What do you think?
Rate this book
A Home From Home
Sunshine, cider and family secrets... Dragonfly Farm has been a home and a haven for generations of Melchiors - arch rivals to the Culbones, the wealthy family who live the other side of the river. Life there is dictated by the seasons and cider-making, and everyone falls under its spell. For cousins Tabitha and Georgia, it has always been a home from home. When a tragedy befalls their beloved great-uncle Matthew, it seems the place where they've always belonged might now belong to them... But the will reveals that a third of the farm has also been left to a total stranger. Gabriel Culbone has no idea why he's been included, or what his connection to the farm - or the Melchiors - can be. As the first apples start to fall for the cider harvest, will Dragonfly Farm begin to give up its secrets? A Home from Home is the very best of Veronica Henry's storytelling - gorgeous scenes you wish you could step into, a cast of characters who feel like friends, and an irresistibly feel-good family drama crossing three generations. Discover Veronica Henry - your favourite authors' favourite 'Wise, insightful, beautifully written. A delicious treat of a book' Milly Johnson 'An utter delight' Jill Mansell 'Truly blissful escapism' Lucy Diamond 'A heart-warming, triumphant story combined with Veronica's sublime writing - the perfect mix!' Cathy Bramley 'A beautiful book. Warm, emotional and full of hope' Sarah Morgan 'Veronica Henry has such a deft hand with families and their complications' Katie Fforde
416 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2019
277 people are currently reading
1062 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Henry
69 books1,601 followersVeronica Henry was a television script writer before turning her hand to fiction. She has published sixteen novels which she describes as realistic escapism - her setting are gorgeous, but her characters have problems and dilemmas everyone can identify with.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
July 5, 2019
Veronica Henry is a brilliant writer when it comes to family drama, infused with warmth and great compelling characters. This is no different, set primarily in rural Somerset, where Tabitha resides at Dragonfly Farm with her Great Uncle Gum, Matthew Melchior, who along with his now deceased wife, Joy, rescued the troubled Tabitha who went off the rails when her parents separated and she learned that neither wanted her to live with them. The hard working Tabitha in independent, emotionally wary, and rushed off her feet as she exercises racehorses for Jimmy O'Gowan, is a barmaid and pie maker at the Swan, and helps to manage the orchards and make cider at the farm. When tragedy strikes and her beloved Great Uncle Gum dies, it brings Dash Culbone into her life, whilst leaving her griefstricken and worried what it means for her future. The Melchiors and Culbones have a long running feud with each other, the product of a tragic history and the acquisition of Dragonfly Farm through gambling.
Rushbrook House, the family home of the Culbones has been left for a considerable number of years and is in a poor and dilapidated state, Dash has returned to live there, with plans for the house and land that is just across a stream from Dragonfly Farm. Gabriel Culbone lives in London with his wife, Lola, a model, and his daughter, Plum. He is an artisan knife maker, but the business is struggling and the rent has been increased to a level he knows he is unable to afford. He is happily married, but Lola has been trying for some time to get pregnant again, and the strain is beginning to tell on both of them. Out of the blue, Gabriel is invited to Matthew Melchior's will reading at the offices of a solicitor. He is not sure why he is there, he has no idea who Matthew is, only to be shocked when he is left a third of Dragonfly Farm. Tabitha and her cousin, Georgia, have inherited a third each too, but neither can afford to buy out this stranger that has entered their lives. Gabriel visits the farm, and he, Lola and Plum are enchanted by it, but their lives and family issues means he needs money desperately.
Henry writes a story of families, secrets, tragedy, loss and grief with expertise, creating characters that you invest in and become emotionally attached to, all set amidst a bewitching rural background and family farm. Georgia is an upcoming script writer with dreams of writing about their family saga and history, particularly the long running conflict with the Culbones, and is to learn that her mother has her own secret with regard to this. Gabriel is to find that he has surprising connections with the Melchiors that make him yearn to have him and his family live at Dragonfly Farm. This is a wonderfully warm hearted read, entertaining and just so engaging. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
Rushbrook House, the family home of the Culbones has been left for a considerable number of years and is in a poor and dilapidated state, Dash has returned to live there, with plans for the house and land that is just across a stream from Dragonfly Farm. Gabriel Culbone lives in London with his wife, Lola, a model, and his daughter, Plum. He is an artisan knife maker, but the business is struggling and the rent has been increased to a level he knows he is unable to afford. He is happily married, but Lola has been trying for some time to get pregnant again, and the strain is beginning to tell on both of them. Out of the blue, Gabriel is invited to Matthew Melchior's will reading at the offices of a solicitor. He is not sure why he is there, he has no idea who Matthew is, only to be shocked when he is left a third of Dragonfly Farm. Tabitha and her cousin, Georgia, have inherited a third each too, but neither can afford to buy out this stranger that has entered their lives. Gabriel visits the farm, and he, Lola and Plum are enchanted by it, but their lives and family issues means he needs money desperately.
Henry writes a story of families, secrets, tragedy, loss and grief with expertise, creating characters that you invest in and become emotionally attached to, all set amidst a bewitching rural background and family farm. Georgia is an upcoming script writer with dreams of writing about their family saga and history, particularly the long running conflict with the Culbones, and is to learn that her mother has her own secret with regard to this. Gabriel is to find that he has surprising connections with the Melchiors that make him yearn to have him and his family live at Dragonfly Farm. This is a wonderfully warm hearted read, entertaining and just so engaging. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
August 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this one. It's a family history drama masquerading as a cozy romance and the author can really write. I found this totally engaging and very moving towards the end. My only real grumble was that one of the protagonists, Tabitha, was a bit of an arse and didn't really grow as a person throughout. Other than that, though, I was thoroughly gripped.
December 23, 2019
I’ve read so many of Veronica’s books over the years and she’s very much a firm favourite in my author list. To me, her books are ‘comfort reads’ and I mean that in the nicest possible way. You know exactly what you are getting – a humorous and engaging story, a myriad of differing characters and a satisfying plotline that pulls them all together.
The Melchiors of Dragonfly Farm and the Culbones of Rushbrook House had been enemies for generations across opposite sides of the river, and there was no sign of the rift being healed any time soon in spite of the efforts of the newly installed incumbent of Rushbrook. Dash Culbone, who, unlike the reputation awarded to some of his predecessors, did seem to be a thoroughly decent chap. However when the owner of Dragonfly Farm, Matthew Melchior dies suddenly, his Will leaves the farm in equal shares to his great –niece Tabitha and her cousin Georgia .…and to a Culbone whom no-one has ever heard of, Gabriel.
