near men again. She lives near her close friend Sophie who is a mother and expecting again and they work together but she's struggling as a mother and feels her husband is ignoring her. Anna is so set on not going near men but when a mystery man starts texting her how will she feel in herself will it turn her stomach and also when a man starts working with her at work how will Sophie react. Anna gets a cat to keep her company in the house and when she goes away on a bonding weekend with work and her ex is there as he's joining the company how will she react.
A brilliant read now want part two out.
Anna has just split from her fiancée and moves to a place on the edge of a beautiful wildflower park and she's trying to settle down and is determined not to go near men again. She lives near her close friend Sophie who is a mother and expecting again and they work together but she's struggling as a mother and feels her husband is ignoring her. Anna is so set on not going near men but when a mystery man starts texting her how will she feel in herself will it turn her stomach and also when a man starts working with her at work how will Sophie react. Anna gets a cat to keep her company in the house and when she goes away on a bonding weekend with work and her ex is there as he's joining the company how will she react.
A brilliant read now want part two out.
January 11, 2019
I have been a fan of Bella’s books for a little while now. I eagerly snatch up every book that she releases. Her latest release is the first part of the ‘Wildflower Park’ series and is called ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’. Oh my goodness I have just finished reading it and it truly is a blooming fantastic book. I absolutely loved it but more about that in a bit.
I couldn’t help but take to the characters of Anna and Sophie from the moment I ‘met’ them as it were. The main focus in this part of the book is Anna. What can I say about Anna? At the start of the book she is engaged to her boyfriend and she is busy planning the wedding when the mother of all bombshells is dropped on her and suddenly she is single again. I couldn’t help but want to leap inside the pages of the book to give her a reassuring hug at this point and to attack her now ex- boyfriend a few dozen times with a wet fish. Anna is kind, she is generous, she is funny, she is hard working and she is a fantastic friend to those she is close to. I could easily imagine sitting having a cup of tea with her and having a real good gossip. Anna is also compassionate and when she adopts a cat she ensures that she keeps in touch with the cat’s previous owner and visits him when she can. She forms a friendship with him. Anna does enjoy her work but she feels slightly unsettled when a new and energetic member of staff is parachuted into the company. I don’t really want to say too much more about Anna as I don’t want to give too much away. I could certainly see why Anna and Sophie have such a strong friendship. Sophie is a married mother of two with another on the way. I get the impression that she is feeling swamped by the demands of her home life and her family life. Little things that didn’t irritate her before, certainly get right on her nerves now. She is peeved at her husband because she doesn’t think that he is pulling his weight and she seems to be falling out of love with him. It’s safe to say that by the end of the book, I really did feel as though Anna and Sophie had become my friends and I couldn’t help but want the best for them.
Oh my word, ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ is definitely one of those books that gets under your skin in a good way right from the word go. As soon as I started to read the book, that was it I couldn’t put the book down and trying to part me from my Kindle was certainly a mission impossible. The book certainly makes for addictive reading. I was totally gripped throughout the book and the time certainly seemed to fly past. Before I realised what was happening, I had got to the end of the book. I hadn’t realised just how long I had been reading until I happened to glance at the clock. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat but not in this case because I was so into the book that I managed to shut out all other distractions and I even missed two episodes of my favourite television series (that’s NCIS Los Angeles in case anybody was wondering). All I can say is thank goodness for catch up television. Anyway I digress so back to the review I do go.
‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ is extremely well written, but then I find that all of Bella’s books are well written. She uses such vivid descriptions that I could easily feel as though I was part of the story. She clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in her writing. She describes Anna and Sophie so realistically that they seemed to come to life and jump out of the page at me. I had begin to think of them as friends and I felt naturally defensive of them. If anybody hurt or upset them then I wanted to leap inside the pages of the book to remonstrate with the culprit. In fact I am disappointed that Anna and Sophie aren’t real. The story ends with what you might call a ‘duff duff’ cliffhanger. (Think of the end of an episode of EastEnders when the ‘duff duffs’ start and you just know that you have to tune in later for the next instalment). I literally couldn’t wait to read the second part of the story called ‘Wildflower Park- Part Two: A Budding Romance’ and started reading it as soon as I finished the first part.
In short, I absolutely ADORED reading ‘Wildflower Park- Part One: Build Me Up Buttercup’ and I would definitely recommend that you read it. Bella Osborne is one of those authors that writes cracking stories with realistic characters and storylines. She is certainly on my list of ‘must read’ authors and ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ is right up there on my favourite reads of 2018 list. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board just has to be 5* out of 5*.
I couldn’t help but take to the characters of Anna and Sophie from the moment I ‘met’ them as it were. The main focus in this part of the book is Anna. What can I say about Anna? At the start of the book she is engaged to her boyfriend and she is busy planning the wedding when the mother of all bombshells is dropped on her and suddenly she is single again. I couldn’t help but want to leap inside the pages of the book to give her a reassuring hug at this point and to attack her now ex- boyfriend a few dozen times with a wet fish. Anna is kind, she is generous, she is funny, she is hard working and she is a fantastic friend to those she is close to. I could easily imagine sitting having a cup of tea with her and having a real good gossip. Anna is also compassionate and when she adopts a cat she ensures that she keeps in touch with the cat’s previous owner and visits him when she can. She forms a friendship with him. Anna does enjoy her work but she feels slightly unsettled when a new and energetic member of staff is parachuted into the company. I don’t really want to say too much more about Anna as I don’t want to give too much away. I could certainly see why Anna and Sophie have such a strong friendship. Sophie is a married mother of two with another on the way. I get the impression that she is feeling swamped by the demands of her home life and her family life. Little things that didn’t irritate her before, certainly get right on her nerves now. She is peeved at her husband because she doesn’t think that he is pulling his weight and she seems to be falling out of love with him. It’s safe to say that by the end of the book, I really did feel as though Anna and Sophie had become my friends and I couldn’t help but want the best for them.
Oh my word, ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ is definitely one of those books that gets under your skin in a good way right from the word go. As soon as I started to read the book, that was it I couldn’t put the book down and trying to part me from my Kindle was certainly a mission impossible. The book certainly makes for addictive reading. I was totally gripped throughout the book and the time certainly seemed to fly past. Before I realised what was happening, I had got to the end of the book. I hadn’t realised just how long I had been reading until I happened to glance at the clock. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat but not in this case because I was so into the book that I managed to shut out all other distractions and I even missed two episodes of my favourite television series (that’s NCIS Los Angeles in case anybody was wondering). All I can say is thank goodness for catch up television. Anyway I digress so back to the review I do go.
‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ is extremely well written, but then I find that all of Bella’s books are well written. She uses such vivid descriptions that I could easily feel as though I was part of the story. She clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in her writing. She describes Anna and Sophie so realistically that they seemed to come to life and jump out of the page at me. I had begin to think of them as friends and I felt naturally defensive of them. If anybody hurt or upset them then I wanted to leap inside the pages of the book to remonstrate with the culprit. In fact I am disappointed that Anna and Sophie aren’t real. The story ends with what you might call a ‘duff duff’ cliffhanger. (Think of the end of an episode of EastEnders when the ‘duff duffs’ start and you just know that you have to tune in later for the next instalment). I literally couldn’t wait to read the second part of the story called ‘Wildflower Park- Part Two: A Budding Romance’ and started reading it as soon as I finished the first part.
In short, I absolutely ADORED reading ‘Wildflower Park- Part One: Build Me Up Buttercup’ and I would definitely recommend that you read it. Bella Osborne is one of those authors that writes cracking stories with realistic characters and storylines. She is certainly on my list of ‘must read’ authors and ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ is right up there on my favourite reads of 2018 list. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board just has to be 5* out of 5*.
January 8, 2019
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Omg I love this series already!!!! What with ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ being part one of the new series, the instalments aren’t very long so, if you’re after a quick read to tickle your tastebuds – this would be ideal! Bella Osborne’s new series is split into multiple parts before the full length novel gets published later on in the year. Thankfully there isn’t too long to wait between each part!
I’ll keep this review sweet as I don’t wish to ruin this novella sized read for anyone, but can I just say that I have a feeling that this will be Bella Osborne’s best work to date. The humour in the story was incredible! I couldn’t stop laughing at the brilliant one liners written in at exactly the right time. Sophie and Anna, the two main characters, are very chalk and cheese and what one ‘lacks’, the other one certainly makes up for. Personally, there were things about both of them which I liked and disliked, but Sophie’s whinging aggravated me the most.
I thought that this first instalment was a fantastic way of starting a new series – there’s drama, humour, romance, lack of romance, questionable work colleagues and children who make you cringe whilst laughing hysterically. What more could anyone want?
Yes this read is short, however it packs more than the intended punch. I am addicted already!!!
Omg I love this series already!!!! What with ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ being part one of the new series, the instalments aren’t very long so, if you’re after a quick read to tickle your tastebuds – this would be ideal! Bella Osborne’s new series is split into multiple parts before the full length novel gets published later on in the year. Thankfully there isn’t too long to wait between each part!
I’ll keep this review sweet as I don’t wish to ruin this novella sized read for anyone, but can I just say that I have a feeling that this will be Bella Osborne’s best work to date. The humour in the story was incredible! I couldn’t stop laughing at the brilliant one liners written in at exactly the right time. Sophie and Anna, the two main characters, are very chalk and cheese and what one ‘lacks’, the other one certainly makes up for. Personally, there were things about both of them which I liked and disliked, but Sophie’s whinging aggravated me the most.
I thought that this first instalment was a fantastic way of starting a new series – there’s drama, humour, romance, lack of romance, questionable work colleagues and children who make you cringe whilst laughing hysterically. What more could anyone want?
Yes this read is short, however it packs more than the intended punch. I am addicted already!!!
April 8, 2025
Each part is a tiny novella that will not work on its own. Prior knowledge makes the story tick even if each part comes with its own little background information.
The story is of Anna who has chosen a home of her own and imagined a future in it. Her ideas on what they are does not exactly come to pass. There are more than a few hurdles strewn in her path. In this first part, she is adjusting to her new life and a complication is added at work with her having to work with the added changes. Her friend Sophie is frustrated with her life and Anna is a good sounding board but does not understand the levels of her frustration.
Although the tale is pretty realistic, it took me a while to warm up to the characters and since each part takes about one to two hours to read, I did not get the chance to bond. Personally, I like to see evidence of relationships and dynamics among the people instead of it being part of the narration, but that would probably be just me. It is a light-hearted read with some hidden heavier secrets that are held close with only hints being provided to us.
I look forward to finding out what they are in the last book.
The story is of Anna who has chosen a home of her own and imagined a future in it. Her ideas on what they are does not exactly come to pass. There are more than a few hurdles strewn in her path. In this first part, she is adjusting to her new life and a complication is added at work with her having to work with the added changes. Her friend Sophie is frustrated with her life and Anna is a good sounding board but does not understand the levels of her frustration.
Although the tale is pretty realistic, it took me a while to warm up to the characters and since each part takes about one to two hours to read, I did not get the chance to bond. Personally, I like to see evidence of relationships and dynamics among the people instead of it being part of the narration, but that would probably be just me. It is a light-hearted read with some hidden heavier secrets that are held close with only hints being provided to us.
I look forward to finding out what they are in the last book.
January 22, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When Anna is dumped by her fiance, she moves to a home on the edge of Wildflower Park and befriends neighbor mum and coworker, Sophie. From work stress, to husband drama, to mysterious text messages , the two women strengthen a bond that makes for a sweet serialized novel that is nice and cozy for the winter season.
Liked: characters (minus Sophie's husband), Wildflower Park (more house and park descriptions please), the budding friendship between Anna and Bert, the mystery element, the cliffhanger, the fun of a serialized novel in general
Disliked: nothing, really. It was a pleasant read - the literary version of a good cup of tea and a blanket. I have been enjoying comfy Brit novels as of late, and this one hit the spot.
When Anna is dumped by her fiance, she moves to a home on the edge of Wildflower Park and befriends neighbor mum and coworker, Sophie. From work stress, to husband drama, to mysterious text messages , the two women strengthen a bond that makes for a sweet serialized novel that is nice and cozy for the winter season.
Liked: characters (minus Sophie's husband), Wildflower Park (more house and park descriptions please), the budding friendship between Anna and Bert, the mystery element, the cliffhanger, the fun of a serialized novel in general
Disliked: nothing, really. It was a pleasant read - the literary version of a good cup of tea and a blanket. I have been enjoying comfy Brit novels as of late, and this one hit the spot.
February 15, 2019
When Anna gets dumped by her fiance she moves into lovely flat on the edge of wildflower park, which comes with access to the park, she feels settled straight away. Her friend and work colleague Sophie lives there as well with her husband and children. If it was about for the annoying new work colleague over from the US life would be great!
Already loving this new story from Bella Osborne this first part sets the scene nicely and introduces the main characters so looking forward to the next part
Already loving this new story from Bella Osborne this first part sets the scene nicely and introduces the main characters so looking forward to the next part
November 21, 2018
How annoying this book is only part one, a great story, believable characters and, wham, a cliffhanger note to self ‘wait to read whole book’ I’m so impatient but can’t wait for part 2. Anna has been dumped, this is her story on the road to possibly new love, and a tricky one it is too!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
January 3, 2019
I do <3 Bella Osborne's books! This one did not disappoint :c)
Lots of ups and downs...a wonderfully fat cat...unexpected friendships...and a wicked cliff-hanger!!!
If you enjoy #ChickLit as much as I do don't miss this one!
Lots of ups and downs...a wonderfully fat cat...unexpected friendships...and a wicked cliff-hanger!!!
If you enjoy #ChickLit as much as I do don't miss this one!
August 15, 2019
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I have a few books by this author on my TBR pile and this one perfectly fit one of the prompts for the N.E.W.T.' s Readathon so I bumped it to the top and dived in. This book is part 1 of 4. It's only 90 pages so you can easily read it in one or two sittings. I read it over two evenings after work.
This story follows Anna after she is unceremoniously dumped by her fiance Liam. I'm just gonna be honest and say Liam is a grade-A prick. I could not stand him. He was so casual about breaking off their wedding and the two-year relationship prior. When we delve in a bit more we also find out how lazy his proposal was. I wish Anna had seen what he was like. I was glad she saw him for what he was quite quickly and wasn't pining after him.
Anna buys a flat near her friend Sophie which comes with access to a private park. I love this idea. The park sounds beautiful and has a real community feel.
This is a great introduction to this series. Bella creates a vibrant setting and a great array of characters. From best friend Sophie, her husband Dave and two children Arlo and Petal to the rather swoony Hudson who's from across the pond. We learn all about these characters and while this book might only be 90 pages now one of those are wasted.
Bella leaves us with a real cliff hanger at the end of this book, so much so I had to immediately start part 2. I am glad I already had it didn't have to wait months for it.
This story follows Anna after she is unceremoniously dumped by her fiance Liam. I'm just gonna be honest and say Liam is a grade-A prick. I could not stand him. He was so casual about breaking off their wedding and the two-year relationship prior. When we delve in a bit more we also find out how lazy his proposal was. I wish Anna had seen what he was like. I was glad she saw him for what he was quite quickly and wasn't pining after him.
Anna buys a flat near her friend Sophie which comes with access to a private park. I love this idea. The park sounds beautiful and has a real community feel.
This is a great introduction to this series. Bella creates a vibrant setting and a great array of characters. From best friend Sophie, her husband Dave and two children Arlo and Petal to the rather swoony Hudson who's from across the pond. We learn all about these characters and while this book might only be 90 pages now one of those are wasted.
Bella leaves us with a real cliff hanger at the end of this book, so much so I had to immediately start part 2. I am glad I already had it didn't have to wait months for it.
June 12, 2023
Book 1 of a 4 part book series. Note to readers, you can either read this as a 4 part book series like I’m going to or there is a full length novel which includes all of the 4 parts should you prefer to read it in that format.
Great start to the series, enjoyed getting to know the characters especially main character of Anna who is really likeable and is clearly a very good friend to Sophie. I feel for Sophie, Mum of 2 with another one on the way, working full time and having to look at house and kids pretty much on her own with not a lot of help from her husband, not surprised she’s almost at breaking point. Really do hope things improve for her as we go into book 2 of the series.
Loving the mystery man that is texting Anna, can’t wait to see how that pans out.
Finally, my favourite part was the introduction to Maurice, the big fat ginger cat, he sounds absolutely adorable and a right character to boot. I can’t wait to see more of him in book 2.
Right without further ado, I’m heading straight into part 2 of the series.
Great start to the series, enjoyed getting to know the characters especially main character of Anna who is really likeable and is clearly a very good friend to Sophie. I feel for Sophie, Mum of 2 with another one on the way, working full time and having to look at house and kids pretty much on her own with not a lot of help from her husband, not surprised she’s almost at breaking point. Really do hope things improve for her as we go into book 2 of the series.
Loving the mystery man that is texting Anna, can’t wait to see how that pans out.
Finally, my favourite part was the introduction to Maurice, the big fat ginger cat, he sounds absolutely adorable and a right character to boot. I can’t wait to see more of him in book 2.
Right without further ado, I’m heading straight into part 2 of the series.
December 31, 2018
enjoyed part one need to wait on next one
January 17, 2019
Part 1
A great and interesting start to the story. A relationship break down and a new beginning. But Anna soon finds her past interfering with the present.
A great and interesting start to the story. A relationship break down and a new beginning. But Anna soon finds her past interfering with the present.
November 26, 2019
Great read
Another great book from Bella Osborne. Totally believeable characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series
Another great book from Bella Osborne. Totally believeable characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series
June 15, 2020
liked this book
August 12, 2022
Storyline was ok but this is very short and you need to purchase all 4 parts to get the whole story.
January 12, 2019
Build Me Up Buttercup is the first in a new series from Bella Osborne called Wildflower Park. It's a quick read but none the less a lovely gentle introduction to what promises to be another interesting, engaging and heart warming story from an author whose books I always look forward to reading. Book one has such a stunning and inviting cover that instantly makes you feel that Wildflower Park is a special place where people can come to relax and unite and share their problems. It is a sanctuary where the characters can offload their worries and hopefully plot a path to happiness and resolution. It's a story about friendship and love and how we cope and deal with what our lives throw at us and how our two main characters Anna and her friend Sophie respond to what is in store for them will set them up in either a good or bad way for many years to come.
Until recently Anna was happily engaged to Liam and due to get married in a year's time. Anna has made a cake to celebrate the fact that in twelve months time their loving union will be cemented. Unfortunately Liam has vastly different ideas and using that phrase that has been uttered countless times before, and one that no woman wishes to hear, he announces he needs a break. Really this term is used too freely and people just want to hear the truth not lies or glossing over something in an attempt to ease the pain on whom they are inflicting this news.
'I mean a break from each other. And that was it. Her engagement, her future, her neat little life unravelled by one sentence'. Thankfully Anna is not one to have the wool pulled over her eyes and she realises said break will turn into something permanent but she is disgusted and heartbroken that two years of her life have been wasted on Liam. What is it with her that she always seems to pick the bad apple, the commitment phobe who strings her along? 'She was beginning to think she was either a serial monogamist or she was destined never to find the one'.
As we begin to get to know Anna that little bit more we can see she is disappointed that things have turned out the way they have but she can't remain downtrodden forever. She isn't permanently put off men but maybe now was the chance to prove she could go it alone and that she didn't need a man for back up? She could manage perfectly well on her own but the question arose in my mind if a new man came knocking would she be willing to take that leap of faith given how badly bruised she had been in the recent past? Anna makes the move to a new area which is close to her friend Sophie. Walmsley has Wildflower Park at its doorstep, an old manor house was knocked down and when the larger houses that remained clubbed together to buy the gardens they created the park which can only be accessed by a key if you are a resident. It's a community project where flowers and bees have been introduced, a haven for wildlife and humans alike. The park didn't play a major role in this first part of the series but I can tell it will have a significant forbearing on what is to come in the future.
Anna feels she has made the right decision to move to the area and maybe this will help her in the healing process and kick start her new attitude to both life and romance. The same can't be said for her work life as a new project manager rubs her up the wrong way and puts her off plan and out of her comfort zone. I'm interested to see how this strand of the story will develop as I can see tension and sparks oozing from the pages already. Also an accidental text really upped my interest levels and I wanted to know much much more than was revealed but given there are three more parts to this series there is plenty of time for that to occur.
As for Sophie she is a character I haven't yet warmed too but maybe that will change in future parts. She is married to Dave and has two children with number three on the way. To my mind she did an awful lot of complaining and didn't seem happy with her lot at all. She feels overwhelmed and undervalued and I thought really? Sit Dave down and give him a good talking to if you aren't that happy, stop the moaning to Anna and whoever and do something about it. Take action instead of constant grumbling. I understood she felt Dave had a total lack of consideration when it came to doing things around the house and being supportive but had she allowed him to get away with things for too long. Hopefully Sophie will gather herself together and start the process of turning her life around to the way she wants it to be.
This was a lovely introduction to what I feel is going to be another great series from Bella Osborne. Despite its short length I really got a feel for the characters and setting. Plenty of conundrums and problems have been set up and I look forward to seeing how they are developed and will Anna and Sophie both find the contentment they seek or is there more twists and turns and shocks to come. Part Two A Budding Romance arrives in February and I am eager to discover what happens next.
Until recently Anna was happily engaged to Liam and due to get married in a year's time. Anna has made a cake to celebrate the fact that in twelve months time their loving union will be cemented. Unfortunately Liam has vastly different ideas and using that phrase that has been uttered countless times before, and one that no woman wishes to hear, he announces he needs a break. Really this term is used too freely and people just want to hear the truth not lies or glossing over something in an attempt to ease the pain on whom they are inflicting this news.
'I mean a break from each other. And that was it. Her engagement, her future, her neat little life unravelled by one sentence'. Thankfully Anna is not one to have the wool pulled over her eyes and she realises said break will turn into something permanent but she is disgusted and heartbroken that two years of her life have been wasted on Liam. What is it with her that she always seems to pick the bad apple, the commitment phobe who strings her along? 'She was beginning to think she was either a serial monogamist or she was destined never to find the one'.
As we begin to get to know Anna that little bit more we can see she is disappointed that things have turned out the way they have but she can't remain downtrodden forever. She isn't permanently put off men but maybe now was the chance to prove she could go it alone and that she didn't need a man for back up? She could manage perfectly well on her own but the question arose in my mind if a new man came knocking would she be willing to take that leap of faith given how badly bruised she had been in the recent past? Anna makes the move to a new area which is close to her friend Sophie. Walmsley has Wildflower Park at its doorstep, an old manor house was knocked down and when the larger houses that remained clubbed together to buy the gardens they created the park which can only be accessed by a key if you are a resident. It's a community project where flowers and bees have been introduced, a haven for wildlife and humans alike. The park didn't play a major role in this first part of the series but I can tell it will have a significant forbearing on what is to come in the future.
Anna feels she has made the right decision to move to the area and maybe this will help her in the healing process and kick start her new attitude to both life and romance. The same can't be said for her work life as a new project manager rubs her up the wrong way and puts her off plan and out of her comfort zone. I'm interested to see how this strand of the story will develop as I can see tension and sparks oozing from the pages already. Also an accidental text really upped my interest levels and I wanted to know much much more than was revealed but given there are three more parts to this series there is plenty of time for that to occur.
As for Sophie she is a character I haven't yet warmed too but maybe that will change in future parts. She is married to Dave and has two children with number three on the way. To my mind she did an awful lot of complaining and didn't seem happy with her lot at all. She feels overwhelmed and undervalued and I thought really? Sit Dave down and give him a good talking to if you aren't that happy, stop the moaning to Anna and whoever and do something about it. Take action instead of constant grumbling. I understood she felt Dave had a total lack of consideration when it came to doing things around the house and being supportive but had she allowed him to get away with things for too long. Hopefully Sophie will gather herself together and start the process of turning her life around to the way she wants it to be.
This was a lovely introduction to what I feel is going to be another great series from Bella Osborne. Despite its short length I really got a feel for the characters and setting. Plenty of conundrums and problems have been set up and I look forward to seeing how they are developed and will Anna and Sophie both find the contentment they seek or is there more twists and turns and shocks to come. Part Two A Budding Romance arrives in February and I am eager to discover what happens next.
December 15, 2018
Oh how lovely it was to be reading a novel by Bella Osborne again! I love her novels, they're so witty and enjoyable. They're also really easy and heartwarming to read so I was so happy when I saw this one pop up on Netgalley. I love the cover of Bella's new novella's. They're cosy, I love the bright colours, the colourful houses and flowers and the cute little pond with the ducks. It's all very cute and draws you.
Now onto the actual story! There isn't too much that happens in this one, but it's left on a great cliffhanger that I just know will build up and I can't wait to read about what happens! The story follows two main characters, best friends Sophie and Anna. Two completely different people. Anna is single, and just broken up with her ex-fiance. She's just moved into a new flat which backs on to Wildflower Park. A lot of the book is spent where Anna is at work, but I enjoyed this as with Anna it's based around her colleagues. She has to work beside new American worker Hudson and whilst she finds him annoying, she also finds him a bit attractive.
Then there's Sophie, and Anna isn't the only one who finds Hudson attractive! Whilst Sophie is pregnant with her third baby, she is feeling really unappreciated with her husband and starts to fantasise about Hudson. She's really struggling with being a mum to Arlo and Petal and says to Anna that she needs to get away. There's loads of potential with Sophie's story and I can't wait to read more about her! I think I preferred Sophie's character to Anna but I enjoyed reading about both of them.
Overall, not a bad start. It has loads of potential with being an amazing story (and I know it will be!) and I can't wait to read the next one in the series to find out what happens next! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
Now onto the actual story! There isn't too much that happens in this one, but it's left on a great cliffhanger that I just know will build up and I can't wait to read about what happens! The story follows two main characters, best friends Sophie and Anna. Two completely different people. Anna is single, and just broken up with her ex-fiance. She's just moved into a new flat which backs on to Wildflower Park. A lot of the book is spent where Anna is at work, but I enjoyed this as with Anna it's based around her colleagues. She has to work beside new American worker Hudson and whilst she finds him annoying, she also finds him a bit attractive.
Then there's Sophie, and Anna isn't the only one who finds Hudson attractive! Whilst Sophie is pregnant with her third baby, she is feeling really unappreciated with her husband and starts to fantasise about Hudson. She's really struggling with being a mum to Arlo and Petal and says to Anna that she needs to get away. There's loads of potential with Sophie's story and I can't wait to read more about her! I think I preferred Sophie's character to Anna but I enjoyed reading about both of them.
Overall, not a bad start. It has loads of potential with being an amazing story (and I know it will be!) and I can't wait to read the next one in the series to find out what happens next! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
January 9, 2019
Anna and Liam have exactly one year to go until they get married! That is until Liam decides they need to take a break. Anna moves into her own place, right next to a communal park, Wildflower Park, which is shared by some of the local houses. Along with her neighbour, work colleague and friend, Sophie, they use exclusive Wildflower Park as a sanctuary when they both need some “time-out”, which lately seems to be all the time. Receiving an accidental text from a mystery man, Anna finds herself replying, and finds that, although she has no idea who he is, she really rather likes him!
This is part one of a brand new series by this author. It is part of a 4 part serialisation, and whilst some may find that these little novella sized instalments are not for them, I have grown to love them as they are ideal to pick up and finish all in the space of a couple of hours! Before I start to delve into what the book was like I just want to point out, just in case you hadn’t noticed, how wonderful the cover of this book is! This author’s books all have beautifully designed front covers, which honestly could be used as prints to hang on your wall. They are simply stunning and if the blurb didn’t attract you to read this book, then the cover certainly will.
Anyway, I love this author’s work so was very excited, to say the least, when I saw this book was available to read! Anna and Sophie are the main female characters and they are just fabulous! Anna, having been dumped by her fiancé, obviously is having a difficult time. My heart went out for her when Liam came round to collect his things, until they both start arguing on who gets what friend and this just sets me off chuckling to myself. To be honest, from then on I don’t really stop until I get to the end of the book! Sophie is an absolute diamond, particularly with extra pregnancy hormones running rife through her making her just that little bit extra “sensitive”, especially with her poor husband! I love her child-friendly swear words, although I did think I was going to choke on my cup of tea when Sophie’s son, Arlo begins using his own non child-friendly ones! The love interest of the book is American, Hudson Jones, who is a newly appointment Project Manager at Anna and Sophie’s workplace (could that name sound any more American!) He does sound rather yummy but I’ll reserve judgement on him until I read another instalment or two!
On the whole the book was absolutely adorable! The writing was great, the characters are so likeable, the storyline is promising and it left me hanging on a cliff-hangar – what more could I ask for! The book got my interest right from page one, and once started I was hooked! It has the perfect amount of comedic effect, coupled with some heart-warming moments. Obviously this is the first part of a four-parter, so it is mainly an introduction of all the characters, but what a brilliant start to what looks like a fantastic series! I am literally on the edge of my seat waiting for the next instalment to carry on the story! More please!!
This is part one of a brand new series by this author. It is part of a 4 part serialisation, and whilst some may find that these little novella sized instalments are not for them, I have grown to love them as they are ideal to pick up and finish all in the space of a couple of hours! Before I start to delve into what the book was like I just want to point out, just in case you hadn’t noticed, how wonderful the cover of this book is! This author’s books all have beautifully designed front covers, which honestly could be used as prints to hang on your wall. They are simply stunning and if the blurb didn’t attract you to read this book, then the cover certainly will.
Anyway, I love this author’s work so was very excited, to say the least, when I saw this book was available to read! Anna and Sophie are the main female characters and they are just fabulous! Anna, having been dumped by her fiancé, obviously is having a difficult time. My heart went out for her when Liam came round to collect his things, until they both start arguing on who gets what friend and this just sets me off chuckling to myself. To be honest, from then on I don’t really stop until I get to the end of the book! Sophie is an absolute diamond, particularly with extra pregnancy hormones running rife through her making her just that little bit extra “sensitive”, especially with her poor husband! I love her child-friendly swear words, although I did think I was going to choke on my cup of tea when Sophie’s son, Arlo begins using his own non child-friendly ones! The love interest of the book is American, Hudson Jones, who is a newly appointment Project Manager at Anna and Sophie’s workplace (could that name sound any more American!) He does sound rather yummy but I’ll reserve judgement on him until I read another instalment or two!
On the whole the book was absolutely adorable! The writing was great, the characters are so likeable, the storyline is promising and it left me hanging on a cliff-hangar – what more could I ask for! The book got my interest right from page one, and once started I was hooked! It has the perfect amount of comedic effect, coupled with some heart-warming moments. Obviously this is the first part of a four-parter, so it is mainly an introduction of all the characters, but what a brilliant start to what looks like a fantastic series! I am literally on the edge of my seat waiting for the next instalment to carry on the story! More please!!
January 6, 2019
If the weather outside is cold and grim and you are desperate for a book that will cheer you up and make you laugh out loud, then look no further than the first part in Bella Osborne’s breezy new serial, Wildflower Park: Build Me Up Buttercup.
When Anna had fallen head over heels in love with Liam, she thought that she had found the man of her dreams and the husband with whom she was going to be spending the rest of her life with. When he had proposed, Anna had been over the moon and had started planning her wedding in earnest – until all of her hopes and dreams were smashed to smithereens when Liam had calmly told her that he thought that they should go on a break. Anna cannot believe that Liam could treat her this way, especially when she thought that they were soulmates. Determined to make a fresh start and to write off relationships and affairs of the heart for good, Anna had bought a property on the edge of beautiful Wildflower Park close to where her best friend Sophie lives. All Anna wants to do is focus on her work and her friends, but she hadn’t counted on the added complication of her brand new colleague, confident American hotshot Hudson, who is infuriating, annoying and the sexiest man she has ever clapped eyes on! Will Anna’s stubborn resolve to stay resolutely single end up crumbling?
Sophie has got her own problems to deal with. Pregnant with her third child, Sophie feels like she is in a state of perpetual exhaustion! Her husband Dave is useless and when she is not busy juggling the demands of her job, she is frazzled trying to keep her household afloat. With the baby’s impending birth still months away, Sophie is looking forward to an exotic holiday with Dave and the two kids – however her clueless husband suggests that they would be better off enjoying the dubious delights of a holiday camp! For Sophie this feels like the last straw and she begins to wonder whether Dave is really the one who can make her happy…or whether she should look for new horizons elsewhere…
Hilarious, heartwarming and deliciously readable, Wildflower Park: Build Me Up Buttercup is a zesty-paced page-turner that is absolutely perfect for curling up with on a dismal January afternoon. Funny, flirty and wonderfully feel-good, Wildflower Park: Build Me Up Buttercup features two believable and richly drawn heroines you would love to have as best friends, witty dialogue, rib-tickling moments that will make you chuckle and nail-biting drama to keep you eagerly turning the pages.
Bella Osborne has got another winner on her hands with Wildflower Park: Build Me Up Buttercup and I simply cannot wait for Part 2!
When Anna had fallen head over heels in love with Liam, she thought that she had found the man of her dreams and the husband with whom she was going to be spending the rest of her life with. When he had proposed, Anna had been over the moon and had started planning her wedding in earnest – until all of her hopes and dreams were smashed to smithereens when Liam had calmly told her that he thought that they should go on a break. Anna cannot believe that Liam could treat her this way, especially when she thought that they were soulmates. Determined to make a fresh start and to write off relationships and affairs of the heart for good, Anna had bought a property on the edge of beautiful Wildflower Park close to where her best friend Sophie lives. All Anna wants to do is focus on her work and her friends, but she hadn’t counted on the added complication of her brand new colleague, confident American hotshot Hudson, who is infuriating, annoying and the sexiest man she has ever clapped eyes on! Will Anna’s stubborn resolve to stay resolutely single end up crumbling?
Sophie has got her own problems to deal with. Pregnant with her third child, Sophie feels like she is in a state of perpetual exhaustion! Her husband Dave is useless and when she is not busy juggling the demands of her job, she is frazzled trying to keep her household afloat. With the baby’s impending birth still months away, Sophie is looking forward to an exotic holiday with Dave and the two kids – however her clueless husband suggests that they would be better off enjoying the dubious delights of a holiday camp! For Sophie this feels like the last straw and she begins to wonder whether Dave is really the one who can make her happy…or whether she should look for new horizons elsewhere…
Hilarious, heartwarming and deliciously readable, Wildflower Park: Build Me Up Buttercup is a zesty-paced page-turner that is absolutely perfect for curling up with on a dismal January afternoon. Funny, flirty and wonderfully feel-good, Wildflower Park: Build Me Up Buttercup features two believable and richly drawn heroines you would love to have as best friends, witty dialogue, rib-tickling moments that will make you chuckle and nail-biting drama to keep you eagerly turning the pages.
Bella Osborne has got another winner on her hands with Wildflower Park: Build Me Up Buttercup and I simply cannot wait for Part 2!
December 22, 2018
The story revolves around two friends Anna and Sophie. Anna has just been dumped by her fiance and is looking for a fresh start and to focus on her career. She moves to a charming neighbourhood close to Wildflower Park, where her friend and colleague, Sophie lives.
Sophie is a married mom of two with a third baby on the way. Her kids are a constant source of stress—her husband, Dave is no help either and always irritates her. His nonchalant attitude makes her question if she really married the right man.
Enter Hudson, a charming, mysterious American and a new colleague who has been assigned to work with Anna on a project. Sophie thinks she has a huge crush on him. Or maybe it’s just her raging hormones. Anna disagrees with his ideas and they don’t get along. She can’t help rolling her eyes whenever Sophie brings him up in their conversation.
Their boss, Roberta assigns Anna and Hudson the task of organizing a team event for the staff to motivate them and strengthen their bond as a team. Shortly after the team arrive at the rustic farmhouse Anna arranged for their stay, Roberta shows up with a stranger. She introduces this newcomer to the team as a consultant will be working with them for the next three months. Anna is furious when she finds out this person is. Her anger is somewhat tempered by the fact that Hudson shares Anna sentiments and this somewhat clears the tension between them which they had when they first met.
But then there’s a cliffhanger—we are left with questions we hope will be answered in part two of this book. Not to mention her mystery texter who ends his messages with a C.
Wildflower Park is a fun read which I enjoyed immensely. I like the author’s writing style. The characters are realistic and believable. I liked the camaraderie between Anna and Sophie and I found the office drama and dialogues between the coworkers entertaining. I could easily picture myself in the office setting and the park. This is my first book by the author and I can’t wait to read the next instalment. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sophie is a married mom of two with a third baby on the way. Her kids are a constant source of stress—her husband, Dave is no help either and always irritates her. His nonchalant attitude makes her question if she really married the right man.
Enter Hudson, a charming, mysterious American and a new colleague who has been assigned to work with Anna on a project. Sophie thinks she has a huge crush on him. Or maybe it’s just her raging hormones. Anna disagrees with his ideas and they don’t get along. She can’t help rolling her eyes whenever Sophie brings him up in their conversation.
Their boss, Roberta assigns Anna and Hudson the task of organizing a team event for the staff to motivate them and strengthen their bond as a team. Shortly after the team arrive at the rustic farmhouse Anna arranged for their stay, Roberta shows up with a stranger. She introduces this newcomer to the team as a consultant will be working with them for the next three months. Anna is furious when she finds out this person is. Her anger is somewhat tempered by the fact that Hudson shares Anna sentiments and this somewhat clears the tension between them which they had when they first met.
But then there’s a cliffhanger—we are left with questions we hope will be answered in part two of this book. Not to mention her mystery texter who ends his messages with a C.
Wildflower Park is a fun read which I enjoyed immensely. I like the author’s writing style. The characters are realistic and believable. I liked the camaraderie between Anna and Sophie and I found the office drama and dialogues between the coworkers entertaining. I could easily picture myself in the office setting and the park. This is my first book by the author and I can’t wait to read the next instalment. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2018
I loved it. I was a big fan of the Ottercombe Bay Series, so I thought I would give this book a try and it did not disappoint. After the opening scene with the gruesome hedgehog cake with the demon eyes, I knew I would love the book. Of course, Maurice stole the show. Who doesn't love an enormous cat? My favorite part was Anna trying to transport Maurice home in a box. I can't imagine what the other drivers thought when they saw Maurice on Anna's lap as she tried to drive home.
Anna was recently dumped by her fiancé and finds her living by herself for the first time. Luckily she is only a few doors down from her best friend, Sophie, and her house backs up to a beautiful park. Anna adopts a very large cat and friends his previous owner, she also gets some strange texts from a mystery man that end up becoming flirty. While on an team building event, Anna gets quite the surprise and not the good kind. Sophie is pregnant with her third child. She feels overwhelmed, tired and not getting the help she needs from her husband. While on the team building event, Sophie blurts out a secret and runs out of the room. The book ends with the cliffhanger and now I can't wait to read the next part!!!!
I loved the story, writing style and characters. I absolutely love Anna and Sophie. Sophie's attempt at making an endangered animal costume overnight was hilarious. Weigh anchor was hilarious along with the pink panther costume. I can't wait to find out more about Bert.
Definitely recommend the book and can't wait to read the next part.
Thanks to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author, Bella Osborne, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
Anna was recently dumped by her fiancé and finds her living by herself for the first time. Luckily she is only a few doors down from her best friend, Sophie, and her house backs up to a beautiful park. Anna adopts a very large cat and friends his previous owner, she also gets some strange texts from a mystery man that end up becoming flirty. While on an team building event, Anna gets quite the surprise and not the good kind. Sophie is pregnant with her third child. She feels overwhelmed, tired and not getting the help she needs from her husband. While on the team building event, Sophie blurts out a secret and runs out of the room. The book ends with the cliffhanger and now I can't wait to read the next part!!!!
I loved the story, writing style and characters. I absolutely love Anna and Sophie. Sophie's attempt at making an endangered animal costume overnight was hilarious. Weigh anchor was hilarious along with the pink panther costume. I can't wait to find out more about Bert.
Definitely recommend the book and can't wait to read the next part.
Thanks to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author, Bella Osborne, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
January 11, 2019
The first thing I must mention is that I was so impressed by the way this book was written – the comedic moments sparkle, the dialogue cracks and fizzles, there’s a warmth around the emotional content, and the characters are really wonderfully drawn. I really enjoyed Anna’s friendship with Sophie – and I particularly loved the whole storyline around Maurice the cat and his former owner. Anna’s ex, Liam, shows his true colours for the umpteenth time, and the texts from a mystery man are a lovely touch, adding to the possibilities of Anna finding a happy ending. The only thing that I didn’t like quite as much was that there’s a fairly major focus on the world of work, and that’s rather a distant memory for me – although I must admit there was much I recognised about the conference call complete with individuals joining and leaving and the barking dog!
I’ll confess that I’m not the world’s biggest fan of the new trend of releasing books in episodes, each part ending in a cliffhanger – I find the whole experience a teeny bit frustrating, and I’d far prefer to sit down and read a whole book. But I know the author’s books are often released in this way, to the delight of her many fans – and I could see quite clearly why they keep coming back for more. This maybe just wasn’t quite the right book for me – but I really did like the writing, and I’ll certainly look forward to trying another by the author. But maybe a whole one next time…
I’ll confess that I’m not the world’s biggest fan of the new trend of releasing books in episodes, each part ending in a cliffhanger – I find the whole experience a teeny bit frustrating, and I’d far prefer to sit down and read a whole book. But I know the author’s books are often released in this way, to the delight of her many fans – and I could see quite clearly why they keep coming back for more. This maybe just wasn’t quite the right book for me – but I really did like the writing, and I’ll certainly look forward to trying another by the author. But maybe a whole one next time…
November 28, 2018
It's 'that' time of the year again. The time to celebrate, to open the prosecco, to deck the halls. Yes, it's time for the start of the new book from Bella Osborne!
Since breaking onto the scene a couple of years ago, Ms. Osborne's stories have been published in sections, a new approach to this reader, but an effective one. With the release of 'Wildflower Park - Part One', we have the latest in this line and now I am used to this format, I only have the frustration of waiting upon the next part.
This is the story of Anna and Sophie, friends at the same work place who have very different problems. Anna is lonely, frustrated that yet again, her love life has floundered, whilst Sophie is unhappy in her marriage. The arrival of an American called Hudson causes further complications for both work and in their personal lives.
Want to know more about the story? Read other reviews. The writing is, as is always the case with Ms Osborne, of top quality with her characters being sympathetic and well-rounded with everything ending here on a very intriguing cliffhanger.
If you've never read a novel of Ms Osborne's before, then...start at the very beginning, a very good place to start!
Since breaking onto the scene a couple of years ago, Ms. Osborne's stories have been published in sections, a new approach to this reader, but an effective one. With the release of 'Wildflower Park - Part One', we have the latest in this line and now I am used to this format, I only have the frustration of waiting upon the next part.
This is the story of Anna and Sophie, friends at the same work place who have very different problems. Anna is lonely, frustrated that yet again, her love life has floundered, whilst Sophie is unhappy in her marriage. The arrival of an American called Hudson causes further complications for both work and in their personal lives.
Want to know more about the story? Read other reviews. The writing is, as is always the case with Ms Osborne, of top quality with her characters being sympathetic and well-rounded with everything ending here on a very intriguing cliffhanger.
If you've never read a novel of Ms Osborne's before, then...start at the very beginning, a very good place to start!
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