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The Guestbook at Willow Cottage
Welcome to Willow Cottage – throw open the shutters, let in the sea breeze and make yourself completely at home. Oh, and please do leave a comment in the Guestbook!
As landlady of Willow Cottage, the young widow Annie Butterworth is always on hand with tea, sympathy or strong Norfolk cider - whatever her colourful array of guests require. A flick through the messages in the leather-bound cottage guestbook gives a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of everyone who passes through her doors.
This includes Annie herself - especially now that celebrity crime writer Oliver Black, is back in town. He might grace the covers of gossip magazines with a different glamorous supermodel draped on his arm every week, but to Annie, he’s always just been Olly, the man who Annie shared her first kiss with.
Through the pages of the Guestbook Annie and Olly, along with all the guests that arrive at the seaside retreat, struggle with love, loss, mystery, joy, happiness, guilt…and the odd spot of naked rambling!
Forget sending postcards saying 'wish you were here' - one visit to Willow Cottage and you’ll wish you could stay forever.
As landlady of Willow Cottage, the young widow Annie Butterworth is always on hand with tea, sympathy or strong Norfolk cider - whatever her colourful array of guests require. A flick through the messages in the leather-bound cottage guestbook gives a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of everyone who passes through her doors.
This includes Annie herself - especially now that celebrity crime writer Oliver Black, is back in town. He might grace the covers of gossip magazines with a different glamorous supermodel draped on his arm every week, but to Annie, he’s always just been Olly, the man who Annie shared her first kiss with.
Through the pages of the Guestbook Annie and Olly, along with all the guests that arrive at the seaside retreat, struggle with love, loss, mystery, joy, happiness, guilt…and the odd spot of naked rambling!
Forget sending postcards saying 'wish you were here' - one visit to Willow Cottage and you’ll wish you could stay forever.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2014
511 people are currently reading
1863 people want to read
About the author
Holly Martin
57 books1,536 followersHolly lives in a little white cottage by the sea. She studied media at university which led to a very glitzy career as a hotel receptionist followed by a even more glamorous two years working in a bank. The moment that one of her colleagues received the much coveted carriage clock for fifteen years’ service was the moment when she knew she had to escape. She quit her job and returned to university to train to be a teacher. Three years later, she emerged wide eyed and terrified that she now had responsibility for the development of thirty young minds. She taught for four years and then escaped the classroom to teach history workshops, dressing up as a Viking one day and an Egyptian High Priestess the next. But the long journeys around the UK and many hours sat on the M25 gave her a lot of time to plan out her stories and she now writes full time, doing what she loves.
Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly's books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.
Follow her on Twitter @HollyMAuthor
Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly's books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.
Follow her on Twitter @HollyMAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
September 21, 2019
Lighthearted, hilarious, heartfelt and written entirely in the form of guestbook entries which made a change from the norm.
Do you not think you should have your customers certifiably checked over by a psychiatrist before you allow them to stay?”
Do you not think you should have your customers certifiably checked over by a psychiatrist before you allow them to stay?”
February 8, 2016
5Words: hilarious, sweet, interesting, summery, wish-you-were-here.
I think this is the funniest book I've read this year. I don't think I've ever giggled and snorted and rolled about so much with a book. I only wish it hadn't taken so long to get my hands on it!
This was a relatively quick read. If I hadn't taken some time out to buy a puppy (OH YES!) I'd have finished it within hours. I couldn't stop turning the pages and reading bits out to my OH (who didn't appreciate it much, it's his pet hate).
I found the format a bit weird, and some parts didn't seem to make sense for the format in which it was written, but that was all completely neutralised by the fact that this is SO FREAKING FUNNY.
I want to go to Willow Cottage. I want to stay in that beautiful little cottage by the sea and walk along the beach and sit on the village green and in that gorgeous garden. And I want to share a glass of wine with Annie and Olly because they seem like amazing people. Especially Annie!
I will definitely read more of Holly Martin's writing in future.
Make this your beach read this summer. You'll not regret it. Although you might look a bit silly when you laugh so hard it hurts.
I think this is the funniest book I've read this year. I don't think I've ever giggled and snorted and rolled about so much with a book. I only wish it hadn't taken so long to get my hands on it!
This was a relatively quick read. If I hadn't taken some time out to buy a puppy (OH YES!) I'd have finished it within hours. I couldn't stop turning the pages and reading bits out to my OH (who didn't appreciate it much, it's his pet hate).
I found the format a bit weird, and some parts didn't seem to make sense for the format in which it was written, but that was all completely neutralised by the fact that this is SO FREAKING FUNNY.
I want to go to Willow Cottage. I want to stay in that beautiful little cottage by the sea and walk along the beach and sit on the village green and in that gorgeous garden. And I want to share a glass of wine with Annie and Olly because they seem like amazing people. Especially Annie!
I will definitely read more of Holly Martin's writing in future.
Make this your beach read this summer. You'll not regret it. Although you might look a bit silly when you laugh so hard it hurts.
June 30, 2014
4.5 I have stayed up well past my bedtime & I have a tummy ache from laughing stars!
The Guestbook, if written exactly as that…a guestbook, and I have not laughed and cried so much at a book for a while. I literally had a tummy ache when I had finished it.
I was a bit unsure as to how I would like the writing, bearing in mind it is made up of entries from people staying in Willow Cottage, but it is a work of absolute genius featuring a cast of thousands (o.k. a slight exaggeration there)!
There are a few notable characters that will stick in the memory for a while, Annie Butterworth (the owner) and Ollie Black (brother-in-law & hot-shot author) as well as Sophia the cleaner for a start, but also Jake and Rosie Hamilton and the villainous Jessica Axe.
The weird and wonderful array of people staying in the cottage, a lot of whom are repeat visitors give you updates on their lives as well as their time on holiday, and I have to say I found it an utterly charming and enjoyable read.
From hash cakes to strong cider, 3 legged goats and Hen Parties to naturists, it all happens in Willow Cottage, and it was great being along for the ride.
I loved Holly Martin’s writing, and will definitely be looking out for more from her in the future; this book is an absolute cheer-you-up treasure.
ARC provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
The Guestbook, if written exactly as that…a guestbook, and I have not laughed and cried so much at a book for a while. I literally had a tummy ache when I had finished it.
I was a bit unsure as to how I would like the writing, bearing in mind it is made up of entries from people staying in Willow Cottage, but it is a work of absolute genius featuring a cast of thousands (o.k. a slight exaggeration there)!
There are a few notable characters that will stick in the memory for a while, Annie Butterworth (the owner) and Ollie Black (brother-in-law & hot-shot author) as well as Sophia the cleaner for a start, but also Jake and Rosie Hamilton and the villainous Jessica Axe.
The weird and wonderful array of people staying in the cottage, a lot of whom are repeat visitors give you updates on their lives as well as their time on holiday, and I have to say I found it an utterly charming and enjoyable read.
From hash cakes to strong cider, 3 legged goats and Hen Parties to naturists, it all happens in Willow Cottage, and it was great being along for the ride.
I loved Holly Martin’s writing, and will definitely be looking out for more from her in the future; this book is an absolute cheer-you-up treasure.
ARC provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
February 7, 2014
The Guestbook is an original, extremely funny and wonderfully romantic read. The novel is in the format of Willow Cottage’s guestbook, a kind of diary for holidaying guests to record their day to day activities and thoughts. Every character has their own font and you quickly come to recognise the recurring guests through their individual handwriting.
So often a gimmick, an original format needs to be handled expertly in order to keep a reader interested for more than a few pages. However, I’m pleased to write that The Guestbook is just the most wonderful piece of writing; even though most passages are short, the narrative that runs through the entirety of the novel is incredible. So touching, not only because of the beautifully-crafted widowed landlady, Annie Butterworth, but because of the hilarious anecdotes of her guests and the locals too.
It is impossible to read this book without feeling for Annie, and without rooting for her to find happiness and love as she works hard to keep Willow Cottage running. It’s rare that I enjoy romantic fiction, it’s even rarer that I am so utterly riveted and invested in such a book. Buy this now, you won’t be disappointed.
So often a gimmick, an original format needs to be handled expertly in order to keep a reader interested for more than a few pages. However, I’m pleased to write that The Guestbook is just the most wonderful piece of writing; even though most passages are short, the narrative that runs through the entirety of the novel is incredible. So touching, not only because of the beautifully-crafted widowed landlady, Annie Butterworth, but because of the hilarious anecdotes of her guests and the locals too.
It is impossible to read this book without feeling for Annie, and without rooting for her to find happiness and love as she works hard to keep Willow Cottage running. It’s rare that I enjoy romantic fiction, it’s even rarer that I am so utterly riveted and invested in such a book. Buy this now, you won’t be disappointed.
January 14, 2019
If you want a feel good read that is a little bit quirky then this is the book for you. It is a short read and I read it in a day. I love the idea that the story is told through out by people that come and stay at Annie's cottage. Annie also writes in the guestbook too and we find out some things about her life too. It is a very clever idea and it really works. A delightful and easy read that will no doubt warm your heart.
February 13, 2014
Where to start?!
This book was just fantastic. I haven’t seen such a unique and well executed idea in this genre for a very long time. The aptly titled, The Guestbook, is made to read like a holiday cottage guestbook, full of different guests thoughts, feelings and comments about the gorgeous Willow Cottage.
Willow Cottage is situated in a gorgeous seaside village and is owned by the widowed Annie Butterworth. A multitude of eclectic guests walk through the front door of Willow Cottage and whether they stay for one night or seven, they all make an entry in the guestbook. Without any kind of formal narrative, we are able to learn about each of the characters through their interactions with the others in the guestbook. Annie’s brother in law, Oliver, is a regular visitor and we see his and Annie’s friendship strengthen and blossom over the course of the novel. We are also privy to the thoughts of the cleaning lady, Sophia. The majority of the guests who stay in Willow Cottage are using it as an escape from their problems and we get to find out all about the lives that they lead, whether they are ill, pregnant, on the verge of divorce and everything in-between!
The range of emotions I went through whilst reading this book was vast. I laughed, I smiled, I gasped and at points I even felt sad but the overall feeling of this book was one of joy. As I turned the last page, I grinned widely and felt everything was just perfect!
The main character Annie developed beautifully over the novel; she went from a seemingly lonely widow to a woman who didn’t want to waste another moment of her life living in the past which was a really fantastic thing to see. I loved Olly, Annie’s brother in law; he provided some fantastic comical moments and was also really protective over Annie and her cottage.
The one thing I particularly loved about this book was the plethora of fonts used throughout. It made it instantly clear who was writing in the guest book because each character had their individual font. This also meant I didn’t have to keep flicking to the end of each guestbook entry to see who was talking. It gave it a very realistic feel. I felt quite naughty sitting there reading through all these entries as if I’d sneakily stolen the guest book and was reading through it all: that was a really great feeling. I love books than can make you feel like you’re really sneaky for reading it!
Holly is a really fantastic writer and she managed to give rich descriptions of the location and characters without breaking the theme of the book. There were no added descriptions between entries; everything you learn about the location and characters is gathered through the guestbook entries. It is so very clever!
This book would be the perfect holiday read and beware of reading it when you’re not on holiday because it will make you want to pack a bag and head off to your very own holiday cottage!
A beautifully clever book exploring the complexities of human relationships set against a backdrop of a holiday cottage, a three legged goat and a blackcurrant stain underneath the rug in the spare bedroom.
This book was just fantastic. I haven’t seen such a unique and well executed idea in this genre for a very long time. The aptly titled, The Guestbook, is made to read like a holiday cottage guestbook, full of different guests thoughts, feelings and comments about the gorgeous Willow Cottage.
Willow Cottage is situated in a gorgeous seaside village and is owned by the widowed Annie Butterworth. A multitude of eclectic guests walk through the front door of Willow Cottage and whether they stay for one night or seven, they all make an entry in the guestbook. Without any kind of formal narrative, we are able to learn about each of the characters through their interactions with the others in the guestbook. Annie’s brother in law, Oliver, is a regular visitor and we see his and Annie’s friendship strengthen and blossom over the course of the novel. We are also privy to the thoughts of the cleaning lady, Sophia. The majority of the guests who stay in Willow Cottage are using it as an escape from their problems and we get to find out all about the lives that they lead, whether they are ill, pregnant, on the verge of divorce and everything in-between!
The range of emotions I went through whilst reading this book was vast. I laughed, I smiled, I gasped and at points I even felt sad but the overall feeling of this book was one of joy. As I turned the last page, I grinned widely and felt everything was just perfect!
The main character Annie developed beautifully over the novel; she went from a seemingly lonely widow to a woman who didn’t want to waste another moment of her life living in the past which was a really fantastic thing to see. I loved Olly, Annie’s brother in law; he provided some fantastic comical moments and was also really protective over Annie and her cottage.
The one thing I particularly loved about this book was the plethora of fonts used throughout. It made it instantly clear who was writing in the guest book because each character had their individual font. This also meant I didn’t have to keep flicking to the end of each guestbook entry to see who was talking. It gave it a very realistic feel. I felt quite naughty sitting there reading through all these entries as if I’d sneakily stolen the guest book and was reading through it all: that was a really great feeling. I love books than can make you feel like you’re really sneaky for reading it!
Holly is a really fantastic writer and she managed to give rich descriptions of the location and characters without breaking the theme of the book. There were no added descriptions between entries; everything you learn about the location and characters is gathered through the guestbook entries. It is so very clever!
This book would be the perfect holiday read and beware of reading it when you’re not on holiday because it will make you want to pack a bag and head off to your very own holiday cottage!
A beautifully clever book exploring the complexities of human relationships set against a backdrop of a holiday cottage, a three legged goat and a blackcurrant stain underneath the rug in the spare bedroom.
August 13, 2016
I had this book on my to read list after being attracted by the cover and seduced by the blurb. I liked the idea of the story being told via a guestbook - especially as I'm the sort of person who reads a guestbook from cover to cover when I stay anywhere.
It seemed an interesting way of telling not only Anna's story, but also that of her numerous visitors. The guestbook served almost as a diary as the visitors wrote of their pasts, told of their hopes and dreams, or simply wrote down what they had done with their day. Willow Cottage offered a temporary home to, among others, honeymooners, families, nudists, bakers, writers and the downright odd and objectionable. Their various entries, differentiated by a changing font to identify the "writer" were by turns, humorous, sad, knowing, deluded and rude.
As Anna and her cleaner responded to the comments in the book, we also by turns learned of Anna's background, her changing circumstances and her developing relationships.
This worked for me initially, but the novelty soon wore off and I couldn't get beyond what seemed to me, to be an unrealistic means of progressing the plot. The problem for me, was accepting that everything, however inappropriate, was entered in the guestbook. All conversation was reduced to a communication in the guestbook, with the current visitors, Anna and the cleaner adding a comment. I envisioned this warm welcoming cottage being more like Piccadilly station with people coming and going to write in the book, and all without passing each other, as that would have resulted in an actual conversation. I also have to say that having a cleaner called Sophia Lorenzo for some reason grated on me.
As I read this book post publication, I can see that my view is at odds with most other readers and I'm happy to acknowledge that the problems are not necessarily with the book, but with my failure to engage with it. On this occasion I clearly just chose the wrong book for me.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
It seemed an interesting way of telling not only Anna's story, but also that of her numerous visitors. The guestbook served almost as a diary as the visitors wrote of their pasts, told of their hopes and dreams, or simply wrote down what they had done with their day. Willow Cottage offered a temporary home to, among others, honeymooners, families, nudists, bakers, writers and the downright odd and objectionable. Their various entries, differentiated by a changing font to identify the "writer" were by turns, humorous, sad, knowing, deluded and rude.
As Anna and her cleaner responded to the comments in the book, we also by turns learned of Anna's background, her changing circumstances and her developing relationships.
This worked for me initially, but the novelty soon wore off and I couldn't get beyond what seemed to me, to be an unrealistic means of progressing the plot. The problem for me, was accepting that everything, however inappropriate, was entered in the guestbook. All conversation was reduced to a communication in the guestbook, with the current visitors, Anna and the cleaner adding a comment. I envisioned this warm welcoming cottage being more like Piccadilly station with people coming and going to write in the book, and all without passing each other, as that would have resulted in an actual conversation. I also have to say that having a cleaner called Sophia Lorenzo for some reason grated on me.
As I read this book post publication, I can see that my view is at odds with most other readers and I'm happy to acknowledge that the problems are not necessarily with the book, but with my failure to engage with it. On this occasion I clearly just chose the wrong book for me.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 6, 2019
Only the second Holly Martin book that I’ve read and I really enjoyed it.
I loved how this book was written - as entries in a Cottage guest book. It flowed really well and was very entertaining. You really feel like you get to know all of the guests through their entries. The naked rambling couple had me howling! We are on holiday to Norfolk in October so definitely need to visit Wells by the Sea!
A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!
I loved how this book was written - as entries in a Cottage guest book. It flowed really well and was very entertaining. You really feel like you get to know all of the guests through their entries. The naked rambling couple had me howling! We are on holiday to Norfolk in October so definitely need to visit Wells by the Sea!
A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!
August 12, 2024
Originele vorm van storytelling, iets wat ik normaal wel leuk vind (zie: verhalen via sms’en op Wattpad). In dit boek kon ik me er echter echt niet in vinden, het voelde allemaal heel onrealistisch en over the top.
July 1, 2021
This is a lovely easy-read with lots of laughs along the way. It’s written differently to Holly’s usual books but it worked so well.
March 12, 2014
www.iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com
I've been hearing amazing things about The Guestbook and loads of bloggers have really enjoyed it. When Holly asked me if I would review it for her, I couldn't say no!
The Guestbook follows the story of Annie Butterworth, a widowed cottage owner who opens doors to guests from everywhere, where every one of her guest will pen down their thoughts and experiences during their stay. This is because the book is an actual guestbook!
Since the entire book is written from every character's POV, we can get a glimpse of their experiences and thoughts as well as insight on the going of the plot. I really like the concept of the book as it's something entirely new and exciting! And Holly's use of different fonts for every character's entries is simply clever! I really enjoyed reading each character's story and their personalities shine through their entries.
There's a bit of a mystery that's embedded in the storyline. Who was Annie's husband? What happened to him? What's Annie's past with Olly? I guess predictability plays quite a huge role in the plot as I was waiting for the moment where Annie would realise that Olly actually cares for and loves her.
All in all, it's a great debut novel and I really enjoyed it! I wish there were more pages for me to indulge in! Funny, poignant and riveting as well as romantic. Don't miss The Guestbook! I couldn't get enough of the guests' entries and it's got everything: humour, heartbreak, loss, love.
Rating: 8/10
I've been hearing amazing things about The Guestbook and loads of bloggers have really enjoyed it. When Holly asked me if I would review it for her, I couldn't say no!
The Guestbook follows the story of Annie Butterworth, a widowed cottage owner who opens doors to guests from everywhere, where every one of her guest will pen down their thoughts and experiences during their stay. This is because the book is an actual guestbook!
Since the entire book is written from every character's POV, we can get a glimpse of their experiences and thoughts as well as insight on the going of the plot. I really like the concept of the book as it's something entirely new and exciting! And Holly's use of different fonts for every character's entries is simply clever! I really enjoyed reading each character's story and their personalities shine through their entries.
There's a bit of a mystery that's embedded in the storyline. Who was Annie's husband? What happened to him? What's Annie's past with Olly? I guess predictability plays quite a huge role in the plot as I was waiting for the moment where Annie would realise that Olly actually cares for and loves her.
All in all, it's a great debut novel and I really enjoyed it! I wish there were more pages for me to indulge in! Funny, poignant and riveting as well as romantic. Don't miss The Guestbook! I couldn't get enough of the guests' entries and it's got everything: humour, heartbreak, loss, love.
Rating: 8/10
April 30, 2014
In The Guestbook, widow Annie Butterworth owns and operates a small guest cottage on her property. Throughout the story, an eccentric assortment of guests leave their innermost thoughts and feelings in the cottage guest book. In this original and clever way, Annie's own story unfolds. I enjoyed the manner in which the story was written. What prevented me from really embracing this book was the fact that I couldn't prevent myself from constantly disbelieving that someone could write such private things for all to see. In addition, several of the characters seemed too exaggerated in their personalities. I also had a difficult time accepting the fact that Annie's love interest was her dead husband's brother. As much as it was stressed that she really did love her husband, it didn't appear that way in her actions. I do think that Ms. Martin shows talent as a writer, this story just didn't work for me.
September 13, 2015
The Guestbook is such a unique way of telling a story, with it being a series of entries into a guestbook, at Willow Cottage. Every guest has a different voice, and the guests often held conversations with each other through the book, as well as with Annie Butterworth, the owner of Willow Cottage. You soon see that some of the guests are return visitors and you slowly get to know a whole variety of people, as well as insights into Annie's life.
This is a different but very effective way of story telling, that I loved every second of. Every time I read a Holly Martin book, I become more in awe of the variety of ways she can tell a story.
This is a different but very effective way of story telling, that I loved every second of. Every time I read a Holly Martin book, I become more in awe of the variety of ways she can tell a story.
July 11, 2015
Hmm while I like the idea I find it too unbelievable that people would actually write things like this in a guestbook...
I like the idea of corresponding thru messages but I didn't really like the way it was executed in this book
I like the idea of corresponding thru messages but I didn't really like the way it was executed in this book
July 2, 2019
Interesting concept of this story. It's actually entirely 'written' in the form of entries in this Guestbook. This was very diverting and addictive to read.
Some of those conversations via guestbook were a bit oversharing-to-keep-the-story-going, but that was alright, as it did keep the story going/ exciting.
Some of those conversations via guestbook were a bit oversharing-to-keep-the-story-going, but that was alright, as it did keep the story going/ exciting.
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February 18, 2014
I have read about The Guestbook by Holly Martin on Twitter and I really liked the idea of this book. And was actually very desperate to read this story. So desperate that I would beg for it (said in a very small and ashamed voice). Not that I begged, but after reading the book, I would. Beg. For it.
I actually don't remember reading a book written in a form of a guestbook, from the point of view of every guest that had stayed at Annie's. It was a brilliant idea and it totally worked out for me, it was new and like a breath of fresh air. The story progressed in an many engaging ways and it was great to see how so many different people seen the same things. I especially loved the entries to the guestbook done by children, as they say, children never lie and ha! Bingo. Perhaps the views were a little too matured for a one 7 - year - old girl but nevertheless, she got the point.
There are so many diverse characters in this book and only some of them are the most significant ones, those who built the story. But nevertheless, they were all SO entertaining, we had a really great cast of people there, like in a real life, from a real weirdos with the whole menagerie to a murderess.
But the main character is Annie Butterworth who, many think, is a very old grandma running the Willow Cottage - just because of her name. But no, Annie is a very attractive widow who, indeed, runs the cottage. Her husband died two years ago in a car accident. But Annie is already in love - with her brother in law, to be precise. Oliver, who is a famous best - selling author and who feels guilty because he was driving the car on the night of the accident and he can't imagine himself in a relationship with Annie. Although he's also in love with her, oh yes, he is.
There is also Sophia, who is a cleaning lady in the cottage and whose entries in the guestbook were strict to the point but incredibly funny as well.
We observe the relationship, the banter, the ups - and - downs between Annie and Oliver through the eyes of Annie's guest and also reading the entries done by the two of them. And so we get many point of views but it only adds spice to the whole situation. Yes, maybe I couldn't have imagined myself describing my life in tiny teeny details in a guestbook to be read by all, but well, why shouldn't Annie do it? And although there was an incredible chemistry between the two of them, I personally was not sure how the romance is going to end. When one of them said yes, the other said no, and other way round the next time, and I was slowly starting to feel desperate and wanted to bang their heads on the wall. Because sometimes there are two characters in the book that you want to stay together, aren't there? When you see that they are destined to each other but they only see obstacles on their way to happiness, and you feel desperate for them to stay together. And so I felt this time.
I liked Annie from the very beginning, actually I liked all the characters - and it doesn't happen often! They all had their own problems, their ups and downs, especially our Annie, but she had always found time and right words to write in the guestbook and tell the people to stay positive. She was so optimistic and funny, and I could see so many feelings through the words that she wrote. It was really amazing, because I had the feeling that I know when she felt happy, sad, desperate, that I know when she frowned or just sighed or shook her head when she wrote.
What is also amazing is the fact that Holly, while not adding any extra descriptions between the entries in the guestbook, managed to give description of the location and people. They were very cleverly sneaked in the entries.
The plot was not very complicated but there were many sub - plots, thanks to all the guests, and we got everything: from happiness to sadness, from love to grief, from loss to gain.
Yes, maybe I have some small "buts", and those are the facts that I missed a little more concretes about the relationship between Annie and Olly, and maybe that people writing about such personal stuff in the guestbook looked a little unrealistic to me, and personally I would need more different fonts to be used because sometimes I felt confused who's speaking, especially when Annie and Oliver wrote to each other, but those are just little details and I can assure you that I fell in love with this book. I have laughed out loud, I had feeling for the characters, I wanted to cheer or pat them on their backs when they were sad. This book was unique, it was brilliantly written and it left me feeling good. Would recommend it to all of you as a light, heart - warming read.
This review can sound very chaotic, but what I wanted to say is that I loved this book. Thank you.
I received a copy of this book from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
I actually don't remember reading a book written in a form of a guestbook, from the point of view of every guest that had stayed at Annie's. It was a brilliant idea and it totally worked out for me, it was new and like a breath of fresh air. The story progressed in an many engaging ways and it was great to see how so many different people seen the same things. I especially loved the entries to the guestbook done by children, as they say, children never lie and ha! Bingo. Perhaps the views were a little too matured for a one 7 - year - old girl but nevertheless, she got the point.
There are so many diverse characters in this book and only some of them are the most significant ones, those who built the story. But nevertheless, they were all SO entertaining, we had a really great cast of people there, like in a real life, from a real weirdos with the whole menagerie to a murderess.
But the main character is Annie Butterworth who, many think, is a very old grandma running the Willow Cottage - just because of her name. But no, Annie is a very attractive widow who, indeed, runs the cottage. Her husband died two years ago in a car accident. But Annie is already in love - with her brother in law, to be precise. Oliver, who is a famous best - selling author and who feels guilty because he was driving the car on the night of the accident and he can't imagine himself in a relationship with Annie. Although he's also in love with her, oh yes, he is.
There is also Sophia, who is a cleaning lady in the cottage and whose entries in the guestbook were strict to the point but incredibly funny as well.
We observe the relationship, the banter, the ups - and - downs between Annie and Oliver through the eyes of Annie's guest and also reading the entries done by the two of them. And so we get many point of views but it only adds spice to the whole situation. Yes, maybe I couldn't have imagined myself describing my life in tiny teeny details in a guestbook to be read by all, but well, why shouldn't Annie do it? And although there was an incredible chemistry between the two of them, I personally was not sure how the romance is going to end. When one of them said yes, the other said no, and other way round the next time, and I was slowly starting to feel desperate and wanted to bang their heads on the wall. Because sometimes there are two characters in the book that you want to stay together, aren't there? When you see that they are destined to each other but they only see obstacles on their way to happiness, and you feel desperate for them to stay together. And so I felt this time.
I liked Annie from the very beginning, actually I liked all the characters - and it doesn't happen often! They all had their own problems, their ups and downs, especially our Annie, but she had always found time and right words to write in the guestbook and tell the people to stay positive. She was so optimistic and funny, and I could see so many feelings through the words that she wrote. It was really amazing, because I had the feeling that I know when she felt happy, sad, desperate, that I know when she frowned or just sighed or shook her head when she wrote.
What is also amazing is the fact that Holly, while not adding any extra descriptions between the entries in the guestbook, managed to give description of the location and people. They were very cleverly sneaked in the entries.
The plot was not very complicated but there were many sub - plots, thanks to all the guests, and we got everything: from happiness to sadness, from love to grief, from loss to gain.
Yes, maybe I have some small "buts", and those are the facts that I missed a little more concretes about the relationship between Annie and Olly, and maybe that people writing about such personal stuff in the guestbook looked a little unrealistic to me, and personally I would need more different fonts to be used because sometimes I felt confused who's speaking, especially when Annie and Oliver wrote to each other, but those are just little details and I can assure you that I fell in love with this book. I have laughed out loud, I had feeling for the characters, I wanted to cheer or pat them on their backs when they were sad. This book was unique, it was brilliantly written and it left me feeling good. Would recommend it to all of you as a light, heart - warming read.
This review can sound very chaotic, but what I wanted to say is that I loved this book. Thank you.
I received a copy of this book from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
February 17, 2014
Holly is the author of Young Adult fantasy novel The Sentinel. I absolutely loved that story, the characters and the sheer amount of imagination that went into it was phenomenal. I’m so excited to be reviewing this book, I just want to jump up and down and shout READ THIS NOW!
This is the story of the guestbook which resides inside Willow Cottage. Willow Cottage is a holiday home in Wells-next-the-sea. Guests are encouraged to keep a log of their stay in the book, leave hints and tips for future holiday makers and it’s also used by cottage owner Annie Butterworth to leave messages for her guests.
Annie is the main character in the story. Her name makes you think of a little old lady with an endless supply of Werther’s Originals. Annie is quite the opposite. She’s a young woman, a widow who has a passion for looking after her guests in the cottage. I liked Annie instantly. She is such a sweet character, always looking for the bright side, giving helpful and insightful advice to her guests. I felt like she had been through the mill a bit but she has this great support network around her and it’s obvious that both she and her friends really care about each other.
There are many characters in the book as Willow Cottage proves to be quite popular. Some of the guests are more frequent writers than others, like Oliver. Oliver is Annie’s brother in law and sounds as if he is rather dishy. If I wanted a brother in law to look out for me I’d like a brother in law like Oliver. Sophie is another frequent writer, she’s the cottages cleaner. Others only stay for a week or a weekend and some guests return later in the story for another stay. I really liked that about the book because it lets you see how Annie has an impact on all of their lives and it also allowed for one of my favourite things about the book to come through.
Some of the guests who use the book are children and I really loved the way that Holly dealt with that. Holly just wrote a simple innocence into their stories that really allowed you to see the world from someone else’s point of view. It reminds you of a time that you saw the world like that where the adults were always right!
One of the major points about this book is that there is no dialogue between the characters. All interactions take place through the guestbook. It’s a true talent to be able to make you feel like you’ve read a book with traditional interaction between the characters when you’ve read the whole story and no-one has actually spoken to anyone else! Another thing about the way the story is written is that there are no descriptions of surroundings or character information for example what they are wearing so everything is portrayed in the guestbook. Not once, looking back, does it feel like I’ve missed out on it. I still knew what the surroundings were like; I still had a sense of each of the characters. Holly’s imagination just shines right through!
This is a fantastic read, a bit of a tear jerker at times but written so beautifully it’s easy to fall in love with the story and the characters.
This is the story of the guestbook which resides inside Willow Cottage. Willow Cottage is a holiday home in Wells-next-the-sea. Guests are encouraged to keep a log of their stay in the book, leave hints and tips for future holiday makers and it’s also used by cottage owner Annie Butterworth to leave messages for her guests.
Annie is the main character in the story. Her name makes you think of a little old lady with an endless supply of Werther’s Originals. Annie is quite the opposite. She’s a young woman, a widow who has a passion for looking after her guests in the cottage. I liked Annie instantly. She is such a sweet character, always looking for the bright side, giving helpful and insightful advice to her guests. I felt like she had been through the mill a bit but she has this great support network around her and it’s obvious that both she and her friends really care about each other.
There are many characters in the book as Willow Cottage proves to be quite popular. Some of the guests are more frequent writers than others, like Oliver. Oliver is Annie’s brother in law and sounds as if he is rather dishy. If I wanted a brother in law to look out for me I’d like a brother in law like Oliver. Sophie is another frequent writer, she’s the cottages cleaner. Others only stay for a week or a weekend and some guests return later in the story for another stay. I really liked that about the book because it lets you see how Annie has an impact on all of their lives and it also allowed for one of my favourite things about the book to come through.
Some of the guests who use the book are children and I really loved the way that Holly dealt with that. Holly just wrote a simple innocence into their stories that really allowed you to see the world from someone else’s point of view. It reminds you of a time that you saw the world like that where the adults were always right!
One of the major points about this book is that there is no dialogue between the characters. All interactions take place through the guestbook. It’s a true talent to be able to make you feel like you’ve read a book with traditional interaction between the characters when you’ve read the whole story and no-one has actually spoken to anyone else! Another thing about the way the story is written is that there are no descriptions of surroundings or character information for example what they are wearing so everything is portrayed in the guestbook. Not once, looking back, does it feel like I’ve missed out on it. I still knew what the surroundings were like; I still had a sense of each of the characters. Holly’s imagination just shines right through!
This is a fantastic read, a bit of a tear jerker at times but written so beautifully it’s easy to fall in love with the story and the characters.
February 24, 2014
When I spotted The Guestbook by Holly Martin on Netgalley, I had no idea what the book was going to be about. I knew the title, I knew the beautiful cover, but I didn’t know how it was written, which meant that when I dived into the novel it was quite the surprise to find it wasn’t written like a normal novel, but is actually entries into a guestbook (perhaps the title should have warned me of what was to come?). But I actually love books written in varying mediums and so I was quite excited to get stuck into The Guestbook and to meet it’s (very) varying characters, along with owner Annie Butterworth (awesome name).
I actually enjoyed The Guestbook way more than I expected! It was a bit like opening up a random page on the Internet and reading everybody’s comments and opinions, but in the best way possible! Let me tell you, that Annie’s cottage, Willow Cottage, sounds like heaven on Earth. I find myself regularly saying this, as I keep reading books in houses/countries I would die to live in, but Willow Cottage definitely tops that list. I loved the sound of the cottage, and I loved that the community of Wells-By-The-Sea would stick their necks out on the line (or keep schtum) about any kinds of goings on. They’re my kind of people!
As for the actual guests at Willow Cottage, they were such a mixed and varied bunch, but I loved hearing from all of them. My favourite (and most memorable) was probably the lady with all the pets. Not regular pets, oh no! She had a goat, a snake, a tarantula (a tarantula which elicited screams every time it escaped and someone found her, no less!). I enjoyed getting to know Annie, Oliver and Sophie, too, they were the constants in the novel, and I was very much on the will-they-won’t-they see-saw of Annie and Oliver. (I totally wanted them to, obvs.) It was such a thoroughly enjoyable novel, with such a unique concept and one that never fails to make me happy. Holly Martin is a wonderful writer, and I enjoyed every page of The Guestbook, it was so sweet and so lovely and such a fantastic idea! I rather call for a sequel!
I actually enjoyed The Guestbook way more than I expected! It was a bit like opening up a random page on the Internet and reading everybody’s comments and opinions, but in the best way possible! Let me tell you, that Annie’s cottage, Willow Cottage, sounds like heaven on Earth. I find myself regularly saying this, as I keep reading books in houses/countries I would die to live in, but Willow Cottage definitely tops that list. I loved the sound of the cottage, and I loved that the community of Wells-By-The-Sea would stick their necks out on the line (or keep schtum) about any kinds of goings on. They’re my kind of people!
As for the actual guests at Willow Cottage, they were such a mixed and varied bunch, but I loved hearing from all of them. My favourite (and most memorable) was probably the lady with all the pets. Not regular pets, oh no! She had a goat, a snake, a tarantula (a tarantula which elicited screams every time it escaped and someone found her, no less!). I enjoyed getting to know Annie, Oliver and Sophie, too, they were the constants in the novel, and I was very much on the will-they-won’t-they see-saw of Annie and Oliver. (I totally wanted them to, obvs.) It was such a thoroughly enjoyable novel, with such a unique concept and one that never fails to make me happy. Holly Martin is a wonderful writer, and I enjoyed every page of The Guestbook, it was so sweet and so lovely and such a fantastic idea! I rather call for a sequel!
March 8, 2014
The original review is posted on This Chick Reads Book Blog:
http://thischickreads.wordpress.com/2...
Welcome to the Willow Cottage. Meet Annie, the owner of this warm and cozy place. When you hear her name, you’ll think it is an old lady, and many people mistake her for the owner’s granddaughter. But she is young, beautiful, smart and kind woman who suffered a lot losing her husband not so long time ago. There is also her brother-in-law, the very famous writer Oliver Black who is secretly in love with her. He is her best friend and always takes care for her. And every single story is spiced with the comments of Sophia, the cleaner.
I totally enjoyed this lovely story written in notes. Writing in the guestbook helps people to communicate. It is an interesting way of talking among the guests in the Cottage. The guestbook of The Willow Cottage is a place where people can open their souls, actually talk to each other when they think that there is nothing left to say, gossip, share memories and emotions. There are no dialogues, everyone talks (writes) for him/herself. Maybe this is better way to say what’s on your mind. Sometimes people don’t have the courage to talk to each other face to face. So they write. There are touching stories that made me cry, and the funny ones that made me laugh so hard. Through all those notes, you can follow the story of Annie, her loss of her husband and finding the love again. Reading the guestbook you’ll meet very different characters, from old ladies with several pets, to divorcing couples who are making up their marriage again.
I must say that Ms. Martin has a rare and unique way of writing. I haven’t read a book written in notes before. Every single note complements the previous one, and the result is warm and cozy story that will melt your heart. Totally recommended.
http://thischickreads.wordpress.com/2...
Welcome to the Willow Cottage. Meet Annie, the owner of this warm and cozy place. When you hear her name, you’ll think it is an old lady, and many people mistake her for the owner’s granddaughter. But she is young, beautiful, smart and kind woman who suffered a lot losing her husband not so long time ago. There is also her brother-in-law, the very famous writer Oliver Black who is secretly in love with her. He is her best friend and always takes care for her. And every single story is spiced with the comments of Sophia, the cleaner.
I totally enjoyed this lovely story written in notes. Writing in the guestbook helps people to communicate. It is an interesting way of talking among the guests in the Cottage. The guestbook of The Willow Cottage is a place where people can open their souls, actually talk to each other when they think that there is nothing left to say, gossip, share memories and emotions. There are no dialogues, everyone talks (writes) for him/herself. Maybe this is better way to say what’s on your mind. Sometimes people don’t have the courage to talk to each other face to face. So they write. There are touching stories that made me cry, and the funny ones that made me laugh so hard. Through all those notes, you can follow the story of Annie, her loss of her husband and finding the love again. Reading the guestbook you’ll meet very different characters, from old ladies with several pets, to divorcing couples who are making up their marriage again.
I must say that Ms. Martin has a rare and unique way of writing. I haven’t read a book written in notes before. Every single note complements the previous one, and the result is warm and cozy story that will melt your heart. Totally recommended.
February 28, 2014
Originally posted on: http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....
What a fabulous, enjoyable read The Guestbook was.
Annie Butterworth owns Willow Cottage in Wells-Next-The-Sea. She lets out half of her cottage for holiday goers and is always on hand with a cup of tea and a helping hand. In the cottage she leaves a Guestbook where she encourages guests to write about their stay. Through the guestbook we get to meet all the different guests that come to stay at Willow cottage, from the lovely, to the eccentric to the scandalous.
This was so easy and fun to read. I loved how The Guestbook was written from each of the different guests points of view. It was really cleverly done by writing each different guests thoughts in a different font so you were able to keep track of which character it was. I think writing it like this really made it stand out and it made it a really quick read.
I really liked the idea of The Guestbook as when you go away to stay in places, it never really crosses your mind about the other guests that stay there, so this was brilliant. There really was an eclectic mix of characters, from the celebrity that was Oliver Black the famous writer and friend of Annie's to the slightly crazy! And it's not just their traits that we learn about but their emotions and all the different things that each character was going through, from grief to affairs to new families.
This really was a beautiful story that I just could not put down as I just wanted to lose myself in each of the different characters lives. I wish I could go and stay at Willow Cottage myself!
What a fabulous, enjoyable read The Guestbook was.
Annie Butterworth owns Willow Cottage in Wells-Next-The-Sea. She lets out half of her cottage for holiday goers and is always on hand with a cup of tea and a helping hand. In the cottage she leaves a Guestbook where she encourages guests to write about their stay. Through the guestbook we get to meet all the different guests that come to stay at Willow cottage, from the lovely, to the eccentric to the scandalous.
This was so easy and fun to read. I loved how The Guestbook was written from each of the different guests points of view. It was really cleverly done by writing each different guests thoughts in a different font so you were able to keep track of which character it was. I think writing it like this really made it stand out and it made it a really quick read.
I really liked the idea of The Guestbook as when you go away to stay in places, it never really crosses your mind about the other guests that stay there, so this was brilliant. There really was an eclectic mix of characters, from the celebrity that was Oliver Black the famous writer and friend of Annie's to the slightly crazy! And it's not just their traits that we learn about but their emotions and all the different things that each character was going through, from grief to affairs to new families.
This really was a beautiful story that I just could not put down as I just wanted to lose myself in each of the different characters lives. I wish I could go and stay at Willow Cottage myself!
October 8, 2015
I love it when an author looks for a new, unique way to tell a story and in The Guestbook Holly Martin has done just that. I imagine it was a challenge to develop a plot in the way Holly has here (through a series of entries in the guest book for Annie Butterworth's holiday cottage) but it works incredibly well, giving the reader the opportunity to see the story from multiple viewpoints. Each character has an entertaining voice and the humour I've come to expect from this author is generously sprinkled throughout the book.
However, although there are moments I laughed out loud, it's not all plain sailing for protagonist Annie. Since her husband Nick died she's thrown herself into running Willow Cottage as a holiday retreat. She's given her heart and soul yet for some people that will never be enough. There's also the added complication of the return of Olly, Annie's old flame...
Through the pages of the guest book, which is more like a diary of notes between Annie, Olly, Sophia (who cleans the cottage) and the guests, we are introduced to an array of colourful characters and are able to watch the relationship between Annie and Olly develop. The plot naturally shifts with each change in characters, but that kept me interested - the mini subplots kept my interest up, and that along with the chatty writing style made this a very readable book.
The only problem for me was the cliffhanger ending - you can't leave it like that, especially when there's no follow up/sequel! I'm hoping the author will share what happened next because I'm desperate to know!
This was a fun, fresh read which might appeal to fans of humorous women's fiction.
However, although there are moments I laughed out loud, it's not all plain sailing for protagonist Annie. Since her husband Nick died she's thrown herself into running Willow Cottage as a holiday retreat. She's given her heart and soul yet for some people that will never be enough. There's also the added complication of the return of Olly, Annie's old flame...
Through the pages of the guest book, which is more like a diary of notes between Annie, Olly, Sophia (who cleans the cottage) and the guests, we are introduced to an array of colourful characters and are able to watch the relationship between Annie and Olly develop. The plot naturally shifts with each change in characters, but that kept me interested - the mini subplots kept my interest up, and that along with the chatty writing style made this a very readable book.
The only problem for me was the cliffhanger ending - you can't leave it like that, especially when there's no follow up/sequel! I'm hoping the author will share what happened next because I'm desperate to know!
This was a fun, fresh read which might appeal to fans of humorous women's fiction.
April 14, 2014
The Guestbook by Holly Martin
Read 14th April 2014
The Guestbook is an original and wonderfully romantic read. It is made to read like a holiday cottage Guestbook. The thoughts of different guests, their feelings and comments about the beautiful Willow Cottage, near Wells on Sea are recorded within the pages. As landlady of Willow Cottage, the beautiful widow Annie Butterworth is constantly on the scene with tea, eggs, sympathy and strong Norfolk cider. The majority of the visitors to the cottage use it as an escape from their problems. There is no formal narrative to this book and the idea of this particular genre was exciting and unusual. Without any formal narrative, we are able to learn about each of the characters through their interactions with the others in the guestbook. The passages are short and yet the narrative that runs through the novel is incredible. I particularly liked Holly’s use of fonts. She used different fonts to illustrate the different characters; whenever I saw a font I recognised the character and could form an image in my head. I know that much of it was far fetched and that people staying in a cottage would never, ever reveal all their personal information for all to read. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it highly.
I award it 4 ½ stars.
Read 14th April 2014
The Guestbook is an original and wonderfully romantic read. It is made to read like a holiday cottage Guestbook. The thoughts of different guests, their feelings and comments about the beautiful Willow Cottage, near Wells on Sea are recorded within the pages. As landlady of Willow Cottage, the beautiful widow Annie Butterworth is constantly on the scene with tea, eggs, sympathy and strong Norfolk cider. The majority of the visitors to the cottage use it as an escape from their problems. There is no formal narrative to this book and the idea of this particular genre was exciting and unusual. Without any formal narrative, we are able to learn about each of the characters through their interactions with the others in the guestbook. The passages are short and yet the narrative that runs through the novel is incredible. I particularly liked Holly’s use of fonts. She used different fonts to illustrate the different characters; whenever I saw a font I recognised the character and could form an image in my head. I know that much of it was far fetched and that people staying in a cottage would never, ever reveal all their personal information for all to read. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it highly.
I award it 4 ½ stars.
February 19, 2014
This review was first published at M's Bookshelf - http://mssbookshelf.gmail.com as part of a Goslings Girls- book tour!
I absolutely loved reading this book. Holly tells the story of Willow Cottage, its owner Annie and all it's guest. The great thing is though, that she lets THEM tell their story - through Willow Cottage's Guestbook.
Every guest has their own fond, which makes it easy to see who's writing without having to turn back pages. It's amazing how Holly can introduce characters by just a few lines and still make you feel like you know them through and through. It took me a while to really understand who Annie was - the first impressions the guests wrote weren't really helpful - but I ended up really liking and respecting her. She's a very strong, very kind woman with so much love for both her friends and her guests.
The main story in The Guestbook is Annie's. Through the messages of her friends staying in Willow Cottage and her responses, and through some eye-witness reports written by extremely nosy guests, we see her story unfold.
It's a very heartwarming and funny story about love... and all the pain and joy that comes with it.
I absolutely loved reading this book. Holly tells the story of Willow Cottage, its owner Annie and all it's guest. The great thing is though, that she lets THEM tell their story - through Willow Cottage's Guestbook.
Every guest has their own fond, which makes it easy to see who's writing without having to turn back pages. It's amazing how Holly can introduce characters by just a few lines and still make you feel like you know them through and through. It took me a while to really understand who Annie was - the first impressions the guests wrote weren't really helpful - but I ended up really liking and respecting her. She's a very strong, very kind woman with so much love for both her friends and her guests.
The main story in The Guestbook is Annie's. Through the messages of her friends staying in Willow Cottage and her responses, and through some eye-witness reports written by extremely nosy guests, we see her story unfold.
It's a very heartwarming and funny story about love... and all the pain and joy that comes with it.
August 1, 2014
After hearing so much praise from my fellow bloggers about this book, I went in full of hope. I got a lovely surprise on finding that it is not formatted as a book, but as an actual Guestbook. I thought that was a quirky and original idea. I enjoyed the Guestbook a lot, it had everything you could imagine in it. The best for me being landlord Annie Butterworth's own story.
I had one small issue with it though, and it's stupid of me really. I mean this is fiction, and fiction is fiction end of story. But I feel in certain books there has to be an element of truth in it, and to me this was one of those reads. I found sometimes as just a Guestbook in a holiday let, it got a bit too much. People holidaying together chatting through it when realistically they wouldn't. It just sort of niggled at me is all.
I'd recommend this book to anyone wanting something different. For people wanting a romantic and colourful read.
3/5
I had one small issue with it though, and it's stupid of me really. I mean this is fiction, and fiction is fiction end of story. But I feel in certain books there has to be an element of truth in it, and to me this was one of those reads. I found sometimes as just a Guestbook in a holiday let, it got a bit too much. People holidaying together chatting through it when realistically they wouldn't. It just sort of niggled at me is all.
I'd recommend this book to anyone wanting something different. For people wanting a romantic and colourful read.
3/5
October 30, 2017
Totally unbelievable and ridiculous. I can't remember the last time I rolled my eyes so much while reading a book. No way would anyone write these things in the guestbook of a B&B. MAYBE if it took place in a time before email, cell phones and texting, but not in 2014.
Men telling their girlfriends they love them for the first time...a husband and wife fighting and asking for a divorce through a GUESTBOOK...one guy staying there with the woman he's having an affair with (and of course writing about it in the guestbook)...and a famous actress who's afraid the paparazzi will find out her secret, but who details all her personal business (as well as said 'secret') in the guestbook.
Nope. Not buying it.
I enjoyed the story of each guest, but I really feel that the format completely ruined the book. It was just so unbelievable, and way too far-fetched for me to take seriously.
Men telling their girlfriends they love them for the first time...a husband and wife fighting and asking for a divorce through a GUESTBOOK...one guy staying there with the woman he's having an affair with (and of course writing about it in the guestbook)...and a famous actress who's afraid the paparazzi will find out her secret, but who details all her personal business (as well as said 'secret') in the guestbook.
Nope. Not buying it.
I enjoyed the story of each guest, but I really feel that the format completely ruined the book. It was just so unbelievable, and way too far-fetched for me to take seriously.
July 17, 2014
This was a fun and light story told through the pages of the Willow Cottage guestbook. The protagonist Annie Butterworth, widowed for two years now, rents out her guesthouse in Wells-Next-the-Sea and the guests are encouraged to use the guestbook to record their thoughts and activities during their stay. Annie and housekeeper Sophia also comment in the guestbook regularly, as does Annie's brother-in-law Olly, a famous writer, who often stays at the guesthouse. There were some amusing guests and I enjoyed the romance between Annie and Olly. I liked the format of guestbook entries for the most part, but it was hard to believe people would actually put such long and personal entries in a guestbook for everyone who comes afterward to read, but even so it was a enjoyable read.
March 11, 2014
This book is quite unique - in a good, fun way. The writing had me engrossed and wanting to read more. I loved how we got to know each guest, their lives and loves - even if those were a goat, a snake and a rat! Seeing the relationship develop between Annie and Mr Butterworth, through their comments, was a treat.
Writing all your personal thoughts in a guestbook wouldn't be for me in real life, but this is a work of fiction - and it was consistent, so easily acceptable once you realise that's the norm for the tale. This book was a delightful diversion and I enjoyed it.
Writing all your personal thoughts in a guestbook wouldn't be for me in real life, but this is a work of fiction - and it was consistent, so easily acceptable once you realise that's the norm for the tale. This book was a delightful diversion and I enjoyed it.
March 8, 2015
Liked the idea of a story told through a guestbook but the reality was disappointing. People would just not write what these people did in the guestbook knowing others would read it! Also found some of the guests and their stories unbelievable. Could not get over these facts and therefore enjoy what could have been a good story about a small town and its goings on.
December 17, 2016
This was an excellent lazy afternoon read. I really loved the guestbook style and the myriad of characters, and it had a great ending.
I also loved the two brothers dynamic. I love it when being in love with more than one person is handled sensitively and realistically, like with FitzSimmons in Agent's of Shield. It doesn't happen very often in popular media unfortunately.
I also loved the two brothers dynamic. I love it when being in love with more than one person is handled sensitively and realistically, like with FitzSimmons in Agent's of Shield. It doesn't happen very often in popular media unfortunately.
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