Tabitha lived with Matthew (known as ‘Gum’) and his late wife Joy, and had been a bit of a wild child, and you could still see that in her now. She didn’t conform, had her own way of doing things, was extremely strong-willed and outspoken but had a vulnerable side that few saw. She had loved Gum and Joy dearly and was especially lost without Gum. She knew exactly how to work the land and how to produce the cider, and was devastated at the thought that she might lose the farm – especially to a Culbone! For his part Gabriel had no idea why he had been left a share as he had never heard of Matthew however this unexpected windfall could just help solve his own personal and financial problems.
There are a lot of characters but the three main ones are Tabitha, Georgia and Gabriel, all with their own stories, ambitions and dreams. But the story isn’t just about them; their families – both the Melchiors and the Culbones also feature heavily and the narrative goes back and forth over a few decades to give a complete picture of how everything fits together and how they come to be in the present situation. It’s quite an absorbing family saga, full of drama and tragedy. There were some parts that I had worked out however there were more surprises to come.
Set in Somerset, the location sounds idyllic, especially Dragonfly with its apple orchards and the nearby river. Beautifully described, the setting alone will draw you in. And, as for the thought of that celebration sparkling apple cider……..!
A Home from Home is written with warmth and humour. It’s a story that you can happily lose yourself in for a few hours and I really didn’t want to put it down to do ‘life things’ like work!
Engaging characters, a beautiful setting, an intriguing story – I loved this and it may well be one of my favourite books by Veronica Henry todate. I didn’t want it to come to an end and could quite happily have read more. I do hope there is a sequel at some time. I would love to see how the Melchiors and Culbones fare in future.
The Melchiors of Dragonfly Farm and the Culbones of Rushbrook House had been enemies for generations across opposite sides of the river, and there was no sign of the rift being healed any time soon in spite of the efforts of the newly installed incumbent of Rushbrook. Dash Culbone, who, unlike the reputation awarded to some of his predecessors, did seem to be a thoroughly decent chap. However when the owner of Dragonfly Farm, Matthew Melchior dies suddenly, his Will leaves the farm in equal shares to his great –niece Tabitha and her cousin Georgia .…and to a Culbone whom no-one has ever heard of, Gabriel.
Tabitha lived with Matthew (known as ‘Gum’) and his late wife Joy, and had been a bit of a wild child, and you could still see that in her now. She didn’t conform, had her own way of doing things, was extremely strong-willed and outspoken but had a vulnerable side that few saw. She had loved Gum and Joy dearly and was especially lost without Gum. She knew exactly how to work the land and how to produce the cider, and was devastated at the thought that she might lose the farm – especially to a Culbone! For his part Gabriel had no idea why he had been left a share as he had never heard of Matthew however this unexpected windfall could just help solve his own personal and financial problems.
There are a lot of characters but the three main ones are Tabitha, Georgia and Gabriel, all with their own stories, ambitions and dreams. But the story isn’t just about them; their families – both the Melchiors and the Culbones also feature heavily and the narrative goes back and forth over a few decades to give a complete picture of how everything fits together and how they come to be in the present situation. It’s quite an absorbing family saga, full of drama and tragedy. There were some parts that I had worked out however there were more surprises to come.
Set in Somerset, the location sounds idyllic, especially Dragonfly with its apple orchards and the nearby river. Beautifully described, the setting alone will draw you in. And, as for the thought of that celebration sparkling apple cider……..!
A Home from Home is written with warmth and humour. It’s a story that you can happily lose yourself in for a few hours and I really didn’t want to put it down to do ‘life things’ like work!
Engaging characters, a beautiful setting, an intriguing story – I loved this and it may well be one of my favourite books by Veronica Henry todate. I didn’t want it to come to an end and could quite happily have read more. I do hope there is a sequel at some time. I would love to see how the Melchiors and Culbones fare in future.
October 2, 2019
What a fantastic book. This was my first Veronica Henry book, but it won’t be my last. I had seen them before on bookshelves and thought I’d like to read them, but somehow they didn’t make it to the top of my list..... until now. So thanks Netgalley/publishers for giving me extra kick I needed. I will definitely be checking out her other books very soon.
The story is set mostly at Dragonfly farm, around two cousins, Tabitha and Georgia and their Great Uncle. Tabitha lives at Dragonfly Cottage and after a family tragedy, what will happen to the farm? But it’s so much more than that and so very cleverly written. The characters do have some unusual names, but it Doesn’t take away from the book and I loved the twists and turns and each character that was introduced to us. The story is fantastic and keeps you guessing throughout. I loved the relationship between the neighbours and their love/hate relations that went back through the generations.
A brilliant summer read or equally one to snuggle up with in the winter.
The story is set mostly at Dragonfly farm, around two cousins, Tabitha and Georgia and their Great Uncle. Tabitha lives at Dragonfly Cottage and after a family tragedy, what will happen to the farm? But it’s so much more than that and so very cleverly written. The characters do have some unusual names, but it Doesn’t take away from the book and I loved the twists and turns and each character that was introduced to us. The story is fantastic and keeps you guessing throughout. I loved the relationship between the neighbours and their love/hate relations that went back through the generations.
A brilliant summer read or equally one to snuggle up with in the winter.
August 5, 2019
Another fabulous book by Veronica Henry
Just adored this book from the very beginning, the characters are very life like and you could imagine bumping into any of them and recognising them straight away. Love how the story twists it's way through and just when you think you know what's coming next another surprise happens!
Don't think there's been any book by Veronica that I've not enjoyed.
Just adored this book from the very beginning, the characters are very life like and you could imagine bumping into any of them and recognising them straight away. Love how the story twists it's way through and just when you think you know what's coming next another surprise happens!
Don't think there's been any book by Veronica that I've not enjoyed.
March 15, 2021
I really liked this book, a family saga with a few twists and turns. Not sweet and syrupy like some. I didn't want it to end, will definitely read more of this author
July 9, 2019
I loved this book. Great characters, a bit of a mystery, a centuries old fued between two families, and all set in the idyllic sounding Dragonfly Farm, an old farmhouse in Somerset surrounded by acres of ancient apple trees - and cider making, what's not to like!
The story is mainly set around two cousins, Tabitha and Georgia. Tab lives at Dragonfly Farm with her great uncle and Georgia is a script writer who lives in London. Tabitha has lived at Dragonfly Farm since a troublesome teenager when her parents split and she wasn't really wanted by either of her flighty parents, so ended up with her great-uncle and aunt who were more like parents to her over the years. But her great aunt died a few years ago and it had been Tab and her great uncle keeping things going until now.
Then a tragedy happens and in the will the farm is left between Tab, Georgia and, unexpectedly, Gabriel Culbone, a supposed member of the 'enemy' family, and no-one, including Gabriel, has any idea why, as he doesn't even know his relatives. We also have another Culbone who moves back to the family home across the river from Dragonfly Farm, and he is drawn into the mystery too.
The story flips back and forth a little bit to another tragedy years ago, and there are definitely a couple of mysteries that finally get revealed as the story goes on, one I didn't see coming! But just such a lovely story about families and the secrets that are kept, or hidden, over the generations.
You can't really go wrong with a Veronica Henry book, I've loved every one I've read, she just draws you into the story and makes you want to keep reading. Perfect!
The story is mainly set around two cousins, Tabitha and Georgia. Tab lives at Dragonfly Farm with her great uncle and Georgia is a script writer who lives in London. Tabitha has lived at Dragonfly Farm since a troublesome teenager when her parents split and she wasn't really wanted by either of her flighty parents, so ended up with her great-uncle and aunt who were more like parents to her over the years. But her great aunt died a few years ago and it had been Tab and her great uncle keeping things going until now.
Then a tragedy happens and in the will the farm is left between Tab, Georgia and, unexpectedly, Gabriel Culbone, a supposed member of the 'enemy' family, and no-one, including Gabriel, has any idea why, as he doesn't even know his relatives. We also have another Culbone who moves back to the family home across the river from Dragonfly Farm, and he is drawn into the mystery too.
The story flips back and forth a little bit to another tragedy years ago, and there are definitely a couple of mysteries that finally get revealed as the story goes on, one I didn't see coming! But just such a lovely story about families and the secrets that are kept, or hidden, over the generations.
You can't really go wrong with a Veronica Henry book, I've loved every one I've read, she just draws you into the story and makes you want to keep reading. Perfect!
January 13, 2020
You can almost smell the apples in the orchard, the descriptions are so real, in this lovely family saga set in Somerset.
The plot is layered and stretches across the generations, as the loves, losses, relationships and secrets of two warring families are revealed. Complex, relatable characters bring this story to life. The setting is rural and vividly described, and is interwoven with the history and the lives of the characters, it's a character in itself.
The perfect read for a cold winter's afternoon.
I received a copy of this book from Orion via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The plot is layered and stretches across the generations, as the loves, losses, relationships and secrets of two warring families are revealed. Complex, relatable characters bring this story to life. The setting is rural and vividly described, and is interwoven with the history and the lives of the characters, it's a character in itself.
The perfect read for a cold winter's afternoon.
I received a copy of this book from Orion via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
October 31, 2020
A General Press Kiadó által megismerkedhettem egy újabb remek történettel, amit Veronica Henry írónő írt. Az írónő számomra teljesen ismeretlen volt, de nagyon örülök, hogy végül elolvashattam, mert fantasztikus történet.
A könyv magyar borítója káprázatos lett, általa tökéletesen eltudtam képzelni a Szitakötőfarmot és már ez is adott egy bizonyos hangulatot az olvasásához. A fülszöveg is épp annyit árult el, amennyit kellett és szerencsére nem volt benne nagyobb spoiler.
Úgy gondolom, hogy maga a történet leginkább az idősebb korosztálynak íródott, mert az írónő lifestyle fiction műfajban ír. Nem sok ilyen történetet olvastam még, ezért elsőre elég szokatlannak éreztem, de aztán lassan teljesen belerázódtam és beleszerettem. Veronica Henry olyan valóságosan írta meg a történetet és olyan aprólékosan dolgozta ki a szálakat és a helyszíneket, hogy elsőre talán zavaró is lehet, de aztán hamar beszippantja az embert és nehezen tudtam elengedni a szereplőket és magát a történetet.
A két unokatestvér, Georgia és Tabitha megtudják, hogy szeretett nagybácsikájuk halála után rájuk hagyta a Szitakötőfarmot. Viszont a végrendelet felolvasása után a lányok azt is megtudják, hogy Matthew a farm egyharmadát egy számukra ismeretlen férfira, egy Culbone-ra hagyja. A történetről tudni kell azt is, hogy a Melchior és Culbone család évszázadok óta ellenségeskednek egymással, így hatalmas meglepetés érte őket, hogy pont egy Culbone szerepel a végrendeletben, ami megtámadhatatlan lett, így végül a Szitakötőfarmnak 3 örököse is lett: Tabitha, aki régóta a farmon él, Georgia, aki sokat látogat el oda és valóban azt mondhatja, hogy az a második otthona és Gabriel, aki még soha életében nem hallott a Szitakötőfarmról.
A történet több részre van osztva, ezek a részek játszódnak a jelenben és a múltban is egyaránt, így jobb betekintést kapunk a történésekbe. Elsőre nagyon kuszának tűnhet, de ahogy olvassátok tökéletesen meg lehet érteni mindent. Segítésünkre van még egy családfa is a könyv elejében, ami az elején nem sok segítség, de ahogy megismerkedünk lassan a szereplőkkel, úgy jobban érthető minden.
Tehát a történetben leginkább a Szitakötőfarm sorsáról és arról olvashatunk, ahogy a két család háborúskodik a múltban és a jelenben is. Amikor pedig a nagyobb titkokra is fény derül és eldőlni látszik a farm végleges sorsa, Matthew bácsi felfed még egy titkot, ezzel pedig megadja az utolsó löketet a lányoknak és Gabrielnek is.
Összességében kellemes kikapcsolódás volt a könyv és jól érthető volt minden az összetettségének ellenére is. Azt még hozzá szeretném tenni, hogy nem vagyok nagy híve a tájleírásoknak, de Veronica Henry olyan jól leírta ezt, hogy magam elé tudtam képzelni azt a kis angliai környéket, a Rushbrook-birtokot.
Nagyon hálás vagyok a General Press kiadónak, hogy voltak olyan kedvesek, hogy elküldték nekem ezt a könyvet.
A könyv magyar borítója káprázatos lett, általa tökéletesen eltudtam képzelni a Szitakötőfarmot és már ez is adott egy bizonyos hangulatot az olvasásához. A fülszöveg is épp annyit árult el, amennyit kellett és szerencsére nem volt benne nagyobb spoiler.
Úgy gondolom, hogy maga a történet leginkább az idősebb korosztálynak íródott, mert az írónő lifestyle fiction műfajban ír. Nem sok ilyen történetet olvastam még, ezért elsőre elég szokatlannak éreztem, de aztán lassan teljesen belerázódtam és beleszerettem. Veronica Henry olyan valóságosan írta meg a történetet és olyan aprólékosan dolgozta ki a szálakat és a helyszíneket, hogy elsőre talán zavaró is lehet, de aztán hamar beszippantja az embert és nehezen tudtam elengedni a szereplőket és magát a történetet.
A két unokatestvér, Georgia és Tabitha megtudják, hogy szeretett nagybácsikájuk halála után rájuk hagyta a Szitakötőfarmot. Viszont a végrendelet felolvasása után a lányok azt is megtudják, hogy Matthew a farm egyharmadát egy számukra ismeretlen férfira, egy Culbone-ra hagyja. A történetről tudni kell azt is, hogy a Melchior és Culbone család évszázadok óta ellenségeskednek egymással, így hatalmas meglepetés érte őket, hogy pont egy Culbone szerepel a végrendeletben, ami megtámadhatatlan lett, így végül a Szitakötőfarmnak 3 örököse is lett: Tabitha, aki régóta a farmon él, Georgia, aki sokat látogat el oda és valóban azt mondhatja, hogy az a második otthona és Gabriel, aki még soha életében nem hallott a Szitakötőfarmról.
A történet több részre van osztva, ezek a részek játszódnak a jelenben és a múltban is egyaránt, így jobb betekintést kapunk a történésekbe. Elsőre nagyon kuszának tűnhet, de ahogy olvassátok tökéletesen meg lehet érteni mindent. Segítésünkre van még egy családfa is a könyv elejében, ami az elején nem sok segítség, de ahogy megismerkedünk lassan a szereplőkkel, úgy jobban érthető minden.
Tehát a történetben leginkább a Szitakötőfarm sorsáról és arról olvashatunk, ahogy a két család háborúskodik a múltban és a jelenben is. Amikor pedig a nagyobb titkokra is fény derül és eldőlni látszik a farm végleges sorsa, Matthew bácsi felfed még egy titkot, ezzel pedig megadja az utolsó löketet a lányoknak és Gabrielnek is.
Összességében kellemes kikapcsolódás volt a könyv és jól érthető volt minden az összetettségének ellenére is. Azt még hozzá szeretném tenni, hogy nem vagyok nagy híve a tájleírásoknak, de Veronica Henry olyan jól leírta ezt, hogy magam elé tudtam képzelni azt a kis angliai környéket, a Rushbrook-birtokot.
Nagyon hálás vagyok a General Press kiadónak, hogy voltak olyan kedvesek, hogy elküldték nekem ezt a könyvet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this book from the first page and was hooked was full of family secrets and surprises and romance and trying to save your own home when you think you will loose it. It's heartwarming and very touching as well and a great summer read with brilliant characters.
Dragonfly farm is a home from home for cousins Tabitha and Georgia but they haven't spoken for a while. It's a farm that belongs to the Melchiors but rivals to the Culbones who live on the other side of the river. Great uncle Matthew who owns dragonfly farm dies at the wheel of the car and they believe that the place they call home from home with be theirs. Problem is when the will is read it reveals a third of the farm has been left to a Culbones named Gabriel but they have N we heard of him no he's no idea why he's included in the will as never heard of him the two cousins what to start making apple cider from the apples they grow on the farm but now they are worried if they can keep it or not. As they all try to find out who Gabriel is and how he's connected to the family will he want to stay at the farm or not. Also what secrets will come out as they learn who they all are. Will they be able to save the farm or not.
Dragonfly farm is a home from home for cousins Tabitha and Georgia but they haven't spoken for a while. It's a farm that belongs to the Melchiors but rivals to the Culbones who live on the other side of the river. Great uncle Matthew who owns dragonfly farm dies at the wheel of the car and they believe that the place they call home from home with be theirs. Problem is when the will is read it reveals a third of the farm has been left to a Culbones named Gabriel but they have N we heard of him no he's no idea why he's included in the will as never heard of him the two cousins what to start making apple cider from the apples they grow on the farm but now they are worried if they can keep it or not. As they all try to find out who Gabriel is and how he's connected to the family will he want to stay at the farm or not. Also what secrets will come out as they learn who they all are. Will they be able to save the farm or not.
March 27, 2024
It’s a bit slow. Mostly typical romance between two warring families.
November 20, 2021
It was a good book to read enjoyed it
August 31, 2020
This book was disappointing to me. It wasn't that bad, hence the positive rating, it just wasn't what I expected. I guess I got used to expecting more from this author.
'A Home From Home' is about a rift between 2 families - the Melchiors and the Culbones - that happened a century ago. After that, they didn't mix anymore. Except, they did and the next 2 generations commited the same mistakes and kept them secret - for nothing... I found this all far-fetched, it was repetitive and made no sense. And now the 4th generation, in the form of Tabitha (stubborn woman) is determined to continue with the rift.
It's my fault that, since the beginning, I expected the story to go in one direction but it didn't happen and it disappointed me.
'A Home From Home' is about a rift between 2 families - the Melchiors and the Culbones - that happened a century ago. After that, they didn't mix anymore. Except, they did and the next 2 generations commited the same mistakes and kept them secret - for nothing... I found this all far-fetched, it was repetitive and made no sense. And now the 4th generation, in the form of Tabitha (stubborn woman) is determined to continue with the rift.
It's my fault that, since the beginning, I expected the story to go in one direction but it didn't happen and it disappointed me.
August 8, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book, there is a feud going on between two rivals the Melchiors and the Culbones but secrets are dragged up from the past and can they ever forgive and forget? I liked the dynamics between the characters and was intrigued to see what Gabriel would bring to the table and what connected him to the farm. There is a lot of mystery involved in this story and it makes for a really enjoyable read.
June 3, 2019
I adore a good Veronica Henry book, her books are always like a much needed hug after a difficult day at work. Managing to weave it’s magic into relaxing you and making everything just the little bit better and little bit brighter. This book is no exceptions. Fantastic characters, a great plot and a story that will grip you from the first pages. I loved it.
August 11, 2019
This was a lovely read in a gorgeous setting in Somerset on a farm wonderfully called Dragonfly Farm. Loved it and narration was really good. Will look for more by Veronica Henry for a feel good read.
August 18, 2019
This was a bit too twee for me, a bit too everything is going to be magical. No suspense, the plot "twist" was glaringly obvious and everyone was just a bit too nice. Had to go and swill salt after that as everything was a bit too sugar plum fairy.
July 22, 2019
This was my first delve into this authors work, but after experiencing the depth of emotion and complex Characters with a wide range if backgrounds, I will certainly be Looking to read more of her work in the near future!
This is a story with a main character, Tabitha who is strong, but in a brittle way initially. Her past is one full of confusion and hurt leaving her feeling as though she cannot belong. She seems to be full of questions, a need to understand but at the same time is untrusting of whether or not people want her in their lives. Considering her background, that is understandable, but my point here is that I loved her. She works none stop, is determined and stubborn, all stemming from the start to her life.
I loved the fact that the Author has created a Character who is far from simple, and has a troubled past with a very modern edge to it. She has made herself Strong but in a way that is fragile, perhaps even brittle at the core, and she struggles with the loss of the person who she saw as her family, but finding new connections, we see her begin to heal with the people around her.
Tabitha was absolutely brilliant, compelling and engaging, and that is just ONE of the Characters! Imagine a book full of characters who are believably and relatably complex, and you about have an image of where this story will take you.
The fact that she inherits the farm she so loves, but only 1/3 between a Cousin and Gabriel. I loved how this was handled, Gabriel the surprise addition that nobody knew. It added another unique angle to the relationships throughout the tale, making for some very interesting dynamics throughout.
Family is the central thread to this book, but not just blood family but those who can come to be family. The connections and emotions that mix when we find new family, and those we experience when we lose the people closest to us and are trying to find a new connection to help us through the grief.
The story is absolutely wonderful, Characters who all are very human in their feel and reactions, with a gorgeous love story weaving through the centre. But this story isn’t just about romantic love, it isn’t just about familial love, it’s about both, and how both can effect us and our own mental health.
I adored seeing the relationships form and grow throughout the story, how they all learn to be around one another and come together, with the sense of community running through it. I adored how family rifts were considered, how the author has mixed this is by looking at how much a repair of such a rift, can make a difference to our lives. The prose is stunning, drawing you into these wonderful peoples lives, having you rooting for them and grinning like a fool by the end.
I don’t want to say more about how these dynamics adapt from start to end, because part of the beauty in this was seeing relationships shift and morph! The surprises were part of the fun, and with family secrets coming to light in the middle of all of this, the surprises made the story shift in cleverly thought out ways that gorgeously mimic society.
I’m going to stop there or I’ll be here for hours explaining just how much i loved this story! Suffice to say this was such a gorgeously written book, I had tears in my eyes at the end, and a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart. If you’re looking for something cozy, but thought provoking to read... then this is that book, and I thoroughly suggest you buy it. Like now. Right now.
This is a story with a main character, Tabitha who is strong, but in a brittle way initially. Her past is one full of confusion and hurt leaving her feeling as though she cannot belong. She seems to be full of questions, a need to understand but at the same time is untrusting of whether or not people want her in their lives. Considering her background, that is understandable, but my point here is that I loved her. She works none stop, is determined and stubborn, all stemming from the start to her life.
I loved the fact that the Author has created a Character who is far from simple, and has a troubled past with a very modern edge to it. She has made herself Strong but in a way that is fragile, perhaps even brittle at the core, and she struggles with the loss of the person who she saw as her family, but finding new connections, we see her begin to heal with the people around her.
Tabitha was absolutely brilliant, compelling and engaging, and that is just ONE of the Characters! Imagine a book full of characters who are believably and relatably complex, and you about have an image of where this story will take you.
The fact that she inherits the farm she so loves, but only 1/3 between a Cousin and Gabriel. I loved how this was handled, Gabriel the surprise addition that nobody knew. It added another unique angle to the relationships throughout the tale, making for some very interesting dynamics throughout.
Family is the central thread to this book, but not just blood family but those who can come to be family. The connections and emotions that mix when we find new family, and those we experience when we lose the people closest to us and are trying to find a new connection to help us through the grief.
The story is absolutely wonderful, Characters who all are very human in their feel and reactions, with a gorgeous love story weaving through the centre. But this story isn’t just about romantic love, it isn’t just about familial love, it’s about both, and how both can effect us and our own mental health.
I adored seeing the relationships form and grow throughout the story, how they all learn to be around one another and come together, with the sense of community running through it. I adored how family rifts were considered, how the author has mixed this is by looking at how much a repair of such a rift, can make a difference to our lives. The prose is stunning, drawing you into these wonderful peoples lives, having you rooting for them and grinning like a fool by the end.
I don’t want to say more about how these dynamics adapt from start to end, because part of the beauty in this was seeing relationships shift and morph! The surprises were part of the fun, and with family secrets coming to light in the middle of all of this, the surprises made the story shift in cleverly thought out ways that gorgeously mimic society.
I’m going to stop there or I’ll be here for hours explaining just how much i loved this story! Suffice to say this was such a gorgeously written book, I had tears in my eyes at the end, and a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart. If you’re looking for something cozy, but thought provoking to read... then this is that book, and I thoroughly suggest you buy it. Like now. Right now.
July 27, 2019
What a gorgeous cover Veronica Henry's new book, A Home from Home has. It's warm and inviting and urges you to open the book and begin reading as soon as possible and to quickly come under the spell cast by Dragonfly Farm. This is a story that is difficult to put down as you become reeled in by the dramas that exist and continue to develop between two families -The Melchiors and the Culbornes. Playing out amidst a stunning rural backdrop plenty of secrets are about to be revealed combined with challenging decisions to be made as the long running feud that has separated the families is about to come to a head. A Home from Home is filled with lots of different little storylines, all of which capture and hold your attention so much so that you are eager to discover just how everything will connect up. Love, life, loss, grief, secrets and tragedy all have a major role to play in this charming, well written and appealing story.
Tabitha Melchior has called Dragonfly Farm her home for many years having been taken in by her Great Uncle Gum and his wife Joy. Tabitha had been a wild child and very hard to get along with, she was someone who bucked against convention and any attempts to tame her were fruitless. But it was the unit of Gum and Joy who gave her sanctuary and a safe place to find herself when her parents who had split up could clearly not. The rebellious and stubborn nature of Tabitha can still be seen today but she has grown and matured to some extent as she continues to live with Gum following the death of Joy. The farm is not a proper working farm but it has been in their family for generations ever since it was won from the Culbornes of Rushbrook House in a game of cards many years ago.
Tabitha is not a career girl and she believes she should be answerable to no one and that she is happy living with Gum and the relationship that she has established with him ever since he took her in. She is content to tend the orchards, alongside a few other small jobs which earn her some money, and to create wonderful cider renowned for miles around and she even has ambitious plans to expand the range.
Dragonfly Farm may be very rough and ready but there is an aura around it that offers comfort and solace and security. So when tragedy strikes and Gum is no longer with them, how will Tabitha continue when her confidant and rock and security have gone? What happens when the reading of the will throws up a lot more surprises than Tabitha and her cousin Georgia could ever have bargained for? What follows is a story that moves back and forth between the past and present in order to unravel mysteries kept hidden for many years. The air of mystery pervades throughout the story and this helped make A Home from Home a very enjoyable and intriguing read.
Despite the exterior she presents to the world of a woman who is tough and can well fight her corner if needed to, Tabitha is deep down someone who is vulnerable and a person who really doesn't know how to express her emotions. She would rather keep them under lock and key than admit that she is terrified of the prospect of life without Gum and even more scared of the fact that the future of her beloved Dragonfly Farm is in doubt. When the will is read Georgia, who is a script editor and working and living in London, discovers alongside Tabitha that a Gabriel Culborne has also been left one third of the farm. Of course their reaction was normal and to be expected especially when a member of a rival family turns out to have a share in their home and future. They had never heard of Gabriel who does not even live in the area so the question immediately arises as to why on earth Gum would have left the farm to him. As the story develops we get to know Tabitha, Georgia and Gabriel much more which allows the reader to get a sense of each person and to form an opinion as to what we believe should happen to the farm.
Gabriel is married to Lola and they have a daughter Plum but are desperately trying for another baby. He runs a bespoke knife business but times are challenging and with this news of an inheritance he never saw coming on the horizon he wonders should he just sell up to get the money he needs to secure a better future for his young family? All I really wanted to know is why would Gum have even mentioned Gabriel in his will and Tabitha and Georgia feel the same. They thread a very careful balance between wanting to get to know Gabriel to suss out what his intentions could be but also there is a sense of hesitancy and reserve on their parts given the history between their two families. As Gabriel wrestles with his conscience he sets out to discover just why Gum included him in his will? Will he be happy with what he uncovers?
I loved how the end goal of reaching a decision wasn't the sole focus of the book instead alongside this main problem the other issues in the characters lives were allowed to develop and unfold and there was almost like a relaxing and enveloping atmosphere developing alongside an air of mystery. You really did genuinely come to care for the characters and would hope that an outcome that would suit everybody could be arranged as I feared for Tabitha if the place she loved so much was taken away from her. Her safety net and security blanket would be taken from under her feet and I wasn't sure could she cope with that. Even more so when Dash Culborne comes back to revitalise Rushbrook House and sets his sights on the farm too I think that would have sent Tabitha over the edge. Well that's the impression I got first of Dash but I was very surprised as to how his character turned out.
As for Georgia I don't think she was as connected to the farm as Tabitha was but still she felt a sense of duty and wanted the right resolution for everybody. I really loved Georgia as a character, she was ambitious in her career and loved being a script writer and her energy and enthusiasm just bounced from the pages. She had been stung on the romantic front and used for someone else’s career gain but I loved how she really began to stand up for her self and she wanted to see her long term of goal of writing her own tv scripts become a reality. I really enjoyed her back story that was revealed through chapters set in the past and it helped with joining up the dots of the clues scattered in the present. This section of the book set in the past really did help to make sense of events ongoing in the modern day and it was a vital inclusion to the overall story.
My only minor complaint about the book was that there were so many family connections and talk of great great great grandparents etc that I did become slightly confused at times as to who was related to who and why. At the time of reading, I think maybe a family tree at the very end of the book would have been useful to refer back to when you had finished reading but then when I thought about this maybe too many secrets would have been given away too soon. But apart from this I thoroughly enjoyed A Home from Home, it's Veronica Henry at her very best creating a delightful, heart-warming, engaging story. It's a book you can't go wrong should you make the wise decision to buy it as soon as possible.
Tabitha Melchior has called Dragonfly Farm her home for many years having been taken in by her Great Uncle Gum and his wife Joy. Tabitha had been a wild child and very hard to get along with, she was someone who bucked against convention and any attempts to tame her were fruitless. But it was the unit of Gum and Joy who gave her sanctuary and a safe place to find herself when her parents who had split up could clearly not. The rebellious and stubborn nature of Tabitha can still be seen today but she has grown and matured to some extent as she continues to live with Gum following the death of Joy. The farm is not a proper working farm but it has been in their family for generations ever since it was won from the Culbornes of Rushbrook House in a game of cards many years ago.
Tabitha is not a career girl and she believes she should be answerable to no one and that she is happy living with Gum and the relationship that she has established with him ever since he took her in. She is content to tend the orchards, alongside a few other small jobs which earn her some money, and to create wonderful cider renowned for miles around and she even has ambitious plans to expand the range.
Dragonfly Farm may be very rough and ready but there is an aura around it that offers comfort and solace and security. So when tragedy strikes and Gum is no longer with them, how will Tabitha continue when her confidant and rock and security have gone? What happens when the reading of the will throws up a lot more surprises than Tabitha and her cousin Georgia could ever have bargained for? What follows is a story that moves back and forth between the past and present in order to unravel mysteries kept hidden for many years. The air of mystery pervades throughout the story and this helped make A Home from Home a very enjoyable and intriguing read.
Despite the exterior she presents to the world of a woman who is tough and can well fight her corner if needed to, Tabitha is deep down someone who is vulnerable and a person who really doesn't know how to express her emotions. She would rather keep them under lock and key than admit that she is terrified of the prospect of life without Gum and even more scared of the fact that the future of her beloved Dragonfly Farm is in doubt. When the will is read Georgia, who is a script editor and working and living in London, discovers alongside Tabitha that a Gabriel Culborne has also been left one third of the farm. Of course their reaction was normal and to be expected especially when a member of a rival family turns out to have a share in their home and future. They had never heard of Gabriel who does not even live in the area so the question immediately arises as to why on earth Gum would have left the farm to him. As the story develops we get to know Tabitha, Georgia and Gabriel much more which allows the reader to get a sense of each person and to form an opinion as to what we believe should happen to the farm.
Gabriel is married to Lola and they have a daughter Plum but are desperately trying for another baby. He runs a bespoke knife business but times are challenging and with this news of an inheritance he never saw coming on the horizon he wonders should he just sell up to get the money he needs to secure a better future for his young family? All I really wanted to know is why would Gum have even mentioned Gabriel in his will and Tabitha and Georgia feel the same. They thread a very careful balance between wanting to get to know Gabriel to suss out what his intentions could be but also there is a sense of hesitancy and reserve on their parts given the history between their two families. As Gabriel wrestles with his conscience he sets out to discover just why Gum included him in his will? Will he be happy with what he uncovers?
I loved how the end goal of reaching a decision wasn't the sole focus of the book instead alongside this main problem the other issues in the characters lives were allowed to develop and unfold and there was almost like a relaxing and enveloping atmosphere developing alongside an air of mystery. You really did genuinely come to care for the characters and would hope that an outcome that would suit everybody could be arranged as I feared for Tabitha if the place she loved so much was taken away from her. Her safety net and security blanket would be taken from under her feet and I wasn't sure could she cope with that. Even more so when Dash Culborne comes back to revitalise Rushbrook House and sets his sights on the farm too I think that would have sent Tabitha over the edge. Well that's the impression I got first of Dash but I was very surprised as to how his character turned out.
As for Georgia I don't think she was as connected to the farm as Tabitha was but still she felt a sense of duty and wanted the right resolution for everybody. I really loved Georgia as a character, she was ambitious in her career and loved being a script writer and her energy and enthusiasm just bounced from the pages. She had been stung on the romantic front and used for someone else’s career gain but I loved how she really began to stand up for her self and she wanted to see her long term of goal of writing her own tv scripts become a reality. I really enjoyed her back story that was revealed through chapters set in the past and it helped with joining up the dots of the clues scattered in the present. This section of the book set in the past really did help to make sense of events ongoing in the modern day and it was a vital inclusion to the overall story.
My only minor complaint about the book was that there were so many family connections and talk of great great great grandparents etc that I did become slightly confused at times as to who was related to who and why. At the time of reading, I think maybe a family tree at the very end of the book would have been useful to refer back to when you had finished reading but then when I thought about this maybe too many secrets would have been given away too soon. But apart from this I thoroughly enjoyed A Home from Home, it's Veronica Henry at her very best creating a delightful, heart-warming, engaging story. It's a book you can't go wrong should you make the wise decision to buy it as soon as possible.
July 7, 2019
Being a huge Veronica Henry fan, I was looking forward with great anticipation to her latest novel. This one turned out to be quite a family saga, with lots of back stories for the characters; definitely one of those books it is difficult to put down.
The main story concerns Dragonfly Farm, not a farm with animals or crops, but just the farmhouse, outbuildings and apple orchards. It is rather run down to look at, but there have obviously been many happy times for the Melchior family, who have lived there for generations, in recent times producing a very palatable cider. As we join the story, great uncle Matthew, the last of the older generation, has died, and his will has caused quite a stir amongst his surviving relatives. Tabitha, who has lived at the farm for years, and her cousin Georgia, who looks on the place as a second home, find that, as they hoped, Matthew has left them the farm, but has also left an equal share to someone they have never heard of, Gabriel Culbone. His very name is enough to raise hackles, as the Melchiors and the Culbones have long been at loggerheads following an incident a few generations ago. When all parties start digging into the past to find out Gabriel’s connection with the farm, there emerge all manner of revelations.
As I expected, I really enjoyed this book. Events spanned long periods of time, although the main focus was on the present and what was going to happen to the farm. It certainly kept me guessing until the end. I liked the fact that there was an air of mystery mixed with romance; so many secrets binding together the two families. I can recommend this book, with its strong, mainly likeable, characters and a surprise round every corner to Veronica Henry fans and those new to her work alike.
The main story concerns Dragonfly Farm, not a farm with animals or crops, but just the farmhouse, outbuildings and apple orchards. It is rather run down to look at, but there have obviously been many happy times for the Melchior family, who have lived there for generations, in recent times producing a very palatable cider. As we join the story, great uncle Matthew, the last of the older generation, has died, and his will has caused quite a stir amongst his surviving relatives. Tabitha, who has lived at the farm for years, and her cousin Georgia, who looks on the place as a second home, find that, as they hoped, Matthew has left them the farm, but has also left an equal share to someone they have never heard of, Gabriel Culbone. His very name is enough to raise hackles, as the Melchiors and the Culbones have long been at loggerheads following an incident a few generations ago. When all parties start digging into the past to find out Gabriel’s connection with the farm, there emerge all manner of revelations.
As I expected, I really enjoyed this book. Events spanned long periods of time, although the main focus was on the present and what was going to happen to the farm. It certainly kept me guessing until the end. I liked the fact that there was an air of mystery mixed with romance; so many secrets binding together the two families. I can recommend this book, with its strong, mainly likeable, characters and a surprise round every corner to Veronica Henry fans and those new to her work alike.
July 20, 2019
This book does not disappoint. I am such a fan of Veronica Henry and all her wonderful stories. This particular one, featuring Rushbrook House and the beautiful ramshackle Dragonfly Farm, is delightful and charming with exquisite characters that you want to meet in real life! The Melchiors and Culbornes are sworn rivals and the two don't mix or cross the river that divides the two Somerset properties. And yet in spite of tragic history, the two did (and do) mix, and as the battle to keep Dragonfly Farm home to Georgia and Tabitha ensues, we learn that the two families are very much connected.
I love the way Veronica Henry creates characters that you instantly fall in love with. None of them are ever the same but every single one, whether main characters or 'bit players' in the plot, are so lovingly drawn that as a reader you leave behind your life and fall head over heels in a world where, although there is conflict, you just know there are always going to be uplifting, life affirming happy endings!
A rural delight plays out amongst the pages, with a young child called Plum ,a knife craftsman called Gabriel, a model wife, a script writing cousin and Tab, the feisty female whose home Dragonfly Farm is. Step into their world, meet Dash, Diane, Tarka and a whole host of others who make the story what it is - a welcome hug to relax into which feeds your soul, warms your heart and puts a genuine smile on your face. My kind of reading heaven!
Highly recommend this book to all Henry's fans and new readers too. Just don't ever stop writing Veronica!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication.
I love the way Veronica Henry creates characters that you instantly fall in love with. None of them are ever the same but every single one, whether main characters or 'bit players' in the plot, are so lovingly drawn that as a reader you leave behind your life and fall head over heels in a world where, although there is conflict, you just know there are always going to be uplifting, life affirming happy endings!
A rural delight plays out amongst the pages, with a young child called Plum ,a knife craftsman called Gabriel, a model wife, a script writing cousin and Tab, the feisty female whose home Dragonfly Farm is. Step into their world, meet Dash, Diane, Tarka and a whole host of others who make the story what it is - a welcome hug to relax into which feeds your soul, warms your heart and puts a genuine smile on your face. My kind of reading heaven!
Highly recommend this book to all Henry's fans and new readers too. Just don't ever stop writing Veronica!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication.
June 18, 2019
For years there has been a long running feud between the Culbornes of Rushbrook House and the Melchiors of Dragonfly Farm. And yet as the events unfold in this book, we see just how connected the families history's are, whether they are aware of it or not.
I loved meeting Tabitha and Georgia and seeing just how Gabriel fitted into everything. There are secrets galore in this story, some of which I had more of an inkling towards than others.
This is a really enjoyable family drama, where although the focus is on the current generation, we discover all sorts of interesting things about many generations of the family. And then there is Gabriel's life which is up in London, with his partner and young daughter. I found his job rather interesting, not seen a knife maker before in books.
There is a huge amount of story packed into this novel, but at no point does it feel overwhelming. It's all really easy to follow but its now as I'm trying to work out what to say that I'm thinking, just how many storylines I've read, and different threads that needed to come together. It really is incredibly fine writing.
I adored the setting of Dragonfly Farm, and would have loved to get to know great uncle Matthew even more, than what we do see from him. He sounds like a rather special man.
I really enjoyed reading A Home From Home, its full of love, family relationships, potential romances, a real sense of family history and some surprises along the way. Really glad I have had the chance to read this latest book from one of my favourite authors.
Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I loved meeting Tabitha and Georgia and seeing just how Gabriel fitted into everything. There are secrets galore in this story, some of which I had more of an inkling towards than others.
This is a really enjoyable family drama, where although the focus is on the current generation, we discover all sorts of interesting things about many generations of the family. And then there is Gabriel's life which is up in London, with his partner and young daughter. I found his job rather interesting, not seen a knife maker before in books.
There is a huge amount of story packed into this novel, but at no point does it feel overwhelming. It's all really easy to follow but its now as I'm trying to work out what to say that I'm thinking, just how many storylines I've read, and different threads that needed to come together. It really is incredibly fine writing.
I adored the setting of Dragonfly Farm, and would have loved to get to know great uncle Matthew even more, than what we do see from him. He sounds like a rather special man.
I really enjoyed reading A Home From Home, its full of love, family relationships, potential romances, a real sense of family history and some surprises along the way. Really glad I have had the chance to read this latest book from one of my favourite authors.
Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 27, 2020
Dragonfly Farm, a small scale cider producer in Somerset, has been a home for generations of Melchoirs, who have had a long lasting fued with their neighbours across the river - the Culbones.
For cousins, Tabitha (a bit of a wild child in her teens) and Georgia (a dedicated script writer in London), Dragonfly and Great Uncle Matthew has been the haven, following their parents' divorces. On the death of Matthew it seems the Farm will be theirs - but his will reveals a third person, Gabriel Culbone will share the inheritance - but who is he? Gabriel too has no idea why he has been a beneficiary and knows of no connection with Matthew.
As ever the author is skillful in portraying the Somerset setting, and weaving together a myriad number of characters whose traits and personalities were complex, as family secrets were revealed. I had no idea how it was all going to turn out until near the end, so held my interest throughout. If I had one criticism - there were so many people introduced, each chapter written from their viewpoint, that you needed a clear head to remember who was who and who was related to whom. A family tree might have helped - but perhaps would have revealed too much of the unfolding storyline. Overall an excellent read with engaging characters and compelling storylines. Being chick lit (however intelligent) all ended happily.
For cousins, Tabitha (a bit of a wild child in her teens) and Georgia (a dedicated script writer in London), Dragonfly and Great Uncle Matthew has been the haven, following their parents' divorces. On the death of Matthew it seems the Farm will be theirs - but his will reveals a third person, Gabriel Culbone will share the inheritance - but who is he? Gabriel too has no idea why he has been a beneficiary and knows of no connection with Matthew.
As ever the author is skillful in portraying the Somerset setting, and weaving together a myriad number of characters whose traits and personalities were complex, as family secrets were revealed. I had no idea how it was all going to turn out until near the end, so held my interest throughout. If I had one criticism - there were so many people introduced, each chapter written from their viewpoint, that you needed a clear head to remember who was who and who was related to whom. A family tree might have helped - but perhaps would have revealed too much of the unfolding storyline. Overall an excellent read with engaging characters and compelling storylines. Being chick lit (however intelligent) all ended happily.
February 17, 2020
I have read several books by Veronica Henry and for me, her books are hit or miss. I loved How to Find Love in a Bookshop, but hated A Family Recipe.
This new novel was something in between. It wasn't great but I definitely didn't hate it.
Melchior and Culbones are two families that have lived on each side of a river for generations. They're enemies since a long time back and don't interact, even though they're neighbors.
One of the Melchiors are involved in an accident and life on Dragonfly Farm are changed forever. At the same time, a Culbone has moved to the family farm to start a new life. Maybe this will be the time to start talking to your enemy neighbors?
The story lacked in structure and I felt several times that this story is not credible. The positive side is the cozy feeling the writing gives you and the characters that are lovable. So, all in all, read this if you want a book where you don't have to concentrate and where the end is pleasing.
This new novel was something in between. It wasn't great but I definitely didn't hate it.
Melchior and Culbones are two families that have lived on each side of a river for generations. They're enemies since a long time back and don't interact, even though they're neighbors.
One of the Melchiors are involved in an accident and life on Dragonfly Farm are changed forever. At the same time, a Culbone has moved to the family farm to start a new life. Maybe this will be the time to start talking to your enemy neighbors?
The story lacked in structure and I felt several times that this story is not credible. The positive side is the cozy feeling the writing gives you and the characters that are lovable. So, all in all, read this if you want a book where you don't have to concentrate and where the end is pleasing.
August 30, 2019
This story spoke of family and the home we make with them. Dragonfly Farm was home for many people over many generations. The feud with the neighboring Culbone's might have started over 100 years ago but it can end with this generation living in peace. I loved going back into the past and seeing how the two families mixed and held secrets. The author weaved it together seamlessly. This is a keeper. one of the best books I read this year.
I absolutely adored this story. This author is becoming one of my favorites and I've only read two of her books. I can't wait to devour the others in her backlist.
I absolutely adored this story. This author is becoming one of my favorites and I've only read two of her books. I can't wait to devour the others in her backlist.
August 11, 2019
Not read a book by Veronica Henry that i didn't like and yet again she has not disapointed me...This one is amazing ...such a good storyline with believeable engaging characters...loved the rural setting and the cider making...totally recommended and raising a glass or 2 of cider to home from home.
March 28, 2024
This was such a cute read. At first I wasn’t that much invested into the characters but it got so messy and so interesting out of nowhere. I loved the countryside side of it. I’m sure this would be great to read in autumn.
August 11, 2020
Really enjoyed this one. Good storyline.
January 12, 2022
Always a comforting read! My ‘go to’ Author.
February 14, 2022
Beautiful
Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews