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Westenbury #2
Coming Home to Holly Close Farm
Charlie Maddison loves being an architect in London, but when she finds out her boyfriend, Dominic is actually married, she runs back to the beautiful countryside of Westenbury and her parents. Charlie's sister Daisy, a landscape gardener, is also back home in desperate need of company and some fun.
Their great-grandmother, Madge – now in her early nineties – reveals she has a house, Holly Close Farm, mysteriously abandoned over sixty years ago, and persuades the girls to project manage its renovation.
As work gets underway, the sisters start uncovering their family's history, and the dark secrets that are hidden at the Farm. A heart-breaking tale of wartime romance, jealousy and betrayal slowly emerges, but with a moral at its end: true love can withstand any obstacle, and, before long, Charlie dares to believe in love again too...
Julie Houston's novels are heart-warming, full of joy and completely addictive. Perfect for all fans of Katie Fforde and Jill Mansell.
426 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2019
750 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 5, 2019
Julie Houston has done it again.
Charlie Maddison is newly single, fired, evicted, and headed back to Westenbury to live with her parents. While she pines for the life she had in London, her great-grandmother, Madge, entices her with the revelation of Holly Close Farm, a secret home she’s left abandoned for over sixty years. Soon, Charlie’s using her architecture experience to project manage its renovation with her sister, Daisy. However, as the house takes shape, Madge reveals secrets of a wartime romance that rock their family.
Houston is a master of the explosive opening. In the first scene, Charlie is attempting to enter her apartment only to discover her key no longer works. What follows is a brilliant confrontation between Charlie and her boyfriend’s wife— someone she had no knowledge of. It’s shocking, uncomfortable, and sets Charlie off as a confident, if overwhelmed, character. At this point, she’s hit bottom and is intensely vulnerable, but it ultimately makes her a character whose growth the reader can truly champion.
But she doesn’t get all the attention. Madge has been keeping some large secrets for a long time, and the story dips frequently into her point of view when discussing the past. It’s effective, with Houston weaving an expert story of war and love effortlessly with the present-day. It helps that she takes no issue with making her characters go through hell. Madge and her true love, James, deal with social class issues, scandal, deception, and murder— not to mention the war. With a lesser writer, this might feel melodramatic, but Houston has a remarkable ability to ground her characters in reality, even at the most dramatic of times. The payoff is extraordinary. Rarely has a last chapter felt so satisfying.
Of course, for anyone who has ever read a Houston book before, it should be noted that her wonderful style of humor is still on display. A reindeer costume, a theatrically trained grandmother, and a stunned badger all make appearances. Perhaps because of the high stakes found in most of the book, these jokes and clever asides are particularly effective. They cut tension and always serve to further the relationships between the characters. The funniest bits, mostly taking place around a kitchen table, do some of the best work establishing this as a real family piece.
At its base, Coming Home to Holly Close Farm is a story of romance, family, and second chances. In all respects, it works. The throughlines of Charlie and Madge buck and flow, creating dual beautifully heartwarming stories.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
This review is also published at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
Charlie Maddison is newly single, fired, evicted, and headed back to Westenbury to live with her parents. While she pines for the life she had in London, her great-grandmother, Madge, entices her with the revelation of Holly Close Farm, a secret home she’s left abandoned for over sixty years. Soon, Charlie’s using her architecture experience to project manage its renovation with her sister, Daisy. However, as the house takes shape, Madge reveals secrets of a wartime romance that rock their family.
Houston is a master of the explosive opening. In the first scene, Charlie is attempting to enter her apartment only to discover her key no longer works. What follows is a brilliant confrontation between Charlie and her boyfriend’s wife— someone she had no knowledge of. It’s shocking, uncomfortable, and sets Charlie off as a confident, if overwhelmed, character. At this point, she’s hit bottom and is intensely vulnerable, but it ultimately makes her a character whose growth the reader can truly champion.
But she doesn’t get all the attention. Madge has been keeping some large secrets for a long time, and the story dips frequently into her point of view when discussing the past. It’s effective, with Houston weaving an expert story of war and love effortlessly with the present-day. It helps that she takes no issue with making her characters go through hell. Madge and her true love, James, deal with social class issues, scandal, deception, and murder— not to mention the war. With a lesser writer, this might feel melodramatic, but Houston has a remarkable ability to ground her characters in reality, even at the most dramatic of times. The payoff is extraordinary. Rarely has a last chapter felt so satisfying.
Of course, for anyone who has ever read a Houston book before, it should be noted that her wonderful style of humor is still on display. A reindeer costume, a theatrically trained grandmother, and a stunned badger all make appearances. Perhaps because of the high stakes found in most of the book, these jokes and clever asides are particularly effective. They cut tension and always serve to further the relationships between the characters. The funniest bits, mostly taking place around a kitchen table, do some of the best work establishing this as a real family piece.
At its base, Coming Home to Holly Close Farm is a story of romance, family, and second chances. In all respects, it works. The throughlines of Charlie and Madge buck and flow, creating dual beautifully heartwarming stories.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
This review is also published at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
February 9, 2019
I have been a hardcore Houston fan ever since reading 'A Village Affair'. So I approached this new book of hers with some trepidation since a tiny voice inside me was reminding that I don't like war stories. Ya, you got it right! Never been a fan of guns and bombs . . . I am more of a bow and arrow girl. Thus I am happy to announce that out of the two interconnected stories, I enjoyed the world war love the most. Well, that is Julie's writing for you. Who could ever disregard a star crossed love story?
As you must have figured out already, there are two stories, going simultaneously in the past and the present. While Madge and James' story is the perfect love story that will give you dreamy eyes for some days, Charlie's story is more about family, sisterly bond and of course finding love again. If I have to pick my favourite characters, that is going to be Daisy and Madge. The former, because she reminds me a lot about my own younger sister who came to my defence all the time at school and Madge . . . because she is one hell of a lady.
And there is the typical Houston humour which surfaces often enough, even with the serious theme . . . not surprising considering the number of grannies taking part in the story 😆
Altogether a vibrant read you won't dare to put down. Highly recommended!!!
As you must have figured out already, there are two stories, going simultaneously in the past and the present. While Madge and James' story is the perfect love story that will give you dreamy eyes for some days, Charlie's story is more about family, sisterly bond and of course finding love again. If I have to pick my favourite characters, that is going to be Daisy and Madge. The former, because she reminds me a lot about my own younger sister who came to my defence all the time at school and Madge . . . because she is one hell of a lady.
And there is the typical Houston humour which surfaces often enough, even with the serious theme . . . not surprising considering the number of grannies taking part in the story 😆
Altogether a vibrant read you won't dare to put down. Highly recommended!!!
January 24, 2019
Release Date: February 5, 2019
Genre: Chick Lit
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Coming Home to Holly Close Farm is a gorgeous story about a woman who, after finding out her boyfriend is married, goes home to her family. In doing this, the heroine now only learns to live on her own, but the secrets of her family that go back generations. Julie's ability to weave Charlies story within the history of her family is magnificent. I felt the anticipation of learning more information and loved how Charlie was awakened through the history. All in all, it's just a beautiful story and elegantly told. I love the how humor was sprinkled thought the story, and I love the feeling of family.
If you are looking for an original and classic read, I very much recommend this one.
Genre: Chick Lit
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Coming Home to Holly Close Farm is a gorgeous story about a woman who, after finding out her boyfriend is married, goes home to her family. In doing this, the heroine now only learns to live on her own, but the secrets of her family that go back generations. Julie's ability to weave Charlies story within the history of her family is magnificent. I felt the anticipation of learning more information and loved how Charlie was awakened through the history. All in all, it's just a beautiful story and elegantly told. I love the how humor was sprinkled thought the story, and I love the feeling of family.
If you are looking for an original and classic read, I very much recommend this one.
March 5, 2019
Having heard great things about author Julie Houston and her books, I was very eager to get my hands on this one. The Blurb promised relationships, family, and secrets.
The book started off well with Charlie bring thrown out by a woman who turned out to be the wife of her boyfriend. So with 5 bin bags of her belongings, she had to leave London and go back home.
Great grandmother Madge then shared with them about a secret property, and Charlie was made the supervisor of its renovation. In the entire process, the truth about Madge's past was soon revealed.
To begin with, I wasn't really blown away by the characters or their dialogues. They tried too hard to be quirky. The whole book neither felt addictive nor humorous as told in the title.
I loved great grandmother Madge, she was way too strong and her romance was more interesting than Charlie's. I enjoyed reading her parts than the rest of the book.
Overall a good read...
The book started off well with Charlie bring thrown out by a woman who turned out to be the wife of her boyfriend. So with 5 bin bags of her belongings, she had to leave London and go back home.
Great grandmother Madge then shared with them about a secret property, and Charlie was made the supervisor of its renovation. In the entire process, the truth about Madge's past was soon revealed.
To begin with, I wasn't really blown away by the characters or their dialogues. They tried too hard to be quirky. The whole book neither felt addictive nor humorous as told in the title.
I loved great grandmother Madge, she was way too strong and her romance was more interesting than Charlie's. I enjoyed reading her parts than the rest of the book.
Overall a good read...
February 5, 2019
Amazing!! This book entranced me and kept me in thrall throughout. Far from the girlish romance I expected but a story of love and loss spanning the decades. To give any of the plot away would be a sacrilege for anyone else who reads this book. To not know is to liken reading this book to unwrapping a much longed for gift. Award yourself a few hours of pure indulgence and treat yourself to this tale.
November 28, 2021
2,5 stjerner. ⭐️
Så er min anmeldelse af bogen her oppe på bloggen!
Følg linket her, og find den. 👉🏼 https://benedictesbogblog.blogspot.co...
“Da jeg begyndte på bogen, var jeg meget spændt, men allerede 38 sider inde måtte jeg starte forfra. Jeg sad nemlig med en følelse af, slet ikke at kunne følge med...
Den følelse sad jeg dog stadig med efter genlæsningen, samt de første 70-80 sider.
Starten var for mig meget forhastet, vi bliver knapt nok introdukseret for Charlie før hun sidder på et tog på vej hjem til sine forældre, efter at være blevet smidt ud af kærestens kone.
Samtidig synes jeg det virkede lidt mudret og klumpet sammen i starten, jeg kunne ikke rigtigt følge med i hvad der skete, og hvor hurtigt tiden gik... “
“Jeg synes Charlie virkede meget arrogant, uhøflig og storsnudet. Hun havde lidt en attitude der sagde, at hun var bedre end alle andre. Samtidig var hun grov over for sin lillesøster, og tale sjældent i en særlig pæn tone til hende.”
“De få gange jeg rigtigt var opslugt af fortællingen, og virkelig lod mig rive med, var når jeg læste om Madge. Jeg kunne slet ikke få nok af hendes fortælling, og er lidt ked af, at den ikke var længere, for havde den været startet noget før, var min stjerne rating nok også højere.
“
Så er min anmeldelse af bogen her oppe på bloggen!
Følg linket her, og find den. 👉🏼 https://benedictesbogblog.blogspot.co...
“Da jeg begyndte på bogen, var jeg meget spændt, men allerede 38 sider inde måtte jeg starte forfra. Jeg sad nemlig med en følelse af, slet ikke at kunne følge med...
Den følelse sad jeg dog stadig med efter genlæsningen, samt de første 70-80 sider.
Starten var for mig meget forhastet, vi bliver knapt nok introdukseret for Charlie før hun sidder på et tog på vej hjem til sine forældre, efter at være blevet smidt ud af kærestens kone.
Samtidig synes jeg det virkede lidt mudret og klumpet sammen i starten, jeg kunne ikke rigtigt følge med i hvad der skete, og hvor hurtigt tiden gik... “
“Jeg synes Charlie virkede meget arrogant, uhøflig og storsnudet. Hun havde lidt en attitude der sagde, at hun var bedre end alle andre. Samtidig var hun grov over for sin lillesøster, og tale sjældent i en særlig pæn tone til hende.”
“De få gange jeg rigtigt var opslugt af fortællingen, og virkelig lod mig rive med, var når jeg læste om Madge. Jeg kunne slet ikke få nok af hendes fortælling, og er lidt ked af, at den ikke var længere, for havde den været startet noget før, var min stjerne rating nok også højere.
“
January 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this book - Julie Houston at her sparkling best. Charlie is a warm and believable heroine and I loved the intersecting past and present narratives. As a lover of historical fiction I especially enjoyed the war sections but the present day narrative was lively and engaging and I was hooked throughout. A fantastic read - highly recommended.
February 14, 2019
Something very different from one of my favourite authors – a story with a dual timeline, a wartime story of dark secrets and hidden history, but coupled with a modern story with that more familiar light romantic feel and the usual family chaos. And I have to say that I thought it was just wonderful. I’d been intrigued by the atmospheric prologue, but the first dip into the past did have me slightly concerned – it’s Madge’s story, she initially does the telling, and I really just wanted to get back to Charlie and the family, her sparring with her sister, the wonderful and very funny characters. But this is a story combination that really works – the wonderful wartime tale really takes off, an unlikely but totally engrossing love story, filled with drama, heartbreak and long-hidden secrets, and the way the story moves seamlessly between past and present is an absolute joy. I particularly loved the way the story is anchored by Holly Close Farm itself – an atmospheric ruin in the present day, a restoration project perfect for architect Charlie, but the setting for some really dramatic developments as we delve into the past.
The modern story is excellent – Charlie immensely likeable, recovering from a broken relationship in the bosom of the family, looking for a fresh start that comes from a direction she hadn’t foreseen. The author really does create the most wonderful characters – I loved her distracted vet father, aging thespian Vivienne, artist mother, the builder with benefits, and sister Daisy with her aspirations to be a landscape gardener postponed by pulling pints and a spell as a trolley dolley. The author’s trademark wicked humour is all there – the sparky exchanges, the vivid scene building, the moments of the ridiculous, the laugh-out-loud moments balanced by others of real poignancy. But I’ll readily admit that it was Madge’s story that I enjoyed the most – lovely well-researched period detail and a sweeping story of a doomed love affair, full of issues around class, duty and expectations, impacted by the moral code of the time, and so cleverly tied in with the present day story. And as for the ending – yes, I cried. Wonderful stuff – and highly recommended.
The modern story is excellent – Charlie immensely likeable, recovering from a broken relationship in the bosom of the family, looking for a fresh start that comes from a direction she hadn’t foreseen. The author really does create the most wonderful characters – I loved her distracted vet father, aging thespian Vivienne, artist mother, the builder with benefits, and sister Daisy with her aspirations to be a landscape gardener postponed by pulling pints and a spell as a trolley dolley. The author’s trademark wicked humour is all there – the sparky exchanges, the vivid scene building, the moments of the ridiculous, the laugh-out-loud moments balanced by others of real poignancy. But I’ll readily admit that it was Madge’s story that I enjoyed the most – lovely well-researched period detail and a sweeping story of a doomed love affair, full of issues around class, duty and expectations, impacted by the moral code of the time, and so cleverly tied in with the present day story. And as for the ending – yes, I cried. Wonderful stuff – and highly recommended.
January 19, 2019
Thank you to Net Galley and Aria for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Julie Houston has written a heart-warming family story that had me laughing out loud so many times. It was a thrill to meet Charlie Maddison, an architect who returns to her childhood roots in Westenbury after finding out that her boyfriend is a married father of three. Charlie's sister Daisy is home as well, a landscape gardener who is looking to make a name for herself and be near her family.
Their 94 year-old-great-grandmother Madge is in a care facility and it's there that she tells the girls that she has owned an abandoned property, Holly Close Farm for over sixty years. She agrees to sell it to some distant family members if Charlie and Daisy oversee the renovations. She also tells the girls that she's giving them a cottage on the same property.
Over the Christmas holidays, the sisters start to uncover the history of their family, how Madge came to own the farm and the heart-break that their great-grandmother refused to speak of until now. It all goes back to the Second World War, a lovely romance with a handsome pilot, the jealousy of a man who didn't understand that Madge was not interested in marrying him, how Madge learned that she was betrayed by the man professing to love her.
Along the way Charlie learns to open her heart to love again and Madge shares her story with the family as they all learn that true love never dies.
There is also a fascinating character who just happens to be a badger and bring so much lightness and fun to the book. Lots of out-loud laughter. Can't wait to read more from Ms. Houston and soon!
Julie Houston has written a heart-warming family story that had me laughing out loud so many times. It was a thrill to meet Charlie Maddison, an architect who returns to her childhood roots in Westenbury after finding out that her boyfriend is a married father of three. Charlie's sister Daisy is home as well, a landscape gardener who is looking to make a name for herself and be near her family.
Their 94 year-old-great-grandmother Madge is in a care facility and it's there that she tells the girls that she has owned an abandoned property, Holly Close Farm for over sixty years. She agrees to sell it to some distant family members if Charlie and Daisy oversee the renovations. She also tells the girls that she's giving them a cottage on the same property.
Over the Christmas holidays, the sisters start to uncover the history of their family, how Madge came to own the farm and the heart-break that their great-grandmother refused to speak of until now. It all goes back to the Second World War, a lovely romance with a handsome pilot, the jealousy of a man who didn't understand that Madge was not interested in marrying him, how Madge learned that she was betrayed by the man professing to love her.
Along the way Charlie learns to open her heart to love again and Madge shares her story with the family as they all learn that true love never dies.
There is also a fascinating character who just happens to be a badger and bring so much lightness and fun to the book. Lots of out-loud laughter. Can't wait to read more from Ms. Houston and soon!
January 13, 2019
Two romances for the price of one! It took me at least until I was a quarter of the way in to get into this book as I struggled to remember which character was which but by the end my heart was full of hope!
Charlie goes home to family following a disastrous break-up which also leads to her losing her job as an architect, only to find she is able to renovate an old family property belonging to her great-grandmother (Madge).
As Charlie sets about drawing up plans for Holly Close Farm, she and her sister Daisy spend time with Madge who reminisces about her past. The story flits between present and past with both Charlie and Madge's stories which lead to a stunning ending - Madge's wartime story in particular was a real heart wrencher but at the same time just beautiful. Whilst I ultimately found it a sad story I did think the author gave a sense of hope and it was a very fitting ending.
I didn't feel a real connection to Charlie but I enjoyed reading about how her character grew throughout the story, initially she just wanted to be back with her ex and I hoped she'd pull through and find love elsewhere.
Overall I would recommend this, a very nostalgic and enjoyable read that had me laughing too in places which I wasn't expecting!
My many thanks to Aria and NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Charlie goes home to family following a disastrous break-up which also leads to her losing her job as an architect, only to find she is able to renovate an old family property belonging to her great-grandmother (Madge).
As Charlie sets about drawing up plans for Holly Close Farm, she and her sister Daisy spend time with Madge who reminisces about her past. The story flits between present and past with both Charlie and Madge's stories which lead to a stunning ending - Madge's wartime story in particular was a real heart wrencher but at the same time just beautiful. Whilst I ultimately found it a sad story I did think the author gave a sense of hope and it was a very fitting ending.
I didn't feel a real connection to Charlie but I enjoyed reading about how her character grew throughout the story, initially she just wanted to be back with her ex and I hoped she'd pull through and find love elsewhere.
Overall I would recommend this, a very nostalgic and enjoyable read that had me laughing too in places which I wasn't expecting!
My many thanks to Aria and NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2019
I was kindly sent a digital galley for review but it doesn't affect my thoughts on the book.
Charlie (Charlotte) Maddison has been living in London with her boyfriend who also happens to be her boss at an Architectural firm. She comes home one night, bumps into a woman who helps her unlock the door and then proceeds to get a rude awakening that the woman is in fact her boyfriend's wife and the mother of his kids. Less than a half hour later, she is kicked out of the apartment with her things already packed, on the street and now without a job.
Embarrassed and not really sure where to go, she decides to head back to the town she grew up in Westenbury, Yorkshire, giving her Mom a call on the train and shortly after reading home with her Mom, wonders what she's going to do next.
Her younger sister Daisy, her Dad whose a vet, her Dad's Mom who insists on being called Vivienne and a sweet but cowardly dog make for quite the close quarters particularly as it's November and the temperatures are starting to drop. Feeling rather down on her luck and depressed, she doesn't feel motivated to do much and hopes that maybe her cheating ex-boyfriend might come back into her life though he hasn't contacted her since before she was kicked out of the apartment.
Her Mom proceeds to pull her out of bed and go on a visit to see her Grannie Madge (Great Grandma) who pretty much raised her Mom growing up and is quite spry for a ninety four year old but has recently been temporarily put into a nursing home until she's healed from a previous fall. She's always loved her Grannie who has made a point to dress smart, loved spending time puttering around in her garden and generally acting much younger than she actually is. It's a bit of a shock to Charlie to see her in the nursing home and not quite as active though her Grandma Nancy is off on yet another adventure.
After an unexpected visit from her Grannie's older sister Lydia's daughter Harriet and Granddaughter Libby, Charlie learns that her Grannie owns a piece of property known as Holly Close Farm that is worth quite a bit of money, has a house on it though it seems to be falling apart and that her Mom had no idea it existed. The granddaughter really wants to buy the place, have it renovated and move into it with her fiance Seb Henderson and very young son Lysander but Grannie is reluctant to sell the place which most likely is for sentimental reasons.
While out taking a look around the place with her sister Daisy who is a landscape gardener, the granddaughter and partner show up and Charlie learns that her Grannie relented in selling the place on the condition that both Daisy and Charlie would be the one to help put the place back to rights. They are also given the cottage with several acres of land to divvy up between the sisters.
Charlie is nervous to start such a project as she's anxious to get back to London but after some coaxing, is convinced head up the project with her architecture skills and being someone that knows what she's doing. It is equal parts exciting and frustrating as she tries to work through concept designs and also trying not to go stir crazy from living in such a small town.
Luckily she recently started hanging out with an old flame who also happens to have a construction business and would be an immense help with the project by the name of Josh Lee that she was reintroduced to at a local speed dating event. He also happens to be single, hot and very interested in Charlie.
Things are about to get even more interesting when Charlie happens to find a black and white picture of a young man in her Grannie's things while searching for a key that will hopefully locate a requested coat. When she asks her Grannie about the man who is not her Grandfather Arthur that passed when Nancy was just a girl, she is surprised to learn that the man's name is Viscount James Montgomery-Ward who was an officer the Bomber Command Royal Air Force (RAF) that she met while being in the WAAF as a cook stationed in London in 1943 at The Ritz with her good friend Francesca who also happened to be his cousin.
It's not long before Charlie, Daisy and their Mom learn that her Grannie led a different life during World War II than they previously knew. They are transported back to early 1940's when it was a gamble as to how long the war might go on, people tried to live in the moment and everything was uncertain. Grannie Madge is informed by Francesca that falling for an RAF officer could lead to possible heartache either due to the dangerous job they have or due to the responsibilities expected of a Viscount including marrying well and to be careful. Grannie wasn't too worried about that as she wasn't interested in marrying him though did find herself drawn to such a charismatic man.
The narrative then proceeds to be divided between the past of what happened to Grannie Madge as a young woman who had only been married to one man shortly after coming back from World War II and then jumps forward to the present time with Charlie and Daisy who are busy making plans to put the property back to rights including their soon to be converted cottage and getting along for the most part as most sisters do and enjoying being young women who aren't yet ready to settle down.
Soon the pieces start to come together about Madge's past, the choices that she made during such a tumultuous time, a once in a lifetime love that she found with James despite the dangers, some of the secrets that were kept mostly to protect her loved ones and how some things can haunt you even when they happened over fifty years ago.
Sometimes life can have an interesting way of turning out. Madge's life unfortunately didn't turn out quite how she had expected but she's very happy to have her loved ones in her life and to be able to hold the memories of loving James close even after all these years.
This story was full of surprises, heartache, laughter, the power of family, plenty of love and had two different timelines. I found myself turning the pages as quickly as I could because I wanted to know what had happened in Granny Madge's past and just what the mystery was surrounding Holly Close Place.
I'm so happy to have read this book and I can't wait to see what next is up Julie's sleeve!
Charlie (Charlotte) Maddison has been living in London with her boyfriend who also happens to be her boss at an Architectural firm. She comes home one night, bumps into a woman who helps her unlock the door and then proceeds to get a rude awakening that the woman is in fact her boyfriend's wife and the mother of his kids. Less than a half hour later, she is kicked out of the apartment with her things already packed, on the street and now without a job.
Embarrassed and not really sure where to go, she decides to head back to the town she grew up in Westenbury, Yorkshire, giving her Mom a call on the train and shortly after reading home with her Mom, wonders what she's going to do next.
Her younger sister Daisy, her Dad whose a vet, her Dad's Mom who insists on being called Vivienne and a sweet but cowardly dog make for quite the close quarters particularly as it's November and the temperatures are starting to drop. Feeling rather down on her luck and depressed, she doesn't feel motivated to do much and hopes that maybe her cheating ex-boyfriend might come back into her life though he hasn't contacted her since before she was kicked out of the apartment.
Her Mom proceeds to pull her out of bed and go on a visit to see her Grannie Madge (Great Grandma) who pretty much raised her Mom growing up and is quite spry for a ninety four year old but has recently been temporarily put into a nursing home until she's healed from a previous fall. She's always loved her Grannie who has made a point to dress smart, loved spending time puttering around in her garden and generally acting much younger than she actually is. It's a bit of a shock to Charlie to see her in the nursing home and not quite as active though her Grandma Nancy is off on yet another adventure.
After an unexpected visit from her Grannie's older sister Lydia's daughter Harriet and Granddaughter Libby, Charlie learns that her Grannie owns a piece of property known as Holly Close Farm that is worth quite a bit of money, has a house on it though it seems to be falling apart and that her Mom had no idea it existed. The granddaughter really wants to buy the place, have it renovated and move into it with her fiance Seb Henderson and very young son Lysander but Grannie is reluctant to sell the place which most likely is for sentimental reasons.
While out taking a look around the place with her sister Daisy who is a landscape gardener, the granddaughter and partner show up and Charlie learns that her Grannie relented in selling the place on the condition that both Daisy and Charlie would be the one to help put the place back to rights. They are also given the cottage with several acres of land to divvy up between the sisters.
Charlie is nervous to start such a project as she's anxious to get back to London but after some coaxing, is convinced head up the project with her architecture skills and being someone that knows what she's doing. It is equal parts exciting and frustrating as she tries to work through concept designs and also trying not to go stir crazy from living in such a small town.
Luckily she recently started hanging out with an old flame who also happens to have a construction business and would be an immense help with the project by the name of Josh Lee that she was reintroduced to at a local speed dating event. He also happens to be single, hot and very interested in Charlie.
Things are about to get even more interesting when Charlie happens to find a black and white picture of a young man in her Grannie's things while searching for a key that will hopefully locate a requested coat. When she asks her Grannie about the man who is not her Grandfather Arthur that passed when Nancy was just a girl, she is surprised to learn that the man's name is Viscount James Montgomery-Ward who was an officer the Bomber Command Royal Air Force (RAF) that she met while being in the WAAF as a cook stationed in London in 1943 at The Ritz with her good friend Francesca who also happened to be his cousin.
It's not long before Charlie, Daisy and their Mom learn that her Grannie led a different life during World War II than they previously knew. They are transported back to early 1940's when it was a gamble as to how long the war might go on, people tried to live in the moment and everything was uncertain. Grannie Madge is informed by Francesca that falling for an RAF officer could lead to possible heartache either due to the dangerous job they have or due to the responsibilities expected of a Viscount including marrying well and to be careful. Grannie wasn't too worried about that as she wasn't interested in marrying him though did find herself drawn to such a charismatic man.
The narrative then proceeds to be divided between the past of what happened to Grannie Madge as a young woman who had only been married to one man shortly after coming back from World War II and then jumps forward to the present time with Charlie and Daisy who are busy making plans to put the property back to rights including their soon to be converted cottage and getting along for the most part as most sisters do and enjoying being young women who aren't yet ready to settle down.
Soon the pieces start to come together about Madge's past, the choices that she made during such a tumultuous time, a once in a lifetime love that she found with James despite the dangers, some of the secrets that were kept mostly to protect her loved ones and how some things can haunt you even when they happened over fifty years ago.
Sometimes life can have an interesting way of turning out. Madge's life unfortunately didn't turn out quite how she had expected but she's very happy to have her loved ones in her life and to be able to hold the memories of loving James close even after all these years.
This story was full of surprises, heartache, laughter, the power of family, plenty of love and had two different timelines. I found myself turning the pages as quickly as I could because I wanted to know what had happened in Granny Madge's past and just what the mystery was surrounding Holly Close Place.
I'm so happy to have read this book and I can't wait to see what next is up Julie's sleeve!
February 22, 2019
Charlie (Charlotte) loved her life in London, working as an architect and project manager, her loving boyfriend, posh flat and the brash, flash and glamor of the city – until she didn’t. The firm she worked for was owned by her boyfriend’s wife and father-in-law, the apartment was not his, the money she’d spent to go ‘half in’ on the rent was used for her boyfriend’s kids treats and the five bin bags are all packed outside the door. Having pushed off her friends for her relationship and work, her only opportunity is to return to her parents’ home in Yorkshire, where she discovers her paternal grandmother diva-ing it up while her flat is under renovation, her younger sister back home after being sacked from her ‘air hostess’ job, her mother more interested in her own pottery creations and her veterinarian father in and out only to return with odd smells clinging and a general air of ‘absentmindedness’ about him. She’s got no interest in being home -planning a week to settle and find a new position and flat in London, certain that her ex will call with huge plans of reconciliation and requiring her back immediately.
But no one figured on her maternal great-grandmother Madge, and a huge secret that she had to share that also involved a small abandoned farm, a wartime romance, a chance for both Charlie and her sister Daisy to take first steps into their own careers – Charlie to project manage and design the renovations of the newly-sold farm an a cottage expansion left to her and her sister – as Daisy managed the landscape design. Of course with the house comes the story of how it came to be, with a few faded photographs behind a locked wardrobe drawer at Madge’s cottage, the secrets are coming to light, slowly, as Madge shares her history, her wartime work and the tales of her life, including the death of her husband Arthur. In between all of this, we have Daisy finding a new romance in one of the builders, a quick fling for Charlie with a boy she crushed on in lower sixth form and the subsequent unmasking of his ‘wild parties’, a comatose badger and a man who keeps popping up and looking positively yummy.
Oh this was a fun one, from insets of moments that are positively hilarious to the rather more sobering choices (or lack of them) offered to Madge as a young woman, the tragedy of Arthur and the story of James, and how all of the pieces came together, not always neatly, to tell the tale. From the outrageous grandmothers (Vivienne the ‘artiste’ and Nancy the ‘snob’) to the utter inability for any of these women to actually MAKE a meal (and referring to sprouts as soggy green bastards!), not to mention their long suffering father and his realization that they had stuffed a comatose badger with two broken legs into his shed, the story doesn’t get mired in the ‘tragic’ moments, or even allow anyone to actually wallow in sadness – with hysterically funny moments of utter outrageous behavior, unadulterated love and a penchant for show tunes to illustrate a moment.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
But no one figured on her maternal great-grandmother Madge, and a huge secret that she had to share that also involved a small abandoned farm, a wartime romance, a chance for both Charlie and her sister Daisy to take first steps into their own careers – Charlie to project manage and design the renovations of the newly-sold farm an a cottage expansion left to her and her sister – as Daisy managed the landscape design. Of course with the house comes the story of how it came to be, with a few faded photographs behind a locked wardrobe drawer at Madge’s cottage, the secrets are coming to light, slowly, as Madge shares her history, her wartime work and the tales of her life, including the death of her husband Arthur. In between all of this, we have Daisy finding a new romance in one of the builders, a quick fling for Charlie with a boy she crushed on in lower sixth form and the subsequent unmasking of his ‘wild parties’, a comatose badger and a man who keeps popping up and looking positively yummy.
Oh this was a fun one, from insets of moments that are positively hilarious to the rather more sobering choices (or lack of them) offered to Madge as a young woman, the tragedy of Arthur and the story of James, and how all of the pieces came together, not always neatly, to tell the tale. From the outrageous grandmothers (Vivienne the ‘artiste’ and Nancy the ‘snob’) to the utter inability for any of these women to actually MAKE a meal (and referring to sprouts as soggy green bastards!), not to mention their long suffering father and his realization that they had stuffed a comatose badger with two broken legs into his shed, the story doesn’t get mired in the ‘tragic’ moments, or even allow anyone to actually wallow in sadness – with hysterically funny moments of utter outrageous behavior, unadulterated love and a penchant for show tunes to illustrate a moment.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
February 9, 2019
Coming Home to Holly Close Farm, Julie Houston
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: general fiction (adult), women's fiction
Once more, women's fiction. Why, why alienate men? They read books like this too.
Anyway, I've loved all Julie's past stories, but this one wasn't a great fit for me. It could well be living circumstances, I'm between homes, living in my daughter's conservatory so getting “lost” in a book hasn't been easy. I may reread this at a later day and feel very differently.
Its full of the usual realistic characters and events, and peppered with Julie's trademark subtle humour. I'm always nervous when a book promises to make me “laugh out loud” as too often I fond that really means the forced, very unfunny humour I hate. Julie's style isn't that, is much more soft and clever humour, not pushed-in-your-face stuff .
So, the story, its kind of in two parts, and I found I loved Madge and her backstory more than I enjoyed the current time romance. Madge had such a tragic past, I loved her stoic, never give in mindset, but found it hard to believe no-one knew about Holly Close Farm, how a property so valuable would have no evidence that family would have picked up on linking her to it. No bills from the council? No demands for utilities etc? It's possible but a bit hard to believe given that now I seem to get bills from the council in numerous duplicates constantly! Her daughter Nancy was a bit weird, and I couldn't see her missing out on any stray info that would lead to reward for her.
I wanted to like Charlie, felt so much for her over Dominic, sadly things like that happen, and people can be horribly plausible about absences. I just found it hard to really feel for her after that, she's a little too me, me , me for my taste. Like I said, maybe its my mindset, and I'll feel differently at a later date.
Stars: Three, a good story, great characters, but fell a bit short for me of Julie's others five star reads.
Arc via Netgalley
February 5, 2019
The Blurb :
Charlie Maddison loves being an architect in London, but when she finds out her boyfriend, Dominic is actually married, she runs back to the beautiful countryside of Westenbury and her parents. Charlie's sister Daisy, a landscape gardener, is also back home in desperate need of company and some fun.
Their great-grandmother, Madge – now in her early nineties – reveals she has a house, Holly Close Farm, mysteriously abandoned over sixty years ago, and persuades the girls to project manage its renovation.
As work gets underway, the sisters start uncovering their family's history, and the dark secrets that are hidden at the Farm. A heart-breaking tale of wartime romance, jealousy and betrayal slowly emerges, but with a moral at its end: true love can withstand any obstacle, and, before long, Charlie dares to believe in love again too...
My Thoughts :
We meet Charlie Maddison, who lives in London, works as an Architect and has just found out that her boyfriend Dominic, who is also her her boss is married with children. Dominic’s wife throws Charlie of of her appartment, jobless and with nothing but a few carrier bags in tow. With nowhere else to go Charlie heads for home. Her Great Grandmother Madge tells Charlie a secret, that she owns a home and hasnt had anything to do with it in 60 years. She now wants Charlie and her sister Daisy to restore and renovate it back to former glory aswell as offering them a place to live on the same property.
Although I am not into Historical fiction, there are parts in the story which take us back into the past and we learn more about Madge as a person and what has happened in her life. Its runs back and forth to past and present. The story is told from both POV of Madge and Charlie. This is well worth a read and I very much enjoyed it. It is hard to not give away too many spoilers, so I cant say too much.
Looking forward to more from Julie Houston in the future.
Charlie Maddison loves being an architect in London, but when she finds out her boyfriend, Dominic is actually married, she runs back to the beautiful countryside of Westenbury and her parents. Charlie's sister Daisy, a landscape gardener, is also back home in desperate need of company and some fun.
Their great-grandmother, Madge – now in her early nineties – reveals she has a house, Holly Close Farm, mysteriously abandoned over sixty years ago, and persuades the girls to project manage its renovation.
As work gets underway, the sisters start uncovering their family's history, and the dark secrets that are hidden at the Farm. A heart-breaking tale of wartime romance, jealousy and betrayal slowly emerges, but with a moral at its end: true love can withstand any obstacle, and, before long, Charlie dares to believe in love again too...
My Thoughts :
We meet Charlie Maddison, who lives in London, works as an Architect and has just found out that her boyfriend Dominic, who is also her her boss is married with children. Dominic’s wife throws Charlie of of her appartment, jobless and with nothing but a few carrier bags in tow. With nowhere else to go Charlie heads for home. Her Great Grandmother Madge tells Charlie a secret, that she owns a home and hasnt had anything to do with it in 60 years. She now wants Charlie and her sister Daisy to restore and renovate it back to former glory aswell as offering them a place to live on the same property.
Although I am not into Historical fiction, there are parts in the story which take us back into the past and we learn more about Madge as a person and what has happened in her life. Its runs back and forth to past and present. The story is told from both POV of Madge and Charlie. This is well worth a read and I very much enjoyed it. It is hard to not give away too many spoilers, so I cant say too much.
Looking forward to more from Julie Houston in the future.
March 1, 2019
How lucky am I to have another novel by a favourite author to read and enjoy? Not only does Julie Houston never disappoint, but each book exceeds even my high expectations!
Charlotte Maddison - Charlie to her friends and family - returns home at the end of a working day to find her boyfriend's wife outside the flat she's been sharing with Dominic. Suddenly homeless she does what most young women would do and heads home to Yorkshire. Expecting only her parents in residence, she is surprised to encounter her younger sister Daisy is also home. Visiting their great-grandmother, temporarily living in a nursing home, they find out she's been sitting on a secret of gigantic proportions for sixty-odd years, and the revelations to follow could provide them both with a way to further their chosen careers.
What a fabulous read! Set in the same area of Yorkshire, there are brief appearances from a few characters in Julie's recent novels 'Goodness, Grace and Me' and 'The One Saving Grace' both of which I recently read and reviewed. This, however, is an entirely new scenario, concerning a family I hadn't met before but who are funny, entertaining, and have one of the most beautiful love stories in their history that I have come across.
A thoroughly satisfying read and one which I have gloried in and loved everything about. It's a well structured, beautifully written book and I couldn't find fault even if I wanted to. Such a great read deserves only the highest of recommendations and I'm more than happy to give it five pulsing, glowing, sparkly stars!
Charlotte Maddison - Charlie to her friends and family - returns home at the end of a working day to find her boyfriend's wife outside the flat she's been sharing with Dominic. Suddenly homeless she does what most young women would do and heads home to Yorkshire. Expecting only her parents in residence, she is surprised to encounter her younger sister Daisy is also home. Visiting their great-grandmother, temporarily living in a nursing home, they find out she's been sitting on a secret of gigantic proportions for sixty-odd years, and the revelations to follow could provide them both with a way to further their chosen careers.
What a fabulous read! Set in the same area of Yorkshire, there are brief appearances from a few characters in Julie's recent novels 'Goodness, Grace and Me' and 'The One Saving Grace' both of which I recently read and reviewed. This, however, is an entirely new scenario, concerning a family I hadn't met before but who are funny, entertaining, and have one of the most beautiful love stories in their history that I have come across.
A thoroughly satisfying read and one which I have gloried in and loved everything about. It's a well structured, beautifully written book and I couldn't find fault even if I wanted to. Such a great read deserves only the highest of recommendations and I'm more than happy to give it five pulsing, glowing, sparkly stars!
September 17, 2019
I was lucky enough to read A Village Affair by Julie Houston last year as part of the blog tour, so was very excited when she emailed me about her latest novel Coming Home to Holly Close Farm. I am very pleased to say that I was not disappointed!
Charlie Maddison unexpectedly finds herself leaving London, boyfriendless, homeless and jobless. Heartbroken, and desperately unhappy to be back in her small village she finds herself in the midst of family secrets that had remained hidden for sixty years.
I do not want to give away anything more about this story than I have to - whilst it is not technically a dual timeline novel, there is a second story that is told via memories. As you will by now be well aware if you are a regular reader of mine, I love anything set during World War II, and so I was particularly pleased to discover these memories were set during this time period.
This novel had me hooked. I really enjoyed A Village Affair, but I loved Coming Home to Holly Close Farm. I wanted to read more, both about Charlie and Daisy, but also about Madge, James and Arthur. This was a fabulous novel about heartbreak, love but most of all about family. I cannot recommend this novel enough - grab a copy and let me know what you think!
Thank you to Julie Houston and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Charlie Maddison unexpectedly finds herself leaving London, boyfriendless, homeless and jobless. Heartbroken, and desperately unhappy to be back in her small village she finds herself in the midst of family secrets that had remained hidden for sixty years.
I do not want to give away anything more about this story than I have to - whilst it is not technically a dual timeline novel, there is a second story that is told via memories. As you will by now be well aware if you are a regular reader of mine, I love anything set during World War II, and so I was particularly pleased to discover these memories were set during this time period.
This novel had me hooked. I really enjoyed A Village Affair, but I loved Coming Home to Holly Close Farm. I wanted to read more, both about Charlie and Daisy, but also about Madge, James and Arthur. This was a fabulous novel about heartbreak, love but most of all about family. I cannot recommend this novel enough - grab a copy and let me know what you think!
Thank you to Julie Houston and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
February 1, 2019
Coming Home to Holly CLose Farm by Julie Houston is a wonderfully uplifting seasonal book that can be read any time.
When Charlie is thrown out from her apartment by her boyfriend's wife with all her earthly possessions packed into five garbage bags, she loses more than a cheeting boyfriend, she loses her dream job.
Out on the street in dismal November weather, where is a girl to go but home. And home is a crazy house, with dead grandfather who is sharing shelf with cats, one actress grandmother, other one who is so full of secrets that she will shock everyone when she reveales them. And all their lives will change forever.
Moving and poignant, this book tells two loves stories,
One that started during WWII and the other happening now. It is a book of neverending love, of overcoming obstacles and finding your true one.
I loved all characters, both main and secondary. They are all very special to me.
Quirky and sarcastic humor, and many laugh out loud moments.
Well written story and breathtaking setting.
This is an absolutely delightful book and I am so sorry it had come to an end.
I have received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and the publisher in an exchange for an honest review.
When Charlie is thrown out from her apartment by her boyfriend's wife with all her earthly possessions packed into five garbage bags, she loses more than a cheeting boyfriend, she loses her dream job.
Out on the street in dismal November weather, where is a girl to go but home. And home is a crazy house, with dead grandfather who is sharing shelf with cats, one actress grandmother, other one who is so full of secrets that she will shock everyone when she reveales them. And all their lives will change forever.
Moving and poignant, this book tells two loves stories,
One that started during WWII and the other happening now. It is a book of neverending love, of overcoming obstacles and finding your true one.
I loved all characters, both main and secondary. They are all very special to me.
Quirky and sarcastic humor, and many laugh out loud moments.
Well written story and breathtaking setting.
This is an absolutely delightful book and I am so sorry it had come to an end.
I have received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and the publisher in an exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2019
This was such a terrific story about two members of one family especially the great grandmother Madge and great granddaughter, architect Charlie . The story flips back and forth in time , in the past we see Madge as a young woman doing her bit for the war effort , and in present day we meet Madge again but in her 90’s , living in retirement home since she had some ill health , but all in all a well abled woman who still has all her faculties and is surrounded by her loving family. Charlie her great granddaughter is having a lot of problems in the love department and a change of scene is needed so she is off home to stay with her family and rebuild her self esteem . These two women need each other at this time of their lives and that makes the story so special. Madge was a fascinating character and I truly loved her , especially her back history , it was completely romantic and heart warming . Charlie was a delight to get to know and it was great seeing her grow as a character . This was a story I would recommend to anyone , the importance of family , history and love is ageless .
I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Netgalley .
I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Netgalley .
February 9, 2019
You know that you're in safe hands when you pick up a Julie Houston book and this story was everything that I hoped it would be and more. The writing was warm and witty which welcomed you in like a big warm hug and I was enthralled with the tragically beautiful story that slowly unfurled before my eyes.
Granny Madge was an absolute revelation as far as characters go. Her life story spanned decades and wove a delicious story of love and loss through the pages of this book which left me breathless. Her stamp on this story was heartfelt and moving and by far the shining glory of the entire piece.
I particularly loved the air of mystery that surrounded the story as a whole. Julie created a web of wonder with the plot and only gave away just enough clues and information to ensure that you continued to turn the page. This meant that I read on in a frustrated frenzie to find out more and only came up for breath at the concluding page.
This book is filled with love, longing and loss all wrapped up in a beautifully written presentation of life in all its true and ugly glory. Julie Houston has done it again......this is another outstanding book that I have had the joy and privilege to read and I look forward to so much more in the future.
Granny Madge was an absolute revelation as far as characters go. Her life story spanned decades and wove a delicious story of love and loss through the pages of this book which left me breathless. Her stamp on this story was heartfelt and moving and by far the shining glory of the entire piece.
I particularly loved the air of mystery that surrounded the story as a whole. Julie created a web of wonder with the plot and only gave away just enough clues and information to ensure that you continued to turn the page. This meant that I read on in a frustrated frenzie to find out more and only came up for breath at the concluding page.
This book is filled with love, longing and loss all wrapped up in a beautifully written presentation of life in all its true and ugly glory. Julie Houston has done it again......this is another outstanding book that I have had the joy and privilege to read and I look forward to so much more in the future.
February 12, 2019
Romantic love is often considered something you can only have when you’re young. Can you imagine your grandmother or great-grandmother falling in love, or do you just see the wrinkles, hear the repetitive stories and remember her forgetfulness?
Charlie reeling from a romantic betrayal finds that her great-grandmother Madge has kept so many secrets in her long life, including finding her true love, and the web of betrayal, deceit and secrets that this event spun.
Madge offers Charlie and her sister Daisy a chance to shine when they seem to be failing at life. Accepting the challenge takes the sisters on a journey of self -discovery and the revelation of Madge’s colourful past.
Told in dual timelines, which makes the story doubly interesting, you see parallels and differences between the two generations of women. There is a lovely balance of humour and poignancy. The romance is sweet and the story inspiring.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Charlie reeling from a romantic betrayal finds that her great-grandmother Madge has kept so many secrets in her long life, including finding her true love, and the web of betrayal, deceit and secrets that this event spun.
Madge offers Charlie and her sister Daisy a chance to shine when they seem to be failing at life. Accepting the challenge takes the sisters on a journey of self -discovery and the revelation of Madge’s colourful past.
Told in dual timelines, which makes the story doubly interesting, you see parallels and differences between the two generations of women. There is a lovely balance of humour and poignancy. The romance is sweet and the story inspiring.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
October 2, 2020
Coming Home to Holly Close Farm by Julie Houston is an absolutely delightful book that I really didn’t want to put down.
Initially, it was quite confusing with daughters, mum, grannies, a great granny, and a couple of cousins, but once you got your head around the family tree it was a fabulous read.
Charlie returns home to Yorkshire after losing her job and boyfriend. Her sister Daisy has also lost her job. The two sisters try to put their lives back together whilst visiting their great granny who tells of family secrets and of her great love during the war.
It is so incredibly romantic and obviously well researched with regards to the war and attitudes back then. It was wonderful to see the word scullery (kitchen) reminding me of my own nan. I love how reading can stir up your own memories. There are a few funny bits too. A wonderful uplifting read.
Initially, it was quite confusing with daughters, mum, grannies, a great granny, and a couple of cousins, but once you got your head around the family tree it was a fabulous read.
Charlie returns home to Yorkshire after losing her job and boyfriend. Her sister Daisy has also lost her job. The two sisters try to put their lives back together whilst visiting their great granny who tells of family secrets and of her great love during the war.
It is so incredibly romantic and obviously well researched with regards to the war and attitudes back then. It was wonderful to see the word scullery (kitchen) reminding me of my own nan. I love how reading can stir up your own memories. There are a few funny bits too. A wonderful uplifting read.
February 5, 2019
4 stars
Coming Home To Holly Close Farm is a dual timeline romance. It features Charlie, a young woman spurned by her deceitful lover, and Madge, Charlie’s charming great-grandmother.
Charlie fled back to her childhood home in Yorkshire after a failed romance. While retrieving a coat for Madge, Charlie discovers an old photograph and a story that had been buried for more than sixty years unravels. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-cLg
Coming Home To Holly Close Farm is a dual timeline romance. It features Charlie, a young woman spurned by her deceitful lover, and Madge, Charlie’s charming great-grandmother.
Charlie fled back to her childhood home in Yorkshire after a failed romance. While retrieving a coat for Madge, Charlie discovers an old photograph and a story that had been buried for more than sixty years unravels. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-cLg
July 12, 2019
Julie Houston's beautifully-told exploration of family dynamics, heartbreak, loss, and heart-mending makes this a must read. The dual timelines drew together four generations of women in a wonderful tale which extols that real love not only exists, it can last a lifetime. Oh, and you will laugh - so much!
I loved these characters and I'd like to be just like Madge when I grow up.
I loved this book. You will too.
I loved these characters and I'd like to be just like Madge when I grow up.
I loved this book. You will too.
July 10, 2020
Interesting book. Covers two time periods a modern day regular story and a window into World war II period.
How women contributed to World War II from their respective countries.
Modern day story of a girl and how she finds her strength after a set back in her relationship.
How women contributed to World War II from their respective countries.
Modern day story of a girl and how she finds her strength after a set back in her relationship.
February 8, 2019
A must read book.
Another most enjoyable read from Julie Houston. I love the continuity of the setting and characters whilst the story lines are individual.
Thank you .
Another most enjoyable read from Julie Houston. I love the continuity of the setting and characters whilst the story lines are individual.
Thank you .
April 1, 2019
A lovely story of loved lost and love renewed.
I enjoyed this story In a story. The characters were delightful, awful, funny, old, young.......Their ups and downs just great to follow. I hope there will be a followup of some sort to fill us in on what happened next!!
I enjoyed this story In a story. The characters were delightful, awful, funny, old, young.......Their ups and downs just great to follow. I hope there will be a followup of some sort to fill us in on what happened next!!
July 14, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. Stories wrapped in stories that transport you in time. A love that survived so much and loads of great characters with their own brilliant stories.
September 3, 2019
So good
September 16, 2019
This one I really liked! Enough emotion and humor to create a lovely balanced read!
October 16, 2019
Well written novel of dual romances that begins with an obscure shooting in the nighttime at a remote farmhouse. A love story that spans seventy years.
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