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The Magic Of Ramblings
When Cassie accepts a job as companion to an old lady in a remote Lancashire village, she hopes for a quiet life where she can forget herself, her past and most especially men. The last thing she wants is to be drawn into saving a community that seems determined to take her to its heart and to resuscitate hers... Frances lives a reclusive life at Ramblings, a Victorian Gothic mansion. But her nephew Barney - whose medical career ended in scandal - is now staying too. He's suspicious of Cassie, especially when she starts to steal his rich aunt's affection and maybe his own too...
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First published September 8, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 27, 2017
I read this book very quickly. It was a light and easy read and not the usual type of book I would normally choose, but it was lent to me by a friend. I found it most predictable with no bite to it at all and in many ways because of this, quite frustrating. The usual misunderstandings between the star crossed lovers became tedious and seemed to go on and on when it is obvious who will end up with who and it will eventually "all come out in the wash" I felt that the main characters were exaggerated. The good ones were too good and the bad ones too bad. It all seemed very melodramatic and I would imagine it belongs to the genre - "chick-lits" with a bit of easy to work out mystery thrown in. The plot gave a continuing air of mystery yet again so predictable. It certainly doesn't give any grounds for thoughtfulness. Overall it was pleasant enough but quite forgettable. There were times especially near the end where I found myself skipping pages, just to get it finished. It is I feel, eminently suitable and the type of romance you would probably pick up to read on the plane or the beach if going on holiday. If you like this kind of book fair enough...but not for me. Too many books and so little time to read them all. This one will be going to the charity shop.
January 29, 2019
I loved this book!
It was recommended by Helena Fairfax. Another author whose books I love, so I was confident this would be a good read. I just didn’t realise quite how good.
Life has been tough recently, and I’ve really been struggling with my motivation to read. I’m still reading every day, but it has often been a struggle, and I’m finding it hard to connect with the characters. But I had none of that with this book. I fell in love with the story and the characters right from the start, and was dying to read more each time I had to put it down. I feel like this book came to me at just the right time.
The Magic of Ramblings is a tale of love, friendship, running away, new beginnings, believing in yourself and others again. I found this story so comforting and it left me full of hope.
This is definitely a book I recommend to anyone who loves romance and women’s fiction.
At the time of writing this review this book is still reduced to just 99p on Kindle.
It was recommended by Helena Fairfax. Another author whose books I love, so I was confident this would be a good read. I just didn’t realise quite how good.
Life has been tough recently, and I’ve really been struggling with my motivation to read. I’m still reading every day, but it has often been a struggle, and I’m finding it hard to connect with the characters. But I had none of that with this book. I fell in love with the story and the characters right from the start, and was dying to read more each time I had to put it down. I feel like this book came to me at just the right time.
The Magic of Ramblings is a tale of love, friendship, running away, new beginnings, believing in yourself and others again. I found this story so comforting and it left me full of hope.
This is definitely a book I recommend to anyone who loves romance and women’s fiction.
At the time of writing this review this book is still reduced to just 99p on Kindle.
September 18, 2018
Three and a half stars.
When Cassie sees an advertisement looking for a live-in companion to an independent lady in a isolated Lancashire village, it sounds like the answer to getting her away from the life of fear she has been living. She applies and soon finds herself confronting an elderly woman. That is in addition to the hostile man who picks her up in his truck, and takes her to Ribblemill and onto Ramblings. She also shares the truck space with Gin, his dog. This man is anything but in favour of his aunt Frances Smallwood employing Cassie at Ramblings, the Victorian gothic mansion. But his aunt has other ideas. The situation between Cassie and Barney is tense but Cassie is determined to keep this position and also keep hidden the reason why she is running away and the secret she keeps.
The cover of this book said it is ‘ideal for fans of Kate Morton.’ I feel this does this book a disservice as it sets up certain expectations. This is a lighter and less complex book that those of Kate Morton. However, I found it an enjoyable enough read. The characters and story were interesting although I found it did tend towards the melodramatic at times, particularly closer to the end. Frances may be prickly and not suffer fools gladly but she is also one who knows about hard times, isolation, and loss and is generous with those she cares about. Cassie and Barney have a rather predictable up and down relationship despite attraction between them which they both try at times to deny.
There are a few unlikable people and one particularly so. But also lots of warm hearted people who do their best to draw Cassie into the community of Ribblemill. Yes, it is pretty much chick lit but enjoyable enough despite a few issues. I liked the injection of humour at times and the author has an interesting way with words. A favourite was this Easter lunch gathering scene where it says ’the hostility between Guy and Barney was so dominant that she may as well have set a fifth place for it.’ Guy is one of adult children of Frances.
When Cassie sees an advertisement looking for a live-in companion to an independent lady in a isolated Lancashire village, it sounds like the answer to getting her away from the life of fear she has been living. She applies and soon finds herself confronting an elderly woman. That is in addition to the hostile man who picks her up in his truck, and takes her to Ribblemill and onto Ramblings. She also shares the truck space with Gin, his dog. This man is anything but in favour of his aunt Frances Smallwood employing Cassie at Ramblings, the Victorian gothic mansion. But his aunt has other ideas. The situation between Cassie and Barney is tense but Cassie is determined to keep this position and also keep hidden the reason why she is running away and the secret she keeps.
The cover of this book said it is ‘ideal for fans of Kate Morton.’ I feel this does this book a disservice as it sets up certain expectations. This is a lighter and less complex book that those of Kate Morton. However, I found it an enjoyable enough read. The characters and story were interesting although I found it did tend towards the melodramatic at times, particularly closer to the end. Frances may be prickly and not suffer fools gladly but she is also one who knows about hard times, isolation, and loss and is generous with those she cares about. Cassie and Barney have a rather predictable up and down relationship despite attraction between them which they both try at times to deny.
There are a few unlikable people and one particularly so. But also lots of warm hearted people who do their best to draw Cassie into the community of Ribblemill. Yes, it is pretty much chick lit but enjoyable enough despite a few issues. I liked the injection of humour at times and the author has an interesting way with words. A favourite was this Easter lunch gathering scene where it says ’the hostility between Guy and Barney was so dominant that she may as well have set a fifth place for it.’ Guy is one of adult children of Frances.
September 14, 2016
Cassie is hiding from something, or should I say someone. She's sad, lonely and scared and wants to hide herself away from life. Fitting her belongings into one bag she fakes a reference and manages to get a job as a companion to Frances Smallwood, a fragile, but determined older woman. Frances hasn't left her beautiful home for years apart from to go to church, she's pretty much ignored by her three grown up children and would be alone if it wasn't for her hairdresser, housekeeper, and doting nephew, Barney.
Like Cassie, Barney has had his fair share of heartache and has come to Ramblings to get away from the shambles of his life. He's brusque, angry most of the time and suspicious of people he doesn't know. So when Cassie moves into the large house and takes over caring for Frances - a woman with her own secrets - he's unimpressed and determined that her visit won't last very long. Underneath his bearded face and scowl he's more handsome than Cassie expected and despite her insistence that she keeps her self to herself, she ends up becoming more involved in the lives of those people around her in more ways than she, or they, could have expected.
I loved this book and couldn't wait to discover exactly what had happened to Cassie and how she and Barney were going to resolve their differences. Frances was also a fascinating character with obvious sadness in her life that she was keeping to herself as well as her difficult relationship with her children. I spent the entire weekend thoroughly involved with the three of them, with Cassie's fight to move on from her past, and her battles with Barney. Barney... what a gorgeous hero! Looking forward to reading Kate Field's next book.
Like Cassie, Barney has had his fair share of heartache and has come to Ramblings to get away from the shambles of his life. He's brusque, angry most of the time and suspicious of people he doesn't know. So when Cassie moves into the large house and takes over caring for Frances - a woman with her own secrets - he's unimpressed and determined that her visit won't last very long. Underneath his bearded face and scowl he's more handsome than Cassie expected and despite her insistence that she keeps her self to herself, she ends up becoming more involved in the lives of those people around her in more ways than she, or they, could have expected.
I loved this book and couldn't wait to discover exactly what had happened to Cassie and how she and Barney were going to resolve their differences. Frances was also a fascinating character with obvious sadness in her life that she was keeping to herself as well as her difficult relationship with her children. I spent the entire weekend thoroughly involved with the three of them, with Cassie's fight to move on from her past, and her battles with Barney. Barney... what a gorgeous hero! Looking forward to reading Kate Field's next book.
September 23, 2016
The Magic of Ramblings is one of those books that is difficult to put down. Like the magic of the house, the book draws you in and wraps its arms around you and offers you comfort as it did Cassie. The story begins in an intriguing way when Cassie applies for a job as a ladies companion in a big old mansion. She is running away from a past that threatens to catch up with her and Kate Field has cleverly woven little snippets of what she is running away from to pique the readers interest right from the very beginning.
Cassie builds up a warm and affectionate relationship with Frances, the lady of the house but is not made welcome by Barney, her grumpy and very hostile nephew who is suspicious of Cassie and her motives for taking the job. However, underneath his hardened exterior lies someone with a past he is also running from. Throughout the book there is a warm and loving community where both Cassie and Barney feel renewed and drawn to the heart of the community despite their best efforts to resist. Cassie's very desperate loneliness, particularly at the beginning of the book was heartbreaking and I couldn't help feel invested in her character. It was great to see her as a character evolve and become stronger. Frances was such an interesting and worldly wise old character and I loved her! Sometimes she was a bit abrupt but Cassie didn't seem to take much notice of it. She simply got on with things. Not sure how I would have felt about someone telling me how awful my hair was and getting someone in to fix it!
I really enjoyed this book and its very obvious right from from the beginning that Kate Field is a very talented writer. Highly recommended.
Cassie builds up a warm and affectionate relationship with Frances, the lady of the house but is not made welcome by Barney, her grumpy and very hostile nephew who is suspicious of Cassie and her motives for taking the job. However, underneath his hardened exterior lies someone with a past he is also running from. Throughout the book there is a warm and loving community where both Cassie and Barney feel renewed and drawn to the heart of the community despite their best efforts to resist. Cassie's very desperate loneliness, particularly at the beginning of the book was heartbreaking and I couldn't help feel invested in her character. It was great to see her as a character evolve and become stronger. Frances was such an interesting and worldly wise old character and I loved her! Sometimes she was a bit abrupt but Cassie didn't seem to take much notice of it. She simply got on with things. Not sure how I would have felt about someone telling me how awful my hair was and getting someone in to fix it!
I really enjoyed this book and its very obvious right from from the beginning that Kate Field is a very talented writer. Highly recommended.
October 29, 2016
I loved this book right from the opening line of “she was paid to dust, not read,”. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book entirely from the heroine’s point of view and I’d forgotten how intriguing it is to try to figure out what’s going through the hero’s head, particularly when he’s always cross at Cassie about something.
I adored Frances and the way she embraced the opportunity to change and make a difference. And her dresses! I could picture them all.
My only complaint is that the story and the characters were addictive :-) I found myself eking out time so I could get back to it just to find out what happened next. When was Barney going admit his feelings and would Cassie’s past catch up with her?
I adored Frances and the way she embraced the opportunity to change and make a difference. And her dresses! I could picture them all.
My only complaint is that the story and the characters were addictive :-) I found myself eking out time so I could get back to it just to find out what happened next. When was Barney going admit his feelings and would Cassie’s past catch up with her?
November 12, 2016
This book was amazing it had a wee bit of everything you want to keep you engaged...brilliant storyline...great setting and lovely characters that you could identify with....l personally really enjoy reading about big country houses and this one did not disapoint...will be looking out for more from Kate field ..totally recommend.
June 10, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this magical tale where such diverse characters are drawn together in a unique and rewarding way. There is an equal mix of mystery, self-discovery, dilemma and humour which all add to the fascination of village life and Ramblings itself.
For me this was one of those books where you feel you have really got to know and make friends with the characters - in such a way that I was disappointed when the story ended and I had to say goodbye to them all. I live in hope that Kate Field may decide to revisit Ramblings and its inhabitants in the future for an update on how life is treating them.
For me this was one of those books where you feel you have really got to know and make friends with the characters - in such a way that I was disappointed when the story ended and I had to say goodbye to them all. I live in hope that Kate Field may decide to revisit Ramblings and its inhabitants in the future for an update on how life is treating them.
December 29, 2019
Inhalt: Cassie setzt alles auf eine Karte und stellt sich als Gesellschafterin von Frances Smallwood vor. Sie ist verzaubert, von dem wunderschönen Herrenhaus, in dem die alte Dame lebt. Obwohl nicht viel für sie spricht, bekommt sie die Anstellung. Schnell lebt sie sich im Haus und dem dazugehörenden Dorf ein, immer darauf hoffend, dass ihre Vergangenheit sie nicht einholt. Doch so sehr sie mit offenen Armen aufgenommen wird, beobachtet sie der Neffe von Frances misstrauisch...
Art des Buches: Roman
Wie fand ich das Buch? Die Atmosphäre des Buches ist sehr schön und ich habe mich auf Anhieb in das Herrenhaus und auch in Frances, Barney und den Hund Gin verliebt. Natürlich wollte ich gerne das Geheimnis von Cassie lösen, denn etwas Spannung muss doch sein. Ich habe es als sehr wohltuend empfunden, das Buch zu lesen und zu beobachten, wie Frances durch Cassies Hilfe wieder auflebt. Ein sehr schöner Roman, der nicht unnötig auf die Tränendrüse drückt. So sind die Kinder von Frances nicht sympathisch und das Dorfleben in Gefahr, aber all das wird mit Leichtigkeit erzählt. Ein richtig schönes Buch mit viel Atmosphäre, Herz und einer guten Story.
3 passende Wörter zum Buch? Herrenhaus - Geheimnis - Landidylle
Wem empfehlen? Allen Lesern, die Freude an schönen Settings, Herrenhäusern und Geheimnissen haben.
Art des Buches: Roman
Wie fand ich das Buch? Die Atmosphäre des Buches ist sehr schön und ich habe mich auf Anhieb in das Herrenhaus und auch in Frances, Barney und den Hund Gin verliebt. Natürlich wollte ich gerne das Geheimnis von Cassie lösen, denn etwas Spannung muss doch sein. Ich habe es als sehr wohltuend empfunden, das Buch zu lesen und zu beobachten, wie Frances durch Cassies Hilfe wieder auflebt. Ein sehr schöner Roman, der nicht unnötig auf die Tränendrüse drückt. So sind die Kinder von Frances nicht sympathisch und das Dorfleben in Gefahr, aber all das wird mit Leichtigkeit erzählt. Ein richtig schönes Buch mit viel Atmosphäre, Herz und einer guten Story.
3 passende Wörter zum Buch? Herrenhaus - Geheimnis - Landidylle
Wem empfehlen? Allen Lesern, die Freude an schönen Settings, Herrenhäusern und Geheimnissen haben.
January 31, 2017
Loved this! Wonderful portrayal of village life, heartwarming story and a gorgeous hero. What's not to like?
October 12, 2016
Oh my, this book is just so beautiful. Right from the pretty cover through to the very last word. I loved this book. How could I not? This for me was a perfect romantic read that focussed very much upon the emotional aspect of love.
From the very beginning we are drawn into Cassie's world and I found myself asking, why is she running away? What has happened to her? Who is this woman? Throughout the book these questions are answered within the intimate surroundings of Ramblings. We meet Francs, the lady to which Cassie is employed as a companion, and Barney, Frances' nephew, who is also trying to come to terms with his own past.
Although this book tackles a serious issue, of which I can't talk about without spoiling the plot, it is very much a beautiful story about love, trust and friendship. The need that we all have to be able to wholly trust someone and to be fully accepted for who we are. But the other important love story that runs through the veins of this book, is the need to love ourselves. Before we can truly say that we are happy in our own skin, warts and all, there is no possible way that we can let someone else into our heart.
The three main characters in the story are Cassie, the young woman who has a secret and wishes to start afresh; Frances, the lady who Cassie has been entrusted to work for as a companion, and Barney, the man who has his own secrets. I can honesty say, hand on heart that I loved them all. They all bounced off one another, showing off each other's strengths and weaknesses. But I particularly liked the scenes between Cassie and Frances. The ability that they had to comfort each other and to guide each other, regardless of age and class.
For me though, the character that I loved the most was Barney. He is incredibly handsome in a rugged kind of way and has a heart of gold. I couldn't help but fall in love with him. For me, Barney is the ultimate romantic hero, he has his faults but we love him because of them.
The Magic of Ramblings is a book that I know I will be reading again and again. A feel good book about the goodness of human nature and the importance of community, love and friendship.
With many thanks to the author and Accent Press for a review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
From the very beginning we are drawn into Cassie's world and I found myself asking, why is she running away? What has happened to her? Who is this woman? Throughout the book these questions are answered within the intimate surroundings of Ramblings. We meet Francs, the lady to which Cassie is employed as a companion, and Barney, Frances' nephew, who is also trying to come to terms with his own past.
Although this book tackles a serious issue, of which I can't talk about without spoiling the plot, it is very much a beautiful story about love, trust and friendship. The need that we all have to be able to wholly trust someone and to be fully accepted for who we are. But the other important love story that runs through the veins of this book, is the need to love ourselves. Before we can truly say that we are happy in our own skin, warts and all, there is no possible way that we can let someone else into our heart.
The three main characters in the story are Cassie, the young woman who has a secret and wishes to start afresh; Frances, the lady who Cassie has been entrusted to work for as a companion, and Barney, the man who has his own secrets. I can honesty say, hand on heart that I loved them all. They all bounced off one another, showing off each other's strengths and weaknesses. But I particularly liked the scenes between Cassie and Frances. The ability that they had to comfort each other and to guide each other, regardless of age and class.
For me though, the character that I loved the most was Barney. He is incredibly handsome in a rugged kind of way and has a heart of gold. I couldn't help but fall in love with him. For me, Barney is the ultimate romantic hero, he has his faults but we love him because of them.
The Magic of Ramblings is a book that I know I will be reading again and again. A feel good book about the goodness of human nature and the importance of community, love and friendship.
With many thanks to the author and Accent Press for a review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2016
Cassie is running away from her past and by answering a job advertisement to be a companion to an elderly lady in a remote village, she hopes that it will never again catch up with her.
Frances, has led a reclusive life of her own, living at Ramblings she has little to do with the villagers of Ribblemill. As Frances and Cassie get to know each other, they both discover that they have secrets in their past which they know cannot stay hidden forever.
Slightly disappointed as the front promised ‘ideal for fans of Kate Morton’(the cover is also very like the cover of ‘The House at Riverton’ by Kate Morton) so I was expecting a story that had twists, turns and a bit of a mystery storyline however this just delivered a straight forward romance and would be better described as perfect for fans of Carole Matthews or Katie Fforde. Not that there is anything wrong with these writers (I read books by both of them), I just felt that the cover had deceived me a bit with a rather inaccurate description so the book didn't deliver what I was expecting from it!
However, had I been wanting an easy to read romance then this would have been a good read and after getting over my initial disappointment it was an enjoyable and easy read.
Frances, has led a reclusive life of her own, living at Ramblings she has little to do with the villagers of Ribblemill. As Frances and Cassie get to know each other, they both discover that they have secrets in their past which they know cannot stay hidden forever.
Slightly disappointed as the front promised ‘ideal for fans of Kate Morton’(the cover is also very like the cover of ‘The House at Riverton’ by Kate Morton) so I was expecting a story that had twists, turns and a bit of a mystery storyline however this just delivered a straight forward romance and would be better described as perfect for fans of Carole Matthews or Katie Fforde. Not that there is anything wrong with these writers (I read books by both of them), I just felt that the cover had deceived me a bit with a rather inaccurate description so the book didn't deliver what I was expecting from it!
However, had I been wanting an easy to read romance then this would have been a good read and after getting over my initial disappointment it was an enjoyable and easy read.
September 30, 2016
Lovely story
Beautiful story . Loved everything about it. Actually highlights how someone's self worth can be affected so much when being a victim of a controlling being. Don't want to say too much about the storyline because it's so lovely. A real page turner.
Beautiful story . Loved everything about it. Actually highlights how someone's self worth can be affected so much when being a victim of a controlling being. Don't want to say too much about the storyline because it's so lovely. A real page turner.
October 2, 2017
This might be a very short review today because all I want to say about this book is….I absolutely loved it, and I mean I really loved it, it may be one of my favourite reads of 2017. I started reading it on Thursday evening and had to stay up until I finished it on Friday – I just couldn’t wait to finish it, whilst at the same time not wanting it to end.
It is initially very hard to describe what is so compelling about this book because, on the face of it, the plot seems like a fairly straight-forward premise for a romance novel, nothing startlingly out of the ordinary. If you read the blurb or looked at the cover, it might not jump out at you as anything special. Oh, but how you would be missing out if you over-looked it.
This book, its setting and, most importantly of all, the characters just stole my heart. They have stayed with me and had me thinking about them since I turned the last page; sure sign of a book that has had a meaningful impact on me. Again, I can’t really tell you why, the story-telling is so subtle and insidious that it grabs you without your really noticing. the writing is really so beautiful and clever.
The setting and the cast of characters are extremely warm and charming, you immediately feel right at home in the big house at Ramblings and the charming village of Ribblesmill. Frances is a woman that you cannot help feeling compassion for (although you know she would hate to think you feel sorry for her!) and the relationship she has with Cassie unfolds beautifully as two people who understand and care for each other, and have found each other just at the right time. Barney is a suitably attractive love interest, but really it is the relationship between Frances and Cassie that for me was at the heart of this novel and I think the reason I loved it so much. It made is so much more than the usual ‘boy meets girl’ romance scenario.
Frances’ children are suitably villainous without descending to caricature and I loved the characters of Mel and Akram and Ethel who brought some light relief, again without descending to pantomime. The whole book is just perfectly balanced and it is actually astonishing to me that this is a debut novel, the writing is so cleverly done.
If I had to make a tiny criticism, I would say that the plot involving Barney leaving the medical profession and the situation with his ex-wife was a little confusing and not very clearly explained and seemed a bit of an after-thought that was not fully developed but this is a totally minor issue and did not detract from the enjoyment of this book one bit.
I feel like I haven’t adequately explained quite why I adore this book as much as I do and why you really must go out and read it immediately and I think that is actually the genius behind it. It isn’t big and flashy and brash, it doesn’t flaunt its charms and trumpet its themes. It is quiet, and clever and sweet and brilliant and it gets under your skin with its warmth. It explores its issues thoughtfully and subtly and balances the ending between melancholy and uplifting perfectly. It is just a joy and I know it is a book I will come back to again and again.
It is initially very hard to describe what is so compelling about this book because, on the face of it, the plot seems like a fairly straight-forward premise for a romance novel, nothing startlingly out of the ordinary. If you read the blurb or looked at the cover, it might not jump out at you as anything special. Oh, but how you would be missing out if you over-looked it.
This book, its setting and, most importantly of all, the characters just stole my heart. They have stayed with me and had me thinking about them since I turned the last page; sure sign of a book that has had a meaningful impact on me. Again, I can’t really tell you why, the story-telling is so subtle and insidious that it grabs you without your really noticing. the writing is really so beautiful and clever.
The setting and the cast of characters are extremely warm and charming, you immediately feel right at home in the big house at Ramblings and the charming village of Ribblesmill. Frances is a woman that you cannot help feeling compassion for (although you know she would hate to think you feel sorry for her!) and the relationship she has with Cassie unfolds beautifully as two people who understand and care for each other, and have found each other just at the right time. Barney is a suitably attractive love interest, but really it is the relationship between Frances and Cassie that for me was at the heart of this novel and I think the reason I loved it so much. It made is so much more than the usual ‘boy meets girl’ romance scenario.
Frances’ children are suitably villainous without descending to caricature and I loved the characters of Mel and Akram and Ethel who brought some light relief, again without descending to pantomime. The whole book is just perfectly balanced and it is actually astonishing to me that this is a debut novel, the writing is so cleverly done.
If I had to make a tiny criticism, I would say that the plot involving Barney leaving the medical profession and the situation with his ex-wife was a little confusing and not very clearly explained and seemed a bit of an after-thought that was not fully developed but this is a totally minor issue and did not detract from the enjoyment of this book one bit.
I feel like I haven’t adequately explained quite why I adore this book as much as I do and why you really must go out and read it immediately and I think that is actually the genius behind it. It isn’t big and flashy and brash, it doesn’t flaunt its charms and trumpet its themes. It is quiet, and clever and sweet and brilliant and it gets under your skin with its warmth. It explores its issues thoughtfully and subtly and balances the ending between melancholy and uplifting perfectly. It is just a joy and I know it is a book I will come back to again and again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2019
Rezension zu "Der Zauber des Hauses Ramblings"
[Werbung]
von: Kate Field
Verlag: Goldmann Verlag
Erscheinungstermin: 21.01.2019
Seitenzahl: 462
Preis Ebook: 9,99€
Preis Taschenbuch: 10,00€ (Taschenbuch)
Kaufoption: https://www.amazon.de/Zauber-Hauses-R...
Klappentext:
"Sie lief vor dem Leben davon und fand ihre Zukunft.
Ein stolzes Herrenhaus und eine liebenswerte Dorfgemeinschaft stellen Cassies Leben auf den Kopf.
Als Cassie Bancroft auf dem englischen Land eine Stelle als Gesellschafterin antritt, will sie ihr altes Leben hinter sich lassen. Bei Frances Smallwood, Eigentümerin von »Ramblings«, einem stolzen Herrenhaus, wagt sie einen Neuanfang. Die Bewohner des nahen Ortes Ribblemill schließen die junge Frau sofort in ihr Herz, nur Barney, Frances’ Neffe, misstraut Cassie. Er glaubt, sie habe es auf das Geld seiner Tante abgesehen. Doch dann sieht er, wie Frances unter Cassies Fürsorge aufblüht. Was aber ist mit Cassie selbst? Öffnen ihr Freundschaft, Liebe und der Zauber von Ramblings einen Weg in die Zukunft?"
Cover:
Das Cover mit dem von Efeu umrankten Haus und dem geöffneten Gartentor lädt einen förmlich ein, den Garten und die Blumen zu erkunden und zu genießen. Strahlend blauer Himmel lässt einen den Sommer erahnen und wirft einen direkt in das Setting des Romans.
Inhalt:
Cassie nimmt jede nur erdenkliche Gelegenheit an, aus ihrem jetzigen Leben zu verschwinden. So kommt es, dass sie sich als Gesellschafterin bewirbt, bei einer sehr herrisch wirkenden alten Dame in einem wunderschönen Herrenhaus. Doch der Neffe und die Kinder der Eigentümerin des Hauses machen ihr das Leben schwer, denn sie denken, dass Cassie es auf das Geld der alten Frau abgesehen habe und verstehen nicht, warum sie aus ihrem alten Leben flüchten musste, bis es sie wieder einholt.
Meine Meinung:
Es ist ein spannender und nervenaufreibender Roman. Alle Figuren und nicht nur die Protagonisten wirken echt und man kann sich super in sie hineinversetzen. Die Umgebung und das Haus selbst sind wundervoll beschrieben, sodass man am liebsten sofort Ribblemill reisen möchte. In dem Roman werden außerdem mehrere ernst zu nehmende Themen angesprochen, sodass man zum nachdenken angeregt wird.
Alles in allem ist es ein gelungener Roman den ich nicht aus der Hand legen konnte.
Fazit: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tolle realistische Figuren, interessante und mitreißende Story – Schlafmangelpotenzial!
Vielen Dank an den Goldmann-Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar.
Bild- und Klappentextquelle:
https://www.amazon.de/Zauber-Hauses-R...
[Werbung]
von: Kate Field
Verlag: Goldmann Verlag
Erscheinungstermin: 21.01.2019
Seitenzahl: 462
Preis Ebook: 9,99€
Preis Taschenbuch: 10,00€ (Taschenbuch)
Kaufoption: https://www.amazon.de/Zauber-Hauses-R...
Klappentext:
"Sie lief vor dem Leben davon und fand ihre Zukunft.
Ein stolzes Herrenhaus und eine liebenswerte Dorfgemeinschaft stellen Cassies Leben auf den Kopf.
Als Cassie Bancroft auf dem englischen Land eine Stelle als Gesellschafterin antritt, will sie ihr altes Leben hinter sich lassen. Bei Frances Smallwood, Eigentümerin von »Ramblings«, einem stolzen Herrenhaus, wagt sie einen Neuanfang. Die Bewohner des nahen Ortes Ribblemill schließen die junge Frau sofort in ihr Herz, nur Barney, Frances’ Neffe, misstraut Cassie. Er glaubt, sie habe es auf das Geld seiner Tante abgesehen. Doch dann sieht er, wie Frances unter Cassies Fürsorge aufblüht. Was aber ist mit Cassie selbst? Öffnen ihr Freundschaft, Liebe und der Zauber von Ramblings einen Weg in die Zukunft?"
Cover:
Das Cover mit dem von Efeu umrankten Haus und dem geöffneten Gartentor lädt einen förmlich ein, den Garten und die Blumen zu erkunden und zu genießen. Strahlend blauer Himmel lässt einen den Sommer erahnen und wirft einen direkt in das Setting des Romans.
Inhalt:
Cassie nimmt jede nur erdenkliche Gelegenheit an, aus ihrem jetzigen Leben zu verschwinden. So kommt es, dass sie sich als Gesellschafterin bewirbt, bei einer sehr herrisch wirkenden alten Dame in einem wunderschönen Herrenhaus. Doch der Neffe und die Kinder der Eigentümerin des Hauses machen ihr das Leben schwer, denn sie denken, dass Cassie es auf das Geld der alten Frau abgesehen habe und verstehen nicht, warum sie aus ihrem alten Leben flüchten musste, bis es sie wieder einholt.
Meine Meinung:
Es ist ein spannender und nervenaufreibender Roman. Alle Figuren und nicht nur die Protagonisten wirken echt und man kann sich super in sie hineinversetzen. Die Umgebung und das Haus selbst sind wundervoll beschrieben, sodass man am liebsten sofort Ribblemill reisen möchte. In dem Roman werden außerdem mehrere ernst zu nehmende Themen angesprochen, sodass man zum nachdenken angeregt wird.
Alles in allem ist es ein gelungener Roman den ich nicht aus der Hand legen konnte.
Fazit: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tolle realistische Figuren, interessante und mitreißende Story – Schlafmangelpotenzial!
Vielen Dank an den Goldmann-Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar.
Bild- und Klappentextquelle:
https://www.amazon.de/Zauber-Hauses-R...
September 9, 2021
I picked this one up after a facebook recommendation, in The Friendly Book Community. I hadn’t read anything by Kate Field before, but I am always keen to discover a new author.
Cassie takes a job as a companion to Frances, a rich elderly lady who lives alone in a gothic mansion.
Cassie is running away from something and hopes her new life will allow her the anonymity to live a quiet, uncomplicated existence.
Frances also has her nephew on hand. Barney is hostile to Cassie, suspicious and angry with the world, but there are glimpses of a softer side.
Everyone has secrets and clouds hanging over them from their past and it is of course just a matter of time before those pasts come back to haunt them.
I liked this book from page one, it was very easy to get into.
Neither Cassie or Barney were the easiest of characters to take to, but as the story unfolded we learn why life has made them both this way, and I couldn’t help but warm to them both and care what happened to them.
Frances was a great character. Stern and no nonsense, but with a streak of kindness a mile wide. The friendship that developes between Cassie and Frances is quite lovely and heartwarming to read.
Kate Field has also written a few cracking baddies into this story. The sort that really deserve a good slap and sending on their way.
With the inclusion of a host of characters from the wider community, this book ticked along nicely and kept me interested to the point that I read it all in one night.
This is a very enjoyable, well paced, uplifting read. It tells a story of love, friendship, community and rebuilding life after hard times.
A fabulous five stars from me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 23, 2018
A delight to read from start to finish!! Any book set in a large country house always grabs my attention, and when you add a cast of such fascinating characters then it was no wonder that I raced through this and could have easily read it in one sitting!
Cassie appears out of nowhere in the quiet village of Ribblemill and accepts the position of companion to the wonderfully feisty Frances. You understand that Cassie has run away from something, but she's extremely reluctant to share any details of her past with her new employee or anyone she meets. Frances' family aren't too pleased about her arrival either, especially Barney who has always been there to help his Aunt and is a little put out that this stranger has become so close to his rich aunt, which explains his frosty attitude towards Cassie.
Despite her reluctance to share, Cassie soon finds herself under the spell of The Ramblings and the village and finds herself becoming more confident and settled in her life and gets more involved with village life especially when disaster strikes and the community has to pull together. Barney also plays a major part in her moving forward, and he has such an interesting backstory too.
I adored the characters created in this book and it all felt so magical without becoming too cliched or over the top! Excited to read more by this author in the future!
Cassie appears out of nowhere in the quiet village of Ribblemill and accepts the position of companion to the wonderfully feisty Frances. You understand that Cassie has run away from something, but she's extremely reluctant to share any details of her past with her new employee or anyone she meets. Frances' family aren't too pleased about her arrival either, especially Barney who has always been there to help his Aunt and is a little put out that this stranger has become so close to his rich aunt, which explains his frosty attitude towards Cassie.
Despite her reluctance to share, Cassie soon finds herself under the spell of The Ramblings and the village and finds herself becoming more confident and settled in her life and gets more involved with village life especially when disaster strikes and the community has to pull together. Barney also plays a major part in her moving forward, and he has such an interesting backstory too.
I adored the characters created in this book and it all felt so magical without becoming too cliched or over the top! Excited to read more by this author in the future!
October 17, 2017
It’s clear from the beginning that Cassie Bancroft has something to hide when she ferrets herself away in the remote village of Ribblemill in the Lancashire countryside where she is to become the companion of elderly Frances Smallwood. From the very beginning, she is at cross purposes with Frances’ nephew, Barney Smallwood, who seems as anxious as Cassie is to stay under the radar. Despite her determination to hide herself away, she becomes involved in Frances’ life and that of the village. It is at one such event that her husband turns up to claim her and from his domineering behaviour, it is obvious why Cassie felt she had to get away. The characters are all well drawn and all believable and Ribblemill sounds an idyllic village to live in. This is truly a magical book and well deserved the plaudits it has received.
February 4, 2018
Book 09 of my Goodreads Reading Challenge 2018
The original cover (with its photograph like image of a mysterious iron gate leading into a secret garden) drew me into the book. Along with the fact that I read a wonderful review on the blog 'A Little Book Problem'. The new cover is more contemporary and will I am sure draw a younger reading audience.
What a truly magical story. I was hooked from the start. The tale of Cassie a young woman who has lost her way in life, she is downtrodden and is trying to establish her true place in the world. During a cleaning job she spots an advert that is just what she is looking for. A place to escape and hide away.
The beautiful Lancashire countryside and the pretty little village of Ribblemill is where she finds herself. Particularly the house of 'Ramblings'
...they pulled onto a gravel forecourt in front of a house of stately proportions. Built of a pale grey stone, elaborate turrets and towers propped up the corners and huge chimneys burst through the roof. There was no symmetry or order. It looked like someone had thrown every fantasy together in one building - yet it worked. It was beautiful.
Cassie is offered the job and becomes the live-in companion of Mrs Frances Smallwood but it is not without its obstacles. First there is the nephew Barney who has his own personal issues and then there are the spoilt 'rich kids' Frances's grown up offspring.
The descriptions of the house, the rooms and the countryside are wonderful bringing the story to life. We also meet so many wonderful characters, the village is a very close knit community and come together in times of need. It is a place I would certainly like to live myself.
This for me was a real feel-good story very highly recommended.
A Little Book Problem - https://alittlebookproblem.co.uk/2017...
The original cover (with its photograph like image of a mysterious iron gate leading into a secret garden) drew me into the book. Along with the fact that I read a wonderful review on the blog 'A Little Book Problem'. The new cover is more contemporary and will I am sure draw a younger reading audience.
What a truly magical story. I was hooked from the start. The tale of Cassie a young woman who has lost her way in life, she is downtrodden and is trying to establish her true place in the world. During a cleaning job she spots an advert that is just what she is looking for. A place to escape and hide away.
The beautiful Lancashire countryside and the pretty little village of Ribblemill is where she finds herself. Particularly the house of 'Ramblings'
...they pulled onto a gravel forecourt in front of a house of stately proportions. Built of a pale grey stone, elaborate turrets and towers propped up the corners and huge chimneys burst through the roof. There was no symmetry or order. It looked like someone had thrown every fantasy together in one building - yet it worked. It was beautiful.
Cassie is offered the job and becomes the live-in companion of Mrs Frances Smallwood but it is not without its obstacles. First there is the nephew Barney who has his own personal issues and then there are the spoilt 'rich kids' Frances's grown up offspring.
The descriptions of the house, the rooms and the countryside are wonderful bringing the story to life. We also meet so many wonderful characters, the village is a very close knit community and come together in times of need. It is a place I would certainly like to live myself.
This for me was a real feel-good story very highly recommended.
A Little Book Problem - https://alittlebookproblem.co.uk/2017...
August 25, 2022
I enjoyed this story of a woman who is running away from a troubled abusive past and ends up as a companion to an elderly matriarch in a small Lancashire village.
I won’t go into details, but it’s a wonderful story of a woman regaining her self-confidence and courage through the healing power of community/new friends and feeling needed and loved for who she is. There’s a couple of villains, a love interest, a sweet friendship story (younger woman/older woman) and just an overall feeling of things made right. Feel-good story.
I won’t go into details, but it’s a wonderful story of a woman regaining her self-confidence and courage through the healing power of community/new friends and feeling needed and loved for who she is. There’s a couple of villains, a love interest, a sweet friendship story (younger woman/older woman) and just an overall feeling of things made right. Feel-good story.
April 3, 2018
A sweet book with unexpected warmth and tenderness. Rather predictable in places (why Cassie was running) and the reactions of Frances’ family to her post.
On the face of it, this is a very straightforward book, but there is something magical about it and it draws you in.
A gentle read, no great surprises but a hug in a book.
4*
On the face of it, this is a very straightforward book, but there is something magical about it and it draws you in.
A gentle read, no great surprises but a hug in a book.
4*
June 8, 2017
A gently written story exploring the healing power of friendship and community. I loved the rural village setting with its cast of characters and the slowly brewing romance kept me hoping till the end.
October 28, 2017
Great read.
Really liked the main characters.
At first and as the story continues you think it's going to be predictable but it's not.
Will be having a look at Kate Field's other books.
Really liked the main characters.
At first and as the story continues you think it's going to be predictable but it's not.
Will be having a look at Kate Field's other books.
August 22, 2022
I think I have a new favorite author. I have read most of Ms. Field's books now & have another in my to be read list & really loved them all. She can tug at your heartstrings with her writing & all of her books have covered real life situations. Well done Kate Field.
December 15, 2022
Fluffy
I can see why people would like this book, it's pure escapism, but for me it was too mills & boon. Completely predictable, far to padded out with thumping hearts and misunderstandings.
I can see why people would like this book, it's pure escapism, but for me it was too mills & boon. Completely predictable, far to padded out with thumping hearts and misunderstandings.
March 23, 2023
Four stars. Easy to read and sucked me in. The writing felt a little stiff at times - I have a feeling this may be the first, or one of the first, books this author's written. It was also fairly predicable, but nonetheless still enjoyable!
January 24, 2017
Sweet
I enjoyed this book, could relate to it. The character's were wonderful, nice romantic story of loss betrayal and love found
I enjoyed this book, could relate to it. The character's were wonderful, nice romantic story of loss betrayal and love found
May 4, 2017
Omg
An absolute delight to read. I couldn't put it down.
Its the first book I've read by Kate Field, and certainly not the last.
An absolute delight to read. I couldn't put it down.
Its the first book I've read by Kate Field, and certainly not the last.
May 28, 2017
Modern day Cinderella story: she's poor, he's rich.... struggle-struggle... all happy.
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