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Westenbury #6
A Village Vacancy
From the bestselling author of A Village Affair comes a laugh out loud new Westenbury tale...
As the Yorkshire village of Westenbury mourns the loss of one of their own, the women can't help but contemplate who will fill the vacancy in one handsome widower's life...
Grace Stevens has decided it's time to move on without her husband. He's off gallivanting around Devon in search of a new life, and good riddance. It's time to go back to teaching, so Grace returns to Little Acorns and takes on an unruly class of pre-teens.
As she deals with disasters in – and out of – the classroom including an accidental dalliance with her most troublesome pupil's dad, helping track down a drug ring and keeping up with her closest girlfriends, Grace begins to wonder more and more about the sparkle in David's eyes and the sparking chemistry between them.
Could Grace be the one to fill this village vacancy?
As the Yorkshire village of Westenbury mourns the loss of one of their own, the women can't help but contemplate who will fill the vacancy in one handsome widower's life...
Grace Stevens has decided it's time to move on without her husband. He's off gallivanting around Devon in search of a new life, and good riddance. It's time to go back to teaching, so Grace returns to Little Acorns and takes on an unruly class of pre-teens.
As she deals with disasters in – and out of – the classroom including an accidental dalliance with her most troublesome pupil's dad, helping track down a drug ring and keeping up with her closest girlfriends, Grace begins to wonder more and more about the sparkle in David's eyes and the sparking chemistry between them.
Could Grace be the one to fill this village vacancy?
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2020
736 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 7, 2020
I love Julie Houston’s books and her newest is a hoot. Filled with warmth and humor, A VILLAGE VACANCY finds Grace Stevens sans husband and looking to start life afresh. But life is life, filled with crises topped with a dollop of hope. Will she end up with the village’s most eligible widower? Can she help bring down a drug ring? Can she wrangle her classroom of disorderly pre-pubescents? Yikes! A charming respite from today’s wrenching pandemic.
4 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 22 Oct 2020
Thanks to the author, Aria & Aries, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#AVillageVacancy #NetGalley
Merged review:
I love Julie Houston’s books and her newest is a hoot. Filled with warmth and humor, A VILLAGE VACANCY finds Grace Stevens sans husband and looking to start life afresh. But life is life, filled with crises topped with a dollop of hope. Will she end up with the village’s most eligible widower? Can she help bring down a drug ring? Can she wrangle her classroom of disorderly pre-pubescents? Yikes! A charming respite from today’s wrenching pandemic.
4 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 22 Oct 2020
Thanks to the author, Aria & Aries, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#AVillageVacancy #NetGalley
4 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 22 Oct 2020
Thanks to the author, Aria & Aries, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#AVillageVacancy #NetGalley
Merged review:
I love Julie Houston’s books and her newest is a hoot. Filled with warmth and humor, A VILLAGE VACANCY finds Grace Stevens sans husband and looking to start life afresh. But life is life, filled with crises topped with a dollop of hope. Will she end up with the village’s most eligible widower? Can she help bring down a drug ring? Can she wrangle her classroom of disorderly pre-pubescents? Yikes! A charming respite from today’s wrenching pandemic.
4 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 22 Oct 2020
Thanks to the author, Aria & Aries, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#AVillageVacancy #NetGalley
July 31, 2021
Despite the good writing that gave me great visuals of homes and clothes, etc., this was an extremely difficult read because of the number of characters mentioned. It felt like I was being dropped into an episode of EastEnders five years in and expected to know everyone. It wasn't just the number of characters, which should have only been about three, max five. it was the names everyone had - so hard to remember.
Everything happened so fast that I wasn't allowed to sit in anyone's emotions for long enough before someone and something else was zipped to. Overall it was too much, too fast, too many with a zip-up ending that had no real burn other than one lusty look in a mirror. Apologies to the author. I wanted to enjoy it, and it could be a great book if 75% of the characters were missing.
Everything happened so fast that I wasn't allowed to sit in anyone's emotions for long enough before someone and something else was zipped to. Overall it was too much, too fast, too many with a zip-up ending that had no real burn other than one lusty look in a mirror. Apologies to the author. I wanted to enjoy it, and it could be a great book if 75% of the characters were missing.
October 30, 2020
A Village Vacancy is exactly the type of cosy romance that I love to read in autumn. The prospect of a love story set in Yorkshire is enough for me to adore this book, but it’s also a brilliantly satisfying comfort read.
The village of Westenbury has a typical small town feel. Everyone knows everyone, and everyone knows everything about everyone. There’s a large number of characters in A Village Vacancy, which really surprised me. The book is a standalone, but links to some of Houston’s other works, so I did miss out on some of the village’s history. There are a lot of personalities to work out. Although it took me a while to connect with every personality in the book, I really enjoyed getting to learn about the friendships between each of the characters.
Julie Houston’s writing style is welcoming and relaxing. I really like how she gives each of her characters a likeable charisma. However, there were little descriptions when it came to the appearance of the voices, which made the residents of Westenbury difficult to picture. Still, the scenic portrayal of a small Yorkshire village during autumn gives A Village Vacancy a snug ambience.
The focus on female friendship in A Village Vacancy is really uplifting, and one of my favourite aspects. I adore the bond between the women! Grace, Harriet, Juno and co, feel more like friends by the last page, and I think that’s what makes this story such a comfortable read. There’s a good balance of humorous adventure with emotional storytelling that gives the book a neighbourly feel.
There’s a fun dynamic in this book that adds to its light-heartedness. At the same time, the sensitive hardships make the fictional tale feel much more down-to-earth. Grace faces loss in more ways than one, and it’s interesting to see how she develops throughout the story. I do wish there had been more of a deep dive into Grace’s wellbeing and the effect her challenges had on her, but this doesn’t take away from the entertaining factor of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed my time in Westenbury with A Village Vacancy. It did feel a little slow in places, and I struggled at first as I haven’t read the entire series. But, it’s an easy book to pick up, with great twists and quirky characters. I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s on the hunt for a heart-warming tale of love and friendship this autumn.
The village of Westenbury has a typical small town feel. Everyone knows everyone, and everyone knows everything about everyone. There’s a large number of characters in A Village Vacancy, which really surprised me. The book is a standalone, but links to some of Houston’s other works, so I did miss out on some of the village’s history. There are a lot of personalities to work out. Although it took me a while to connect with every personality in the book, I really enjoyed getting to learn about the friendships between each of the characters.
Julie Houston’s writing style is welcoming and relaxing. I really like how she gives each of her characters a likeable charisma. However, there were little descriptions when it came to the appearance of the voices, which made the residents of Westenbury difficult to picture. Still, the scenic portrayal of a small Yorkshire village during autumn gives A Village Vacancy a snug ambience.
The focus on female friendship in A Village Vacancy is really uplifting, and one of my favourite aspects. I adore the bond between the women! Grace, Harriet, Juno and co, feel more like friends by the last page, and I think that’s what makes this story such a comfortable read. There’s a good balance of humorous adventure with emotional storytelling that gives the book a neighbourly feel.
There’s a fun dynamic in this book that adds to its light-heartedness. At the same time, the sensitive hardships make the fictional tale feel much more down-to-earth. Grace faces loss in more ways than one, and it’s interesting to see how she develops throughout the story. I do wish there had been more of a deep dive into Grace’s wellbeing and the effect her challenges had on her, but this doesn’t take away from the entertaining factor of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed my time in Westenbury with A Village Vacancy. It did feel a little slow in places, and I struggled at first as I haven’t read the entire series. But, it’s an easy book to pick up, with great twists and quirky characters. I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s on the hunt for a heart-warming tale of love and friendship this autumn.
October 23, 2020
Three and a half stars.
I can't decide about my feelings when it comes to this book. I've read three of Julie Houston's previous books in what I would describe as a series although it isn't listed as such, all set in the same small village.
This book sort of centres on Grace's love life, although the plot barely involves Grace. If Grace were working class she'd be described as a feckless single mother, but because she's a middle-class teacher it seems fine that she had an affair with a much younger man, the son of her former school-girl crush, which resulted in a baby, then got back with her husband after he had an affair, adopted a baby and now, as this book opens she realises that she and her husband are no longer in love and need to separate.
Returning to work as a part-time teacher, Grace is given the most challenging class in the local school. Then an erotic encounter becomes an embarrassment when her one-night stand turns out to be the married father of one of her most unruly pupils. If it wasn't for the friendship and support of her son's grandfather, the impossibly handsome and recently widowed David, Grace doesn't know how she could cope.
All the ins-and-outs of Grace's love life are mixed in with serious issues affecting even the smallest villages in the UK. Okay there was reliance on quite a few coincidences to drive the plot and I thought some of the big reveals were either telegraphed or actually stated earlier in the book, so not much of a surprise TBH.
But overall, a fun read with plenty of humour.
I was invited to read a free copy of this novel by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
I can't decide about my feelings when it comes to this book. I've read three of Julie Houston's previous books in what I would describe as a series although it isn't listed as such, all set in the same small village.
This book sort of centres on Grace's love life, although the plot barely involves Grace. If Grace were working class she'd be described as a feckless single mother, but because she's a middle-class teacher it seems fine that she had an affair with a much younger man, the son of her former school-girl crush, which resulted in a baby, then got back with her husband after he had an affair, adopted a baby and now, as this book opens she realises that she and her husband are no longer in love and need to separate.
Returning to work as a part-time teacher, Grace is given the most challenging class in the local school. Then an erotic encounter becomes an embarrassment when her one-night stand turns out to be the married father of one of her most unruly pupils. If it wasn't for the friendship and support of her son's grandfather, the impossibly handsome and recently widowed David, Grace doesn't know how she could cope.
All the ins-and-outs of Grace's love life are mixed in with serious issues affecting even the smallest villages in the UK. Okay there was reliance on quite a few coincidences to drive the plot and I thought some of the big reveals were either telegraphed or actually stated earlier in the book, so not much of a surprise TBH.
But overall, a fun read with plenty of humour.
I was invited to read a free copy of this novel by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
October 2, 2020
After wading through the almost 20 different character names in the first chapter, I lost all impetus to read the rest of the book. I made it to the end of the second chapter but could not continue. This book was not for me.
I received an ARC from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
I received an ARC from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
November 2, 2021
Very good!
I enjoyed this book. Compelling storyline and great characters weave a tale of loss, friendship and love. I would recommend .
I enjoyed this book. Compelling storyline and great characters weave a tale of loss, friendship and love. I would recommend .
August 3, 2020
This is a really interesting warm and funny book from the first page. The plot to the story really has you wanting to read more and you want to find out what happens next well worth reading. The characters are brilliant and the plot is fantastic.
We go back to the lovely village of westenbury in Yorkshire and they are mourning the loss I'd a woman who has lived in the village for years and can someone fill the vacancy of the widowers life. Grave wants to move forward with out her husband as he's off in search of a new life. She returns to teaching and teaches pre school children. She has to start learning to cope with disasters with in work and with her most troublesome pupils dad. Can she sort these issues out and will she get closer to him than she thinks and will grace fill the vacancy with in the village.
A simply must read this summer.
We go back to the lovely village of westenbury in Yorkshire and they are mourning the loss I'd a woman who has lived in the village for years and can someone fill the vacancy of the widowers life. Grave wants to move forward with out her husband as he's off in search of a new life. She returns to teaching and teaches pre school children. She has to start learning to cope with disasters with in work and with her most troublesome pupils dad. Can she sort these issues out and will she get closer to him than she thinks and will grace fill the vacancy with in the village.
A simply must read this summer.
December 4, 2020
An entertaining and fun story that made me smile and root for the characters.
Even if there's a lot of characters and I was bit confused at moment I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Good character and plot development, humor and a well written plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Even if there's a lot of characters and I was bit confused at moment I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Good character and plot development, humor and a well written plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 8, 2020
I enjoyed revisiting the village of Westenbury. It took me a bit to reconnect with the various characters and what happened before to each character, but it was an enjoyable recollection. I found myself shaking my head at Grace, and her obvious love of men. She is now a single parent with a child of her previous lover and an adopted child with special needs. I remember Grace and her then husband adopting this little girl in order to heal their marriage. The book opens with a shock for everyone, including myself, the reader, and a great part of the story revolves around this particular event and the subsequent ripples it creates throughout the small community. I love the friendship between Grace, Juno and the others. This is another excellent read from Julie Houston.
I would like to thank Julie Houston, Aria & Aries and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I would like to thank Julie Houston, Aria & Aries and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 23, 2020
Yes, she’s done it again – another book I thoroughly enjoyed from first page to last! But I do think it’s only fair to mention that I suspect it might not be the most comfortable of reads for someone who hasn’t read at least one of the author’s books before – there’s an absolutely enormous cast of characters, introduced via the funeral that opens the book, then the female friends get a little more fleshed out with a night out in Leeds (complete with stripper…) that sets a few of the storylines in motion. But that was one of the things that made me love it – there are new characters too, but I already knew so many of them really well and was more than happy to be dropped back into their lives and see what had been happening for them all. There are small references too to the key storylines from earlier books – there were times it felt almost like being rewarded for being a long-time fan.
There are multiple storylines too, featuring different key characters – but the main story focuses on Grace, returning to work as a teacher at Little Acorns after her husband’s departure, being landed with the year group from hell. That night out brings a new man into her life, perhaps with the possibility of some happiness in her life after previous relationships have disappointed. But it’s quite a story – things take a bit of a turn, a situation that the author handles exceptionally well, before Grace realises that she’s perhaps not looking to the right person to bring her joy.
Juno, GP at the village surgery, and her family are also centre stage for much of the story (if you read Sing Me A Secret, you’ll already know them well), but her life’s not going quite the way you might have expected it to either. And while their stories drive the narrative, there’s another – and a really different one – involving the teenage characters, when you discover that Westenbury certainly isn’t immune to some of the problems you read about in the papers.
As always, one of the author’s strengths is those wonderful three-dimensional characters. I think the children and young people in this book really do deserve a special mention – I loved far-older-than her-years Tilda, Juno’s daughter, from the first time I met her, and I thought she had some of the best lines in the whole book (and she becomes more like a miniature version of her aunt Ariadne every day). That said, Grace’s adopted daughter Pietronella does come a very close second – there were times she had me in tears of laughter.
There’s perhaps a little less of the over-the-top humour in this book than there was in some of the others – the themes are pretty serious at times – but the author really wouldn’t be herself if she didn’t have you in stitches for at least some of the time. I’m so glad she brought back the character of Lithuanian lollipop lady Deimante, now with aspirations to become a teacher – sadly, her grasp of the language is always likely to be an impediment, but her heart’s certainly in the right place. A lot of the humour comes too from the relationships within the circle of friends – and the author still has that perfect balance between laugh-out-loud and those other moments of tremendous warmth and poignancy.
I enjoyed this book every bit as much as I’ve loved all the author’s other books – but (just so you’ll enjoy it as much as I did) I would suggest that you don’t make this one the first time you read her writing, do try at least one or two of the back catalogue first. But I’m now ready for my next visit to Westenbury – my kind of place, my kind of people, and Julie Houston’s certainly my kind of writer.
There are multiple storylines too, featuring different key characters – but the main story focuses on Grace, returning to work as a teacher at Little Acorns after her husband’s departure, being landed with the year group from hell. That night out brings a new man into her life, perhaps with the possibility of some happiness in her life after previous relationships have disappointed. But it’s quite a story – things take a bit of a turn, a situation that the author handles exceptionally well, before Grace realises that she’s perhaps not looking to the right person to bring her joy.
Juno, GP at the village surgery, and her family are also centre stage for much of the story (if you read Sing Me A Secret, you’ll already know them well), but her life’s not going quite the way you might have expected it to either. And while their stories drive the narrative, there’s another – and a really different one – involving the teenage characters, when you discover that Westenbury certainly isn’t immune to some of the problems you read about in the papers.
As always, one of the author’s strengths is those wonderful three-dimensional characters. I think the children and young people in this book really do deserve a special mention – I loved far-older-than her-years Tilda, Juno’s daughter, from the first time I met her, and I thought she had some of the best lines in the whole book (and she becomes more like a miniature version of her aunt Ariadne every day). That said, Grace’s adopted daughter Pietronella does come a very close second – there were times she had me in tears of laughter.
There’s perhaps a little less of the over-the-top humour in this book than there was in some of the others – the themes are pretty serious at times – but the author really wouldn’t be herself if she didn’t have you in stitches for at least some of the time. I’m so glad she brought back the character of Lithuanian lollipop lady Deimante, now with aspirations to become a teacher – sadly, her grasp of the language is always likely to be an impediment, but her heart’s certainly in the right place. A lot of the humour comes too from the relationships within the circle of friends – and the author still has that perfect balance between laugh-out-loud and those other moments of tremendous warmth and poignancy.
I enjoyed this book every bit as much as I’ve loved all the author’s other books – but (just so you’ll enjoy it as much as I did) I would suggest that you don’t make this one the first time you read her writing, do try at least one or two of the back catalogue first. But I’m now ready for my next visit to Westenbury – my kind of place, my kind of people, and Julie Houston’s certainly my kind of writer.
October 1, 2020
The first book I read by Julie Houston was A Village Affair earlier this year (primarily about Carrie Beresford), and more recently, Sing Me A Secret, (primarily about the Sutherland sisters). This book features these characters, plus many more from previous books about Westenbury.
It did take me some time to get to know all the characters, there seemed to be a larger number of main characters in this book compared to the previous couple I had read. I enjoyed finding out how everyone had got on after the last book, but life quickly changed for many of the residents again with a car accident, an illicit dalliance, marriage breakdowns, false accusations and troubled teenagers.
There are many laugh out loud moments (especially with the children and the lovely lollipop lady), but also some darker moments, especially with the ‘county lines’ story.
I enjoyed my visit to Westenbury, and I’m sure that many other readers of the Westenbury series will enjoy their return visit too.
It did take me some time to get to know all the characters, there seemed to be a larger number of main characters in this book compared to the previous couple I had read. I enjoyed finding out how everyone had got on after the last book, but life quickly changed for many of the residents again with a car accident, an illicit dalliance, marriage breakdowns, false accusations and troubled teenagers.
There are many laugh out loud moments (especially with the children and the lovely lollipop lady), but also some darker moments, especially with the ‘county lines’ story.
I enjoyed my visit to Westenbury, and I’m sure that many other readers of the Westenbury series will enjoy their return visit too.
October 22, 2020
This book has been shining out of my tbr list like a Belisha beacon, and I've grinned like an idiot as I got closer and closer - all with good reason!
With the death of one of their own, the women of Westenbury are all agog to wonder who'll fill the vacancy she's left behind. Life is busy, and more so for Grace Stevens as, with her marriage totally broken down, she returns to full time teaching whilst parenting her two young children on her own. As if that wasn't enough to deal with, she has disharmony in the classroom, an upset parent to deal with, a drug ring to sort out as well as maintaining friendships and mourning her lack of a sex life!
Never a dull moment in this one; between personal and professional problems, the angst and joys of parenting and the absolute sheer fun packed into the pages I have relished each and every word. On the serious side, I now understand what the county lines drug trade is all about (first clear and concise explanation I've come across) as well as appreciating all the extra work our teachers face, while on the fun side I have never stopped smiling, snorting and giggling as my bemused husband can confirm. This is the most wonderful series of stand-alone tales and I recommend them to anyone who likes their women's fiction to be made up of love, life and laughs. Beautifully written and terrifically entertaining, this one easily earns all five shiny, sparkling stars.
With the death of one of their own, the women of Westenbury are all agog to wonder who'll fill the vacancy she's left behind. Life is busy, and more so for Grace Stevens as, with her marriage totally broken down, she returns to full time teaching whilst parenting her two young children on her own. As if that wasn't enough to deal with, she has disharmony in the classroom, an upset parent to deal with, a drug ring to sort out as well as maintaining friendships and mourning her lack of a sex life!
Never a dull moment in this one; between personal and professional problems, the angst and joys of parenting and the absolute sheer fun packed into the pages I have relished each and every word. On the serious side, I now understand what the county lines drug trade is all about (first clear and concise explanation I've come across) as well as appreciating all the extra work our teachers face, while on the fun side I have never stopped smiling, snorting and giggling as my bemused husband can confirm. This is the most wonderful series of stand-alone tales and I recommend them to anyone who likes their women's fiction to be made up of love, life and laughs. Beautifully written and terrifically entertaining, this one easily earns all five shiny, sparkling stars.
October 26, 2020
Loved it!!! I would give it 4.5 stars. The beginning was a bit confusing because I had to remember who all the characters were from the previous books. There are so any people to keep track of, then add their parent and children. Loved everything about the book - the characters, story and writing style. I love reading about Harriet and all her friends. I want to live in Midhope and be friends with all of them. They all seem to have so much fun together. Izzy shouldn't be in charge of planning nights out. Big Leo- King of the the Jungle was definitely something to talk about and not in a good way. Grace is my least favorite. She makes horrible choices about men and does stuff without thinking about the consequences. She acts more like a teenager than a forty year old woman. What was she thinking that night at the bar (she wasn't thinking)??!! There were so many red flags, but she ignored them all. She's very lucky to have so many people who are there to help her. I'm not sure how I feel about the person she now loves. It's a bit strange.
Definitely recommend the book. I can't wait to see what will happen next for everyone. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Aria & Aries through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Definitely recommend the book. I can't wait to see what will happen next for everyone. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Aria & Aries through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 25, 2020
I absolutely love Julies books and this is no different. In fact, this might be my favourite book yet. I know I say that every book but this is definitely a great read. I have been completely torn between wanting to devour page after page and wanting to slowly enjoy each event as they have unfolded.
This is another book with a beautiful setting, which I really wish I could escape to. Plus we have more fantastic characters. Our main character Grace will make you shake your head with disapproval throughout the book. She is a maneater and single mum oif a child who has additional needs. I honestly feel that this alone makes this a unique read and I wish more authors would touch on these aspects.
The cover of this book is as gorgeous as previous books. It definitely makes you want to pick up the book. The cover is cute and sophisticated and definitely screams ”read me”.
I have to say Houston has covered the topic sensitively and as a reader you really do have a journey throughout this one. I can hand on heart say that this is a read which should be on everyone’s TBR and is so highly deserving of a higher rating than five stars.
This is another book with a beautiful setting, which I really wish I could escape to. Plus we have more fantastic characters. Our main character Grace will make you shake your head with disapproval throughout the book. She is a maneater and single mum oif a child who has additional needs. I honestly feel that this alone makes this a unique read and I wish more authors would touch on these aspects.
The cover of this book is as gorgeous as previous books. It definitely makes you want to pick up the book. The cover is cute and sophisticated and definitely screams ”read me”.
I have to say Houston has covered the topic sensitively and as a reader you really do have a journey throughout this one. I can hand on heart say that this is a read which should be on everyone’s TBR and is so highly deserving of a higher rating than five stars.
November 1, 2020
A Village Vacancy takes the reader back to the Westenbury for another tale of laughter, love and life. This is a standalone story, but many of the characters previously featured in other books about Westenbury, and you will be intrigued to see what has gone before.
The funeral of one of the village's enigmatic women introduces the cast of characters. Amanda's loss is felt both in the community and her personal life. A mystery surrounds her untimely death, which gives this tale of village life an added dimension.
Grace takes centre stage in this story as she copes with her dysfunctional family life and wonders if romantic happiness is within her grasp. Westenbury experiences city problems in this story which are topical and give the story its contemporary edge.
There's humour, mystery, romance and poignancy in this insightful story which draws the reader into the village and the lives of its inhabitants. The characters are believable and relatable, which makes their stories engaging and memorable.
I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 21, 2020
Another fabulous escape to Westenbury.
#NoSpoilers Julie Houston's latest addition to the Westenbury tales is fast and funny. Her storytelling doesn't pull any punches and is peppered with characters that you wonder about and miss long after you've finished reading.
A cracking story and a great read.
Highly Recommend.
#NoSpoilers Julie Houston's latest addition to the Westenbury tales is fast and funny. Her storytelling doesn't pull any punches and is peppered with characters that you wonder about and miss long after you've finished reading.
A cracking story and a great read.
Highly Recommend.
March 19, 2021
To me complete and utter rubbish, managed 7 chapters and then gave up, story jumps all over the place, so very hard to follow any storyline, if they was one.
October 27, 2020
Who ever said village life was dull?
Coz let me tell me you, there is never a dull moment in Westenbury. That’s for sure! *snorts* It’s ALL going on here.
This was one of those books that had me snorting with laughter one minute, reaching for my metaphorical cushion the next (it’s a common occurrence for me to get embarrassed on a character’s behalf. You, too?), then reaching for my stash of tissues (Well, it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t cry at least once whilst reading *shrugs*.), and repeat!
Whaaa?
Oohhh.
Hold your horses! I’m getting to that bit *rolls eyes*.
So impatient.
*wags finger* Zip it! I can hear you all muttering ‘pot meet kettle’.
Of course, it goes without saying that I wanted to slap certain characters upside the head (or give them a cuff in their lug as my mum would say!).
Oy, I was in fear for my blood pressure on several occasions but it’s all part of the fun, lol.
Not only was this my first visit to Westenbury but also my first Julie Houston read. A Village Vacancy may centre around Grace Stevens, however there are a whole host of colourful characters and side stories to immerse yourself in.
Thanks heavens for the cast of characters at the start of the book because I can admit to referring to it on several occasions as it took me a chapter or two to get my head around them all including the personal connections. The geek that I am (what did I say about zipping it?) would love this ‘Who’s who’ to be turned into a family/friend tree or flow chart (or is this a step too far?).
*coughs*
Moving swiftly on...
What can I say? Books are the best kind of therapy, aren’t they? A Village Vacancy was just what I needed to escape reality for a few hours. Drama, giggles, romance, and a touch of ‘Where did this come from?’ (I was channelling my best Miss Marple impression at one point). All the intricacies of life!
I hope to get to return to Westenbury soon.
Coz let me tell me you, there is never a dull moment in Westenbury. That’s for sure! *snorts* It’s ALL going on here.
This was one of those books that had me snorting with laughter one minute, reaching for my metaphorical cushion the next (it’s a common occurrence for me to get embarrassed on a character’s behalf. You, too?), then reaching for my stash of tissues (Well, it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t cry at least once whilst reading *shrugs*.), and repeat!
Whaaa?
Oohhh.
Hold your horses! I’m getting to that bit *rolls eyes*.
So impatient.
*wags finger* Zip it! I can hear you all muttering ‘pot meet kettle’.
Of course, it goes without saying that I wanted to slap certain characters upside the head (or give them a cuff in their lug as my mum would say!).
Oy, I was in fear for my blood pressure on several occasions but it’s all part of the fun, lol.
Not only was this my first visit to Westenbury but also my first Julie Houston read. A Village Vacancy may centre around Grace Stevens, however there are a whole host of colourful characters and side stories to immerse yourself in.
Thanks heavens for the cast of characters at the start of the book because I can admit to referring to it on several occasions as it took me a chapter or two to get my head around them all including the personal connections. The geek that I am (what did I say about zipping it?) would love this ‘Who’s who’ to be turned into a family/friend tree or flow chart (or is this a step too far?).
*coughs*
Moving swiftly on...
What can I say? Books are the best kind of therapy, aren’t they? A Village Vacancy was just what I needed to escape reality for a few hours. Drama, giggles, romance, and a touch of ‘Where did this come from?’ (I was channelling my best Miss Marple impression at one point). All the intricacies of life!
I hope to get to return to Westenbury soon.
May 23, 2024
The reason I chose to read this novel in the first place was the setting of a Yorkshire village. It is touted as being ‘laugh-out-loud funny”, so just what I was in the need of…
Grace’s character was probably the most vividly portrayed. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where she was teaching in her classroom. The author herself was a primary teacher so those scenes are well done.
My favourite character was Matilda. She was highly intelligent and a very precocious girl. I’ll admit some of her scenes did make me smile.
I know that I am in the minority when I say that this wasn’t that funny, nor did it really hold my interest. Yes, the setting and premise held vast potential – but that potential was squashed under the weight of too many characters. Just when you get to know one character, the author switched out to another character. I was always uncertain as to whether this new person was a family member, a friend, a mere acquaintance of the previous character. Oh, and all of the characters had children, and I couldn’t for the life of me keep straight as to which child belonged to which parent…
The writing flowed well and the descriptive prose was vividly rendered, yet due to the plethora of characters I just couldn’t appreciate the rest.
Recommended for readers who enjoy delightful settings, entertaining escapist fiction, and who don’t mind reading beside a spreadsheet of who is who…
Grace’s character was probably the most vividly portrayed. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where she was teaching in her classroom. The author herself was a primary teacher so those scenes are well done.
My favourite character was Matilda. She was highly intelligent and a very precocious girl. I’ll admit some of her scenes did make me smile.
I know that I am in the minority when I say that this wasn’t that funny, nor did it really hold my interest. Yes, the setting and premise held vast potential – but that potential was squashed under the weight of too many characters. Just when you get to know one character, the author switched out to another character. I was always uncertain as to whether this new person was a family member, a friend, a mere acquaintance of the previous character. Oh, and all of the characters had children, and I couldn’t for the life of me keep straight as to which child belonged to which parent…
The writing flowed well and the descriptive prose was vividly rendered, yet due to the plethora of characters I just couldn’t appreciate the rest.
Recommended for readers who enjoy delightful settings, entertaining escapist fiction, and who don’t mind reading beside a spreadsheet of who is who…
December 8, 2020
This book was good it wasn't bad, I only gave 3.5 stars because as many have stated it was all over the place and I was having a hard time at all times identifying who was who or what was going on, many times I was laughing by myself because I was completely lost with so many situations and characters.
This is the story of Grace who decided to start a new life and to move on without her hubby, moving to Little Acorns to teach a few crazy teens that are determined to make her life a little more adventurous no matter how she tries otherwise her life because even more challenged with these brats
A Village Vacancy will keep you glued to your hair and will make your heart laugh so much, it is funny and irreverent and Grace is also kind of all over the place so that will make this story even more worth reading.
The feelings that I got while reading this funny book was, warm and pleasant as everybody knew everybody so that made it more real and more little villa, small-town vibe. Another amazing and wonderful reason to read this book was the friendship between the women was beautiful and awesome, not many we can share the bond they had and it was so enjoyable Harriet, Juno, and everybody.
A Village Vacancy was lighthearted, funny, irreverent, and very cozy for this winter and time.
This is the story of Grace who decided to start a new life and to move on without her hubby, moving to Little Acorns to teach a few crazy teens that are determined to make her life a little more adventurous no matter how she tries otherwise her life because even more challenged with these brats
A Village Vacancy will keep you glued to your hair and will make your heart laugh so much, it is funny and irreverent and Grace is also kind of all over the place so that will make this story even more worth reading.
The feelings that I got while reading this funny book was, warm and pleasant as everybody knew everybody so that made it more real and more little villa, small-town vibe. Another amazing and wonderful reason to read this book was the friendship between the women was beautiful and awesome, not many we can share the bond they had and it was so enjoyable Harriet, Juno, and everybody.
A Village Vacancy was lighthearted, funny, irreverent, and very cozy for this winter and time.
October 31, 2020
Such a lovely read that surprised me on so many counts! If you’re looking for a fun read with many memorable characters, who each have complex stories you can really get your teeth into, this one is most definitely for you.
I really enjoyed this book for so many reasons, and it was such a hilarious read at times. My spirits were instantly lifted, but I was also gripped because of all the unexpected twists you simply don’t expect with a book of this nature! It’s clear the author is a natural born storyteller and seems to entertain her audience with ease. The only thing I was a little lost in was just the amount of characters there is to keep track of, but I think I’d feel much better about this if I read more of Julie’s works. Off to Amazon I go! Brilliantly entertaining, and if this doesn’t make you want a trip to beautiful Yorkshire, I don’t know what will!
My first read from this author, but definitely won’t be the last – enjoyable, memorable and humourous in equal measure!
You can read my full review over on my blog: https://aquintillionwords.com/2020/10...
I really enjoyed this book for so many reasons, and it was such a hilarious read at times. My spirits were instantly lifted, but I was also gripped because of all the unexpected twists you simply don’t expect with a book of this nature! It’s clear the author is a natural born storyteller and seems to entertain her audience with ease. The only thing I was a little lost in was just the amount of characters there is to keep track of, but I think I’d feel much better about this if I read more of Julie’s works. Off to Amazon I go! Brilliantly entertaining, and if this doesn’t make you want a trip to beautiful Yorkshire, I don’t know what will!
My first read from this author, but definitely won’t be the last – enjoyable, memorable and humourous in equal measure!
You can read my full review over on my blog: https://aquintillionwords.com/2020/10...
November 16, 2020
The setting of Westenbury in Yorkshire was glorious, the characters were all spot on hilarious, serious, modern women. The families were complicated - there were yours, mine and ours multiplied over and the story could not be called women's fiction because I think men will enjoy the story too.
The ramifications of a village life, the handsome widower now being eyed by many women in the village, he is rich and handsome and also a kind soul. Then there is a bunch of attractive professional women around too. I sometimes felt in the story that it was a little too crowded with characters and got a tad confusing.
Overall the story was entertaining and just what anyone needs after a dose of heavy reading. Descriptive and engaging.
The ramifications of a village life, the handsome widower now being eyed by many women in the village, he is rich and handsome and also a kind soul. Then there is a bunch of attractive professional women around too. I sometimes felt in the story that it was a little too crowded with characters and got a tad confusing.
Overall the story was entertaining and just what anyone needs after a dose of heavy reading. Descriptive and engaging.
December 22, 2020
Another exceptional read from Julie Houston. I love her slice of life stories of love and loss, friendship and heartache. There are always laughs and often tears and like the others in this series, this is a must read page turner.
December 9, 2020
Yet another fabulous visit to Westenbury. Julie Houston has a knack of making you feel like you're actually there, watching what's going on and living the country life. Full of humour and fun, as well as its fair share of serious moments, this is definitely a must read! I loved it.
July 25, 2021
Brilliant book. Loved the characters!
May 16, 2021
Good reading
I have enjoyed this book very much. A lot of people with complicated lives. It all ends very well indeed
I have enjoyed this book very much. A lot of people with complicated lives. It all ends very well indeed
August 16, 2021
Excellent
I really enjoyed reading this book and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next but all too soon I finished it
I really enjoyed reading this book and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next but all too soon I finished it
September 12, 2021
Lots going on at once in one small village but kept me entertained on a lazy Sunday.
January 7, 2022
Another lovely book by this author and great to be back in Westbury. Full of great characters and village life it a pleasure to read. Grace is a lovely character and so you are willing for her and David to have a happy ending making it a perfect lighthearted beach read
October 22, 2020
A Village Vacancy, the laugh-out-loud new book from the bestselling author of A Village Affair, by Julie Houston
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre:Romance, Women's Fiction
Oh no, women's fiction yet again. Men write romance, men read romance, lets stop with the silliness now.
Anyway, I've seen a few reviews that mention this read being confusing in that they don't know the backstory of characters and tbh, that plays a huge part. Its not listed as a series but of you've read the earlier books you will follow and enjoy this one so much more.
I've never been Grace' biggest fan. If she lived on a council estate she'd be judged very differently. Shiftless/feckless single parent would be the judgment. As someone middle class though it seems her behaviour is excused. Bah, its like those condemning folk they see as lower class for drinking too much, while snorting yet another line of the socially acceptable cocaine. Having brought that in the County Lines thread of this book was excellent. We do think drugs are something that happens elsewhere, only in the ghetto areas of cities for example whole all the while its being done in homes around us, by our kids, sucked in as couriers.
I do feel for Grace with the on off husband, the affair with Seb was always going to come to nothing, but Jonty means there's always a tie. Then Dan's off again and it just seems like she's on the search for another man. She's got two kids now, Jonty and the adorable Peitronella. That kid was a show stealer, I loved her – and the cock porn/popcorn ( I wonder if amazon will let that one through?) She needs to be more responsible. I'd say that if it was Dan with the kids and Grace wobbled off too. Kids come first.
The story kind of centres round Grace, but fortunately for me brings in many of the characters we already know from earlier reads, and it was great to catch up with them.
It opens with a shock, I didn't expect that, nor the things that resulted from it. I love David, he's a true gentleman, and he always seems so wise, so responsible as well as being a killer businessman.
I wasn't convinced of the romance here. To be honest for most of the book it isn't there, its just suggestions of what's to come at the end. I didn't think either party was really ready for it anyway.
I love the school scenes, really felt for little Noah. I loved the Esme/Emsy bit – brilliant, perfect comeback when Esme was deliberately getting Ariadne's name wrong. I never think of stuff like that at the time.
Loved Harry Trotter, and of course Tilda. I've a grandson like her, he' nine going on forty nine. He reprimanded me at the weekend for “ inappropriate behaviour” in front of the toddler. I was squeezing the rubber dinosaur, making its belly pop out....that's all ;-) Then was treated to a lecture about how the school are not taking social distancing seriously.
Its a fun read, the village vacancy in the title actually has more than one connection. I loved catching up with past characters, and sympathised with Grace even when she annoyed me in her actions. Its hard when a partner leaves, even if its not a huge surprise.
Stars: Four, a fun read again, lots going on, lots of laughs ( even though I hate it when a story promises me I will “laugh out loud” I hate that assumption).
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre:Romance, Women's Fiction
Oh no, women's fiction yet again. Men write romance, men read romance, lets stop with the silliness now.
Anyway, I've seen a few reviews that mention this read being confusing in that they don't know the backstory of characters and tbh, that plays a huge part. Its not listed as a series but of you've read the earlier books you will follow and enjoy this one so much more.
I've never been Grace' biggest fan. If she lived on a council estate she'd be judged very differently. Shiftless/feckless single parent would be the judgment. As someone middle class though it seems her behaviour is excused. Bah, its like those condemning folk they see as lower class for drinking too much, while snorting yet another line of the socially acceptable cocaine. Having brought that in the County Lines thread of this book was excellent. We do think drugs are something that happens elsewhere, only in the ghetto areas of cities for example whole all the while its being done in homes around us, by our kids, sucked in as couriers.
I do feel for Grace with the on off husband, the affair with Seb was always going to come to nothing, but Jonty means there's always a tie. Then Dan's off again and it just seems like she's on the search for another man. She's got two kids now, Jonty and the adorable Peitronella. That kid was a show stealer, I loved her – and the cock porn/popcorn ( I wonder if amazon will let that one through?) She needs to be more responsible. I'd say that if it was Dan with the kids and Grace wobbled off too. Kids come first.
The story kind of centres round Grace, but fortunately for me brings in many of the characters we already know from earlier reads, and it was great to catch up with them.
It opens with a shock, I didn't expect that, nor the things that resulted from it. I love David, he's a true gentleman, and he always seems so wise, so responsible as well as being a killer businessman.
I wasn't convinced of the romance here. To be honest for most of the book it isn't there, its just suggestions of what's to come at the end. I didn't think either party was really ready for it anyway.
I love the school scenes, really felt for little Noah. I loved the Esme/Emsy bit – brilliant, perfect comeback when Esme was deliberately getting Ariadne's name wrong. I never think of stuff like that at the time.
Loved Harry Trotter, and of course Tilda. I've a grandson like her, he' nine going on forty nine. He reprimanded me at the weekend for “ inappropriate behaviour” in front of the toddler. I was squeezing the rubber dinosaur, making its belly pop out....that's all ;-) Then was treated to a lecture about how the school are not taking social distancing seriously.
Its a fun read, the village vacancy in the title actually has more than one connection. I loved catching up with past characters, and sympathised with Grace even when she annoyed me in her actions. Its hard when a partner leaves, even if its not a huge surprise.
Stars: Four, a fun read again, lots going on, lots of laughs ( even though I hate it when a story promises me I will “laugh out loud” I hate that assumption).
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews