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Return to Willoughby Close #2
Welcome Me to Willoughby Close
Welcome back to Willoughby Close, with four new residents and happy endings to deliver…
Emily David didn’t want to move to Willoughby Close. She was perfectly content in London, but when her boss, Henry Trent, asks her to relocate, she’s left with little choice. Emily prefers living on her own and finds comfort in her routines. But the well-meaning residents of Wychwood-on-Lea are determined to include her in their friendly circle—a prospect Emily finds utterly alarming.
When sparks fly with local pub owner Owen Jones, Emily’s safe and fragile world threatens to shatter. She has too many secrets to keep, and Owen’s gentle understanding could be her undoing. But as Owen persists, Emily’s heart softens, and she begins to discover the wonder of trusting friends—and falling in love. That is, until she discovers Owen has a secret of his own…
Can Willoughby Close work its charm and magic once more? And can someone who has been determined to stay lonely find—and trust—love right on her doorstep?
Discover the heartwarming magic of Willoughby Close once more… with three new stories of hope and happily-ever-afters to look forward to.
Emily David didn’t want to move to Willoughby Close. She was perfectly content in London, but when her boss, Henry Trent, asks her to relocate, she’s left with little choice. Emily prefers living on her own and finds comfort in her routines. But the well-meaning residents of Wychwood-on-Lea are determined to include her in their friendly circle—a prospect Emily finds utterly alarming.
When sparks fly with local pub owner Owen Jones, Emily’s safe and fragile world threatens to shatter. She has too many secrets to keep, and Owen’s gentle understanding could be her undoing. But as Owen persists, Emily’s heart softens, and she begins to discover the wonder of trusting friends—and falling in love. That is, until she discovers Owen has a secret of his own…
Can Willoughby Close work its charm and magic once more? And can someone who has been determined to stay lonely find—and trust—love right on her doorstep?
Discover the heartwarming magic of Willoughby Close once more… with three new stories of hope and happily-ever-afters to look forward to.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2020
78 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hewitt
875 books1,685 followersKate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
December 19, 2024
This is so eh I am not sure i can do another. I am not a fan of the narrator either
August 16, 2020
What a delightful read this is - I thoroughly enjoyed my second visit to this supportive community and can't wait to return there in future to catch up on how everyone is getting on!
Henry Trent is lord of the manor and he's convinced Emily David to move there to continue to work for him, even providing a cottage for her to live in. She's not exactly enamoured with the idea as she doesn't like changes to her routines and prefers to stay in hiding as much as possible. That just isn't possible in this close knit community as they all seem determined to break down the barriers she puts up between herself and others, endeavouring to draw her into the heart of their circle of friends. Part of her job is to help organise a fund raising event including the local community and businesses. That's when she first meets Owen Jones, who owns the local pub . . . . . she's Miss Prim but he can't resist and the local matchmakers are determined to help, too. However, family dramas past and present have impinged on both of them and they'll have more than just their own reticence to overcome if they are to have their own HEA together.
This is a lovely, heartwarming read with great characters who help Emily realise that she isn't on her own and that most people have something dramatic in their past. It is how the friendships develop, how trust grows and so does self belief that makes this an endearing read and what makes me really look forward to reading the next three books in this series! It shares some issues with great sensitivity, including the effects on children of having a parent who is a drug addict, an alcoholic or has bipolar disorder. It is a superb second book in this series and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it.
I was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and really enjoying doing so.
Henry Trent is lord of the manor and he's convinced Emily David to move there to continue to work for him, even providing a cottage for her to live in. She's not exactly enamoured with the idea as she doesn't like changes to her routines and prefers to stay in hiding as much as possible. That just isn't possible in this close knit community as they all seem determined to break down the barriers she puts up between herself and others, endeavouring to draw her into the heart of their circle of friends. Part of her job is to help organise a fund raising event including the local community and businesses. That's when she first meets Owen Jones, who owns the local pub . . . . . she's Miss Prim but he can't resist and the local matchmakers are determined to help, too. However, family dramas past and present have impinged on both of them and they'll have more than just their own reticence to overcome if they are to have their own HEA together.
This is a lovely, heartwarming read with great characters who help Emily realise that she isn't on her own and that most people have something dramatic in their past. It is how the friendships develop, how trust grows and so does self belief that makes this an endearing read and what makes me really look forward to reading the next three books in this series! It shares some issues with great sensitivity, including the effects on children of having a parent who is a drug addict, an alcoholic or has bipolar disorder. It is a superb second book in this series and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it.
I was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and really enjoying doing so.
July 29, 2020
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
“Welcome me to Willoughby Close”, by Kate Hewitt (Tule Publishing), is a beautiful, uplifting, simple love story and features such a wonderfully written wounded heroine! I loved Emily’s character and how the author wrote her issues, making her so real, relatable and believable.
Owen is the epitome of kindness behind a sometimes brusque demeanor and he has baggage and vulnerabilities, too, but the best part of the story is Emily.
The romance is a love at first sight trope, yet it feels slow and sweet as we watch the protagonists’ bewilderment with such a derailing instant attraction.
The story is gripping in its simplicity and its focus on Emily’s issues and the changes she goes through makes the reading absorbing.
Light and funny, yet addressing serious issues without becoming too dramatic, it’s another feel-good story by Kate Hewitt, the second installment in the “Return to Willoughby Close” series.
“Welcome me to Willoughby Close”, by Kate Hewitt (Tule Publishing), is a beautiful, uplifting, simple love story and features such a wonderfully written wounded heroine! I loved Emily’s character and how the author wrote her issues, making her so real, relatable and believable.
Owen is the epitome of kindness behind a sometimes brusque demeanor and he has baggage and vulnerabilities, too, but the best part of the story is Emily.
The romance is a love at first sight trope, yet it feels slow and sweet as we watch the protagonists’ bewilderment with such a derailing instant attraction.
The story is gripping in its simplicity and its focus on Emily’s issues and the changes she goes through makes the reading absorbing.
Light and funny, yet addressing serious issues without becoming too dramatic, it’s another feel-good story by Kate Hewitt, the second installment in the “Return to Willoughby Close” series.
August 18, 2020
Three and a half stars.
Emily David is forced to move to Willoughby Chase when her boss Henry Trent inherits Willoughby Manor and decides to start a charitable foundation. A natural introvert, Emily is very set in her ways and enjoys the anonymity of living in London. At first she is horrified by the overly-friendly overtures from her boss' wife Alice and her circle of friends and their insistence that she join them for drinks in the local pub.
In fact the only person who doesn't seem to be friendly is the owner of the local down-market boozer, Owen Jones. He dislikes Henry and assumes that Emily has had a privileged middle-class upbringing, how wrong could he be?
Part of Emily's reticence is that she doesn't want anyone to know about her family secrets, but circumstances mean that she has to let people into her circle of trust and strangely it is the surly welsh pub owner Owen that she opens up to.
I enjoyed this, and I have loved reading the Willoughby Chase books, but there was a point in this book when Emily realises that everyone has burdens that others don't know about, and she lists out the issues of everyone in her circle of friends, when it seems as though everyone in the small village comes from a broken home and it just felt unrealistic.
Minor niggles aside, this was a fun, albeit predictable, read in a cosy series which doesn't shy away from addressing some tough issues.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher Tule in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Emily David is forced to move to Willoughby Chase when her boss Henry Trent inherits Willoughby Manor and decides to start a charitable foundation. A natural introvert, Emily is very set in her ways and enjoys the anonymity of living in London. At first she is horrified by the overly-friendly overtures from her boss' wife Alice and her circle of friends and their insistence that she join them for drinks in the local pub.
In fact the only person who doesn't seem to be friendly is the owner of the local down-market boozer, Owen Jones. He dislikes Henry and assumes that Emily has had a privileged middle-class upbringing, how wrong could he be?
Part of Emily's reticence is that she doesn't want anyone to know about her family secrets, but circumstances mean that she has to let people into her circle of trust and strangely it is the surly welsh pub owner Owen that she opens up to.
I enjoyed this, and I have loved reading the Willoughby Chase books, but there was a point in this book when Emily realises that everyone has burdens that others don't know about, and she lists out the issues of everyone in her circle of friends, when it seems as though everyone in the small village comes from a broken home and it just felt unrealistic.
Minor niggles aside, this was a fun, albeit predictable, read in a cosy series which doesn't shy away from addressing some tough issues.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher Tule in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
April 26, 2022
Okay now listen-
I love light hearted, cute and cosy contemporary stories like this. I genuinely do!
But what I absolutely despise is when characters fall in love IMMEDIATELY.
This story runs over a span of 6 weeks; Emily moves to the Cotswolds, is antisocial af and has no friends. The first weeks she barely lets anyone in, alright I get that.
Then at some point she meets the bartender in the story.
They talk once or twice for literal minutes, then he invites her over for dinner and bam he’s the love of her life and she can’t imagine a life without him anymore. “NeVeR fELt aNyThInG LiKe tHiS bEfOrE”.
When something happens that causes them to break up before they even really were together, she’s absolutely heart broken and oh my god what an ache like no other.
They don’t speak then for almost 2 WEEKS MIGHT I ADD!
From the 6 weeks she lives there, the first week they don’t know each other, and the last two they just don’t speak- which leaves us with 3 weeks for them to be head over heels, love of my life obsessed with each other.
BITCH- YOU’VE BASICALLY KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR 2 WEEKS MAX!!!!?!!?!! CALM DOWN?!???!
They be like “you have to fight for our love” “fight for us” “our love this our love that”
“We really work together!” GIRL YOU WERE TOGETHER FOR 3 DAYS!
If I were dating someone for 3 days and he said bye I literally wouldn’t bat an eye lash.
Why are these people always acting as if their hearts have been ripped out their bodies!??!
When I have known someone for not even a month, they’d basically still be a stranger to me. Why are they always acting as if they’ve been going through life together for 3 years??? I HATE it so SO much.
It really makes me angry idek.
But that’s probably my issue, it just makes me want to vomit!
I love light hearted, cute and cosy contemporary stories like this. I genuinely do!
But what I absolutely despise is when characters fall in love IMMEDIATELY.
This story runs over a span of 6 weeks; Emily moves to the Cotswolds, is antisocial af and has no friends. The first weeks she barely lets anyone in, alright I get that.
Then at some point she meets the bartender in the story.
They talk once or twice for literal minutes, then he invites her over for dinner and bam he’s the love of her life and she can’t imagine a life without him anymore. “NeVeR fELt aNyThInG LiKe tHiS bEfOrE”.
When something happens that causes them to break up before they even really were together, she’s absolutely heart broken and oh my god what an ache like no other.
They don’t speak then for almost 2 WEEKS MIGHT I ADD!
From the 6 weeks she lives there, the first week they don’t know each other, and the last two they just don’t speak- which leaves us with 3 weeks for them to be head over heels, love of my life obsessed with each other.
BITCH- YOU’VE BASICALLY KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR 2 WEEKS MAX!!!!?!!?!! CALM DOWN?!???!
They be like “you have to fight for our love” “fight for us” “our love this our love that”
“We really work together!” GIRL YOU WERE TOGETHER FOR 3 DAYS!
If I were dating someone for 3 days and he said bye I literally wouldn’t bat an eye lash.
Why are these people always acting as if their hearts have been ripped out their bodies!??!
When I have known someone for not even a month, they’d basically still be a stranger to me. Why are they always acting as if they’ve been going through life together for 3 years??? I HATE it so SO much.
It really makes me angry idek.
But that’s probably my issue, it just makes me want to vomit!
December 29, 2022
When I finished the original series, I had a particular bittersweet feeling, when you are glad you had this experience but sad that it’s over. I was happy to learn that there is a sequel series.
The book has the same charm and warmth. It has the same trope, the new person with background arrives at the Willoughby Close, meets love and happiness. That trope is never old, always good to pick when you feel a little bit down or want something extra heartfelt and cozy.
Emily and Owen are an adorable couple, helping each other while falling in love.
I love how all the people are so cute and friendly, a little bit nosy, the perfect dreamy small town community.
The book has the same charm and warmth. It has the same trope, the new person with background arrives at the Willoughby Close, meets love and happiness. That trope is never old, always good to pick when you feel a little bit down or want something extra heartfelt and cozy.
Emily and Owen are an adorable couple, helping each other while falling in love.
I love how all the people are so cute and friendly, a little bit nosy, the perfect dreamy small town community.
December 2, 2023
Another great installment of this adorable series. This book followed another protagonist, and had just as much emotional pull as its predecessor. I would definitely recommend it.
December 7, 2024
I've listened to a bunch of the light freebie books on Audible in the past month.
August 18, 2020
Welcome Me to Willoughby Close by Kate Hewitt
Welcome back to Willoughby Close, with four new residents and happy endings to deliver…
Emily David didn’t want to move to Willoughby Close. She was perfectly content in London, but when her boss, Henry Trent, asks her to relocate, she’s left with little choice. Emily prefers living on her own and finds comfort in her routines. But the well-meaning residents of Wychwood-on-Lea are determined to include her in their friendly circle—a prospect Emily finds utterly alarming.
When sparks fly with local pub owner Owen Jones, Emily’s safe and fragile world threatens to shatter. She has too many secrets to keep, and Owen’s gentle understanding could be her undoing. But as Owen persists, Emily’s heart softens, and she begins to discover the wonder of trusting friends—and falling in love. That is, until she discovers Owen has a secret of his own…
Can Willoughby Close work its charm and magic once more? And can someone who has been determined to stay lonely find—and trust—love right on her doorstep?
Discover the heartwarming magic of Willoughby Close once more… with three new stories of hope and happily-ever-afters to look forward to.
This is Emily David and Owen Jones's story.
It wasn’t London. Emily David stood in the doorway of the cottage, part of a converted stables, and told herself to keep calm. The place was clean, everything bright and sparkling and looking quite new. That was something, at least.
She took a step inside, doing her best to admire the wood-burning stove, the granite counters and chrome fixtures in the kitchen, the French windows overlooking an overgrown postage stamp of garden, a tangle of wood beyond. Really, it was all wonderfully quaint.
So what if it wasn’t London? It wasn’t her flat in a modern, anonymous building where no one knew her name and she preferred it that way. It wasn’t London, where people kept their heads down, mobiles clamped to their ears, and did their best not to make eye contact. It wasn’t London, where she could melt into a crowd, where her office environment was safe and controlled, where she’d developed a routine that worked.
“May I have a word?” Owen Jones looked up from the till receipts he’d been going through on top of the bar to see a woman he’d never clapped eyes on before cautiously inching her way into the pub on a pair of steel-grey stilettos, her pert nose wrinkled in wary distaste. She was dressed like a city barrister, in a black pencil skirt and grey silk blouse, both items highlighting a figure that was blow-away-in-the-breeze slender, and yet, Owen couldn’t help but notice., still in possession of a few rather
Her hair, a deep, glossy chestnut, was pulled back into an elegant chignon, with only a few wisps framing a delicate, heart-shaped face. In short, she was a stunner, and Owen, who had always enjoyed looking upon a lovely lady, noticed— just as he noticed the slight curl of her lip as she met his gaze.
“You can have several, if you like,” he told her cheerfully. “How about a whole dozen? That’s twelve right there, I’ve just said.” He grinned, enjoying the startled look on her face.
I highly recommend reading.
Welcome Me to Willoughby Close by Kate Hewitt is a 5 star book.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Kate's Books with Tule:
A Yorkshire Christmas
Christmas Around the World
Falling for Christmas
Falling for the Freemans
Falling Hard
Falling for the Freemans
A Cotswold Christmas
Willoughby Close.
Meet Me At Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
A Cotswold Christmas
Willoughby Close.
Meet Me At Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Find Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Kiss Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Marry Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close.
A Vicarage Christmas
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
A Vicarage Reunion
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
A Vicarage Wedding
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
Cupcakes for Christmas
Return to Willoughby Close
A Vicarage Homecoming
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
Christmas at the Edge of the World
Welcome Me to Willoughby Close
Return to Willoughby Close
Christmas at Willoughby Close
Return to Willoughby Close
Welcome back to Willoughby Close, with four new residents and happy endings to deliver…
Emily David didn’t want to move to Willoughby Close. She was perfectly content in London, but when her boss, Henry Trent, asks her to relocate, she’s left with little choice. Emily prefers living on her own and finds comfort in her routines. But the well-meaning residents of Wychwood-on-Lea are determined to include her in their friendly circle—a prospect Emily finds utterly alarming.
When sparks fly with local pub owner Owen Jones, Emily’s safe and fragile world threatens to shatter. She has too many secrets to keep, and Owen’s gentle understanding could be her undoing. But as Owen persists, Emily’s heart softens, and she begins to discover the wonder of trusting friends—and falling in love. That is, until she discovers Owen has a secret of his own…
Can Willoughby Close work its charm and magic once more? And can someone who has been determined to stay lonely find—and trust—love right on her doorstep?
Discover the heartwarming magic of Willoughby Close once more… with three new stories of hope and happily-ever-afters to look forward to.
This is Emily David and Owen Jones's story.
It wasn’t London. Emily David stood in the doorway of the cottage, part of a converted stables, and told herself to keep calm. The place was clean, everything bright and sparkling and looking quite new. That was something, at least.
She took a step inside, doing her best to admire the wood-burning stove, the granite counters and chrome fixtures in the kitchen, the French windows overlooking an overgrown postage stamp of garden, a tangle of wood beyond. Really, it was all wonderfully quaint.
So what if it wasn’t London? It wasn’t her flat in a modern, anonymous building where no one knew her name and she preferred it that way. It wasn’t London, where people kept their heads down, mobiles clamped to their ears, and did their best not to make eye contact. It wasn’t London, where she could melt into a crowd, where her office environment was safe and controlled, where she’d developed a routine that worked.
“May I have a word?” Owen Jones looked up from the till receipts he’d been going through on top of the bar to see a woman he’d never clapped eyes on before cautiously inching her way into the pub on a pair of steel-grey stilettos, her pert nose wrinkled in wary distaste. She was dressed like a city barrister, in a black pencil skirt and grey silk blouse, both items highlighting a figure that was blow-away-in-the-breeze slender, and yet, Owen couldn’t help but notice., still in possession of a few rather
Her hair, a deep, glossy chestnut, was pulled back into an elegant chignon, with only a few wisps framing a delicate, heart-shaped face. In short, she was a stunner, and Owen, who had always enjoyed looking upon a lovely lady, noticed— just as he noticed the slight curl of her lip as she met his gaze.
“You can have several, if you like,” he told her cheerfully. “How about a whole dozen? That’s twelve right there, I’ve just said.” He grinned, enjoying the startled look on her face.
I highly recommend reading.
Welcome Me to Willoughby Close by Kate Hewitt is a 5 star book.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Kate's Books with Tule:
A Yorkshire Christmas
Christmas Around the World
Falling for Christmas
Falling for the Freemans
Falling Hard
Falling for the Freemans
A Cotswold Christmas
Willoughby Close.
Meet Me At Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
A Cotswold Christmas
Willoughby Close.
Meet Me At Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Find Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Kiss Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Marry Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close.
A Vicarage Christmas
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
A Vicarage Reunion
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
A Vicarage Wedding
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
Cupcakes for Christmas
Return to Willoughby Close
A Vicarage Homecoming
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
Christmas at the Edge of the World
Welcome Me to Willoughby Close
Return to Willoughby Close
Christmas at Willoughby Close
Return to Willoughby Close
August 19, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I had enjoyed the original ‘Willoughby Close‘ series so much that heading into another, ‘Return to Willoughby Close‘ felt as natural as riding a bike. ‘Welcome Me to Willoughby Close‘ quickly grabbed my interest and my emotions from the start. Emily is a complex woman even though she sees herself as rather simple, almost invisible by choice. She has her reasons for keeping out of the spotlight, living quietly with her necessary routines but all that is about to change as her boss inherits Willoughby Close and intends to set up a charitable foundation – and he wants Emily to move as well. Emily’s quiet existence is about to undergo a drastic change as the residents of the town and Willoughby Close aren’t about to let her fade into the woodwork any longer – and perhaps love is waiting here for her as well, should she be brave enough to take the risks needed.
I enjoyed ‘Welcome Me to Willoughby Close‘ so much, and loved being back in this world (although a bit different this time around, enough remains the same). You could say that Owen and Emily experienced love at first sight yet neither really trusts love so in some ways they felt like instant love and in others a slow burn – to me, at least. Yet they always felt like they belonged together, that never changed no matter what issues or obstacles were tossed in their way, sometimes themselves in reality. I loved watching Emily come out of her shell, for the townsfolk to sort of taking her under their wing, encouraging her to experience life. She’ll learn that everyone has issues, and deals with life’s challenges in their own unique ways. Owen has his own issues that come to light, and how this couple deals with them will map out their future.
I simply loved being back in Willoughby Close once again, and even if this is your first trip, I’m pretty certain that you’ll want to return for another visit soon – thankfully there are more stories to come to bring us back once again. If you enjoy a good, solid love story with engaging characters, secondary characters who bring the story to life, and a second chance to experience all that life has to offer… then you’d feel right at home in ‘Welcome Me to Willoughby Close‘. I’m already anticipating my next visit.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I had enjoyed the original ‘Willoughby Close‘ series so much that heading into another, ‘Return to Willoughby Close‘ felt as natural as riding a bike. ‘Welcome Me to Willoughby Close‘ quickly grabbed my interest and my emotions from the start. Emily is a complex woman even though she sees herself as rather simple, almost invisible by choice. She has her reasons for keeping out of the spotlight, living quietly with her necessary routines but all that is about to change as her boss inherits Willoughby Close and intends to set up a charitable foundation – and he wants Emily to move as well. Emily’s quiet existence is about to undergo a drastic change as the residents of the town and Willoughby Close aren’t about to let her fade into the woodwork any longer – and perhaps love is waiting here for her as well, should she be brave enough to take the risks needed.
I enjoyed ‘Welcome Me to Willoughby Close‘ so much, and loved being back in this world (although a bit different this time around, enough remains the same). You could say that Owen and Emily experienced love at first sight yet neither really trusts love so in some ways they felt like instant love and in others a slow burn – to me, at least. Yet they always felt like they belonged together, that never changed no matter what issues or obstacles were tossed in their way, sometimes themselves in reality. I loved watching Emily come out of her shell, for the townsfolk to sort of taking her under their wing, encouraging her to experience life. She’ll learn that everyone has issues, and deals with life’s challenges in their own unique ways. Owen has his own issues that come to light, and how this couple deals with them will map out their future.
I simply loved being back in Willoughby Close once again, and even if this is your first trip, I’m pretty certain that you’ll want to return for another visit soon – thankfully there are more stories to come to bring us back once again. If you enjoy a good, solid love story with engaging characters, secondary characters who bring the story to life, and a second chance to experience all that life has to offer… then you’d feel right at home in ‘Welcome Me to Willoughby Close‘. I’m already anticipating my next visit.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
August 24, 2020
Emily David was quite content with her fairly anonymous life in London. She had a good job and her routines and nobody pried into her personal life or past. Her quiet life is suddenly disrupted when her boss, Henry Trent, asks her to move a small town in the Cotswolds to help him run a new charitable foundation.
Emily lives in a cozy cottage on the large estate Henry Trent owns. As a way to get her to know the people in the village and and help with a fundraising fair, Henry sends Emily out to do face to face invitations to shop owners to participate by setting up booths at the fair. Of course, this is way out of Emily’s comfort zone. It also makes things worse when the first business she visits is a no frill pub owned by Owen Jones. Owen comes off as more than a little prickly. Fortunately, most other shops and businesses are much more friendly.
Emily gets overwhelmed when so many of the ladies of the village seek to include her in local activities and want to matchmake. Although her new home and surrounding area are lovely, Emily is feeling uncomfortable..
Once Emily gets to know Owen better, she realizes he is a little rough around the edges, but she is still not sure he is the “lovely man” that the other women admire.
Even though I have never been to the Cotswold, I am quite fond of the area. I have learned fair amount about it from pictures, videos and descriptions in the Agatha Raisin series by M.C. Raisin. This area is on my bucket list. Author Kate Hewitt choosing the location gives the stark difference between the bustle of London and the quiet of a small village.
Emily certainly has a form of OCD and social anxiety. The author does a masterful job of showing how Emily’s personality was formed by nature and nature. I wanted to root for Emily from the start.
Owen comes off as trying to be a knight in shining armor and hides his inner conflicts at the same time. I always love heroes who are shown with authentic truth.
All the people in the village, including Henry’s wife are supportive of Emily and show her she is not alone. It is difficult these days to find friendly neighbors in the hustle and bustle and Willoughby Close can make one long for a simpler life.
If you want a sweet romance, a beautiful location and a tale of lovely women, then you will feel welcome in WELCOME ME TO WILLOUGHBY CLOSE.
Emily lives in a cozy cottage on the large estate Henry Trent owns. As a way to get her to know the people in the village and and help with a fundraising fair, Henry sends Emily out to do face to face invitations to shop owners to participate by setting up booths at the fair. Of course, this is way out of Emily’s comfort zone. It also makes things worse when the first business she visits is a no frill pub owned by Owen Jones. Owen comes off as more than a little prickly. Fortunately, most other shops and businesses are much more friendly.
Emily gets overwhelmed when so many of the ladies of the village seek to include her in local activities and want to matchmake. Although her new home and surrounding area are lovely, Emily is feeling uncomfortable..
Once Emily gets to know Owen better, she realizes he is a little rough around the edges, but she is still not sure he is the “lovely man” that the other women admire.
Even though I have never been to the Cotswold, I am quite fond of the area. I have learned fair amount about it from pictures, videos and descriptions in the Agatha Raisin series by M.C. Raisin. This area is on my bucket list. Author Kate Hewitt choosing the location gives the stark difference between the bustle of London and the quiet of a small village.
Emily certainly has a form of OCD and social anxiety. The author does a masterful job of showing how Emily’s personality was formed by nature and nature. I wanted to root for Emily from the start.
Owen comes off as trying to be a knight in shining armor and hides his inner conflicts at the same time. I always love heroes who are shown with authentic truth.
All the people in the village, including Henry’s wife are supportive of Emily and show her she is not alone. It is difficult these days to find friendly neighbors in the hustle and bustle and Willoughby Close can make one long for a simpler life.
If you want a sweet romance, a beautiful location and a tale of lovely women, then you will feel welcome in WELCOME ME TO WILLOUGHBY CLOSE.
July 13, 2020
I recently had the lovely privilege of reading an advanced copy of Kate Hewitt’s Welcome Me to Willoughby Close, her Book #2 in the Return to Willoughby Close series. First, I must admit reading stories set in rural towns in England, Scotland, Ireland, or Wales is one of my most enjoyable guilty pleasures. I believe it comes from a childhood filled with tales of Sherlock Holmes, King Arthur, Robin Hood, and King Richard the Lionhearted. Willoughby close is a small rural town near Oxford. The main female protagonist, Emily, relocates to the town because of a job change. Everyone in the town is overly kind and friendly, except for Owen, the owner of a small, working class bar. There’s too many sparks flying between Emily and Owen… they skip right over the friendly part. Emily has spent a lifetime, sequestered in self-isolation, which was her way of protecting herself and her mentally ill mom. Emily is pushed and prodded by her new friends to open up and live, but this effort is sidelined by her mom’s untimely relapse. Further complications arise when Owen’s bar is destroyed and he turns inside his own barriers, in his attempt to be honorable, even noble. Emily, like the abandoned kitten that she rescues, begins to flourish and open up. Will she be strong enough to stand on her own, and to convince Owen to stand with her?
This story was so easy to read. I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t want to put it down. It was my first trip to Willoughby Close. It will not be my last. I’m booking more trips immediately! You should too!
This story was so easy to read. I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t want to put it down. It was my first trip to Willoughby Close. It will not be my last. I’m booking more trips immediately! You should too!
August 6, 2020
Heartwarming and uplifting
As an introvert with a secretive past, Emily enjoyed living in London, where no one paid her any attention and she was basically invisible in a crowd. But when her boss asks her to move to Willoughby Close, in the town of Wychwood-on-Lea, to help his start a charitable foundation, Emily couldn’t say no. Emily’s biggest fear was living in a small town where people would want to get to know. She was afraid what people would think of her if they knew the truth about her past. And that is exactly what happened. In the end, it brought Emily out of her shell. She made friends and even started a romantic relationship with Owen, the local pub owner. Emily had finally fallen in love for the first time in her life. But will love be enough when Emily’s past come back to haunt her and Owen hits rock bottom and shuts out everyone who cares about him?
This was an inspiring story. It goes to show everyone has a past and things they regret or hide. It made me happy to finally see Emily and Owen open up about theirs so they could help each other. I have read all of the Willoughby Close books and enjoyed this one just as much. It is a stand-alone story so you don’t have to read the other books in the series. But once you read one, you’ll want to read them all. The setting is a small English town and the characters are all interesting and inspiring.
As an introvert with a secretive past, Emily enjoyed living in London, where no one paid her any attention and she was basically invisible in a crowd. But when her boss asks her to move to Willoughby Close, in the town of Wychwood-on-Lea, to help his start a charitable foundation, Emily couldn’t say no. Emily’s biggest fear was living in a small town where people would want to get to know. She was afraid what people would think of her if they knew the truth about her past. And that is exactly what happened. In the end, it brought Emily out of her shell. She made friends and even started a romantic relationship with Owen, the local pub owner. Emily had finally fallen in love for the first time in her life. But will love be enough when Emily’s past come back to haunt her and Owen hits rock bottom and shuts out everyone who cares about him?
This was an inspiring story. It goes to show everyone has a past and things they regret or hide. It made me happy to finally see Emily and Owen open up about theirs so they could help each other. I have read all of the Willoughby Close books and enjoyed this one just as much. It is a stand-alone story so you don’t have to read the other books in the series. But once you read one, you’ll want to read them all. The setting is a small English town and the characters are all interesting and inspiring.
August 18, 2020
Welcome Me to Willoughby Close (Return to Willoughby Close #2) by Kate Hewitt is a captivating story of people who consider themselves broken but are far more resilient then they give themselves credit. This entire series has been about that such people. Still they are able with love, compassion and grace made the transition to being so much more than they ever hoped to be. Transition for Ms. Hewitt’s characters always has elements of uncertainty, fear and insecurities.
The plot is smoothly pace with the romance a slow burn. Many might think it is too slow of a pace but anything else wouldn’t fit these characters who are always a cautious lot. I thought it was just right, being exactly how I would expect them to act. I will say the solution to Owen’s work was wonderful and creative.
If you are looking for a story with genuine characters with real problems then this is the book for you. Family is important to these characters but so is growth and love and feral kittens.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The plot is smoothly pace with the romance a slow burn. Many might think it is too slow of a pace but anything else wouldn’t fit these characters who are always a cautious lot. I thought it was just right, being exactly how I would expect them to act. I will say the solution to Owen’s work was wonderful and creative.
If you are looking for a story with genuine characters with real problems then this is the book for you. Family is important to these characters but so is growth and love and feral kittens.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 17, 2020
I was thrilled to have the chance to return to the gorgeous Cotswolds town of Wychwood-on-Lea thanks to Kate Hewitt’s new book, Welcome Me To Willoughby Close. As with others in this series, this story gives readers an emotional experience as protagonists Emily David and Owen Jones face their demons, learn to live with their past and eventually come together in a sweet and touching romance. I love the secondary characters in this series and they all had a part to play in this story with the various women who have lived in Willoughby Close helping Emily to see that she doesn’t have to face the world along. This story had me in tears at times, smiling and laughing at others, but always keen to move on and see what would happen next. Loved it!
December 10, 2020
Emily’s mother is bi-polar. She wants to be invisible and has no friends. She’s also OCD. She follows her boss to Wychwood, where a group of women welcome her and want to be friends. She resists, but comes to realize she likes having friends. She also discovers they all have had very difficult times in their lives. She’s not alone. Owen owns the Drunken Sailor pub. He’s had a tumultuous life as well. After resisting him at first, Emily is drawn to him.
Identifying with Emily is easy, with her total cluelessness in making small talk and opening herself up to strangers who want to be friends. And its easy to believe no one can understand what we’re going through, but we’re not alone.
August 18, 2020
This book was a very emotional read for me. I really connected with the main characters in this book. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to step out of what is familiar and go into the unknown. It is also so hard not to second guess yourself and to trust your instincts. I think that this author did a fabulous job of writing a story around all of this. It was a very heart felt read. I look forward to reading more by this author. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2020
This is a story about hiding in pace sight hoping your past is never revealed and finding redemption through love A sweet small town read set in rural England
Emily is hiding in plain sight in London where she knows no one will ever ask questions then her job moves her to Wychwood-on-Lea and into Willoghby Close a street where everyone minds everyone else's business. Will; they still like her when her secret comes out and will the man she loves still stand by her Owen has his own problems and it may take Emily to get him to want to start to live again
Emily is hiding in plain sight in London where she knows no one will ever ask questions then her job moves her to Wychwood-on-Lea and into Willoghby Close a street where everyone minds everyone else's business. Will; they still like her when her secret comes out and will the man she loves still stand by her Owen has his own problems and it may take Emily to get him to want to start to live again
August 19, 2020
This is book 2 in the Return to Willoughby Close series and can be read as a stand alone book. I think I might have enjoyed it more if I had read book 1 and knew Ann's story. Emily has moved to Willougby Close because her boss is moving his family and business there and she is indispensable to him. She flounders a bit because she's a city girl but soon finds friends and love. I like the side stories of foster homes and mental illness. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 14, 2023
After reading a similar book in the series about a woman who travels to the Cotswolds in England at Christmastime, I gave this one a listen on audiobook. The main character, Emily, moves to the countryside for her job. She cautiously gives in to a slower way of life away from the busy city of London. Her mother continues to struggle with bipolar depression and Emily is challenged to help her mom find balance and happiness. Emily meets the only other single person in her town, Owen, the local pub owner. However, after tragedy strikes, Owen runs away, leaving Emily alone and frustrated.
December 5, 2023
This is one of my favorite books in this series thus far. Welcome Me to Willoughby Close hits with a lot more difficult topics then what I'm used to from this author. Or, maybe it's just that these topics hit a little closer to home than most.
TW: Mental illness, addiction
This story may hit a little harder(again, in. my opinion), but the topics are handled tastefully and they seem to all have a resolution in same shape or form. And, although trickier topics, you still get your fluffy, romantic, swoon worthy HEA!
TW: Mental illness, addiction
This story may hit a little harder(again, in. my opinion), but the topics are handled tastefully and they seem to all have a resolution in same shape or form. And, although trickier topics, you still get your fluffy, romantic, swoon worthy HEA!
December 17, 2022
Audible Audiobook
I’m afraid this one is just meh. I didn’t like or dislike any of the characters too much, but they just didn’t resonate. I kept putting this one down for hours at a time.
This book made me really dislike Alice & Henry. Alice was way too over the top & Henry didn’t respect the fmc at all. See, I just put it down & I already can’t remember the fmc’s name. This one didn’t do it for me.
I’m afraid this one is just meh. I didn’t like or dislike any of the characters too much, but they just didn’t resonate. I kept putting this one down for hours at a time.
This book made me really dislike Alice & Henry. Alice was way too over the top & Henry didn’t respect the fmc at all. See, I just put it down & I already can’t remember the fmc’s name. This one didn’t do it for me.
May 22, 2024
A 26 year old woman, who had kept herself to herself, felt a little overwhelmed by the neighbours that had Willoughby Close home.
Her childhood had been dominated by her mothers manic nature, and she hadn't learnt to make friends. She instead had spent her time at work or in her own controlled environment.
This new shift to a neighbourhood of caring individuals had her out of her comfort zone, but she was learning that wasn't a bad thing.
Her childhood had been dominated by her mothers manic nature, and she hadn't learnt to make friends. She instead had spent her time at work or in her own controlled environment.
This new shift to a neighbourhood of caring individuals had her out of her comfort zone, but she was learning that wasn't a bad thing.
August 27, 2020
Another amazing read aboth the people who live and work at Willoughby Close.
It's a series, and you can read the books as stand alone books, but you get more out of them if you read all of them. The characters are connected.
It's about Emily that moves to Willoughby Close from London and how she grows and finds herself.
It's a series, and you can read the books as stand alone books, but you get more out of them if you read all of them. The characters are connected.
It's about Emily that moves to Willoughby Close from London and how she grows and finds herself.
August 3, 2023
A great holiday read.
Emily is forced to move out of her anonymous life in London to a small village in The Cotswolds where everyone knows each other’s back stories and she doesn’t want to share hers.
Will she settle in?
Will she make friends?
Will she find love and face her inner demons?
What do you think?!!
Emily is forced to move out of her anonymous life in London to a small village in The Cotswolds where everyone knows each other’s back stories and she doesn’t want to share hers.
Will she settle in?
Will she make friends?
Will she find love and face her inner demons?
What do you think?!!
September 18, 2023
Another sweet visit to Willoughby Close. However, I always struggle with MCs who have social anxiety. It's just tough to read, and I tend to take it personally.
Narration: considering that the MC is from Wales, it's too bad that Justine Eyre doesn't do a Welsh accent. It sounded wrong to give him a British accent.
Narration: considering that the MC is from Wales, it's too bad that Justine Eyre doesn't do a Welsh accent. It sounded wrong to give him a British accent.
August 4, 2025
Emily reluctantly moves to Willoughby Close at the behest of her boss, Henry Trent, as his assistant in the home for foster children that he and his wife are beginning. She has always kept to herself and fit better in London. She also has to take care of her vagabond mother who has bi-polar. She meets Owen, the owner of the Drowned Sailor, but things don't go well.
July 13, 2020
I had the pleasure of reading an arc of this book. The author writes very vividly and the main character Emily blossoms. She steps outside her comfort zone and makes friends, she slowly quits blaming herself for her mother’s condition.
July 16, 2020
Fighting oneself, fighting chemistry, and fighting love all combine to create an engaging and winning story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 17, 2022
I enjoy these books apart from the narrator who has the most strange voice for male characters and for books set in England the accent is just horrendous ….. “and yet” …. I listen to them anyway 🙈🙈🙈. Nothing like repetitive writing is there!!! 🙄😘
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