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Tales From Appleyard #1-4
A Year at Appleyard Farm
Down a winding lane lined with strawberry trees and wildflowers lies Appleyard Farm, a beautiful orchard in the English countryside. And in a little farmhouse in the furthest corner, a young woman has a difficult decision to make…
Life on Appleyard Farm is all Freya Sherbourne has ever known. Having spent her childhood playing in the emerald green meadows and berry picking until sunset, Freya intends to call the farmhouse home forever. But when her father suddenly passes away and Appleyard Farm goes up for sale, Freya’s world comes crashing down.
Holding back the tears, she starts packing boxes while waiting for a buyer. Now the river no longer sparkles, and the apples taste a little less sweet. Until Freya learns the exciting news that her best friends Merry and Willow are moving nearby to open a local shop. And when someone from her past re-emerges, handsomer than ever and offering to mend the cracks in her broken heart, Freya’s eyes begin to twinkle once again.
But falling in love is scary, especially when you don’t know what the future holds. And when Freya discovers that her new love has been keeping a secret, one that threatens both their fragile relationship and the farm, she risks losing everything.
With the clock ticking, will Freya choose to follow her heart or save the farm? Or can she find a way to do both?
Told in four parts, this is a gorgeous story about love, friendship and new beginnings. Fans of Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Debbie Johnson should grab a cup of hot chocolate, curl up on the sofa and prepare to be carried away!
A Year at Appleyard Farm was previously published as four short stories: Merry Mistletoe, Spring Fever, Gooseberry Fool, and Blackberry Way.
Life on Appleyard Farm is all Freya Sherbourne has ever known. Having spent her childhood playing in the emerald green meadows and berry picking until sunset, Freya intends to call the farmhouse home forever. But when her father suddenly passes away and Appleyard Farm goes up for sale, Freya’s world comes crashing down.
Holding back the tears, she starts packing boxes while waiting for a buyer. Now the river no longer sparkles, and the apples taste a little less sweet. Until Freya learns the exciting news that her best friends Merry and Willow are moving nearby to open a local shop. And when someone from her past re-emerges, handsomer than ever and offering to mend the cracks in her broken heart, Freya’s eyes begin to twinkle once again.
But falling in love is scary, especially when you don’t know what the future holds. And when Freya discovers that her new love has been keeping a secret, one that threatens both their fragile relationship and the farm, she risks losing everything.
With the clock ticking, will Freya choose to follow her heart or save the farm? Or can she find a way to do both?
Told in four parts, this is a gorgeous story about love, friendship and new beginnings. Fans of Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Debbie Johnson should grab a cup of hot chocolate, curl up on the sofa and prepare to be carried away!
A Year at Appleyard Farm was previously published as four short stories: Merry Mistletoe, Spring Fever, Gooseberry Fool, and Blackberry Way.
- GenresContemporary
516 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
278 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Emma Davies
28 books331 followersEmma Davies once applied for her dream job in the following manner;
'I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.' Well she's now a forty something mother of three, and is working on the rest.
By day she's a finance manager and looks at numbers a lot of the time, but by night she gets to use actual words and practices putting them together into sentences. Her twitter bio says she loves her family, her job, reading, writing, singing loudly in the car, and Pringles, so that must be true then.
Wave to her on twitter @Emdavies68
Letting in Light is her debut novel, and she is currently working on her second.
'I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.' Well she's now a forty something mother of three, and is working on the rest.
By day she's a finance manager and looks at numbers a lot of the time, but by night she gets to use actual words and practices putting them together into sentences. Her twitter bio says she loves her family, her job, reading, writing, singing loudly in the car, and Pringles, so that must be true then.
Wave to her on twitter @Emdavies68
Letting in Light is her debut novel, and she is currently working on her second.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 5, 2020
Four seasons of fabulous stories. Emma Davies has seamlessly spun together four heartwarming tales. Winter brings us Freya, mistletoe, magic, and second chances. Spring brings us Mary, curses, inspiration, and new beginnings. Summer brings us Willow, ice cream, premonitions, and change. Autumn brings us Laura, flowers, weddings, and new love. Four delightful stories bound together by delightful characters and a charming apple farm.
Freya really was the thread that held all the stories together and I really liked her as a character. The setting of this small town and this gorgeous apple farm was perfect. I generally don’t like short stories/Novellas but I liked how these were all woven together. Freya, Mary, Willow, and Laura were all smart strong spunky women we would all love for a friend. All the colorful side characters added so much texture to the stories. There were also lots of yummy treats in the story. I especially loved Willow’s ice cream, I am seriously craving some right now. A lovely story for all seasons.
This book in emojis 🎄 🍎 🖌 👶🏼 🍨 🍓 💐 🐕🦺
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Freya really was the thread that held all the stories together and I really liked her as a character. The setting of this small town and this gorgeous apple farm was perfect. I generally don’t like short stories/Novellas but I liked how these were all woven together. Freya, Mary, Willow, and Laura were all smart strong spunky women we would all love for a friend. All the colorful side characters added so much texture to the stories. There were also lots of yummy treats in the story. I especially loved Willow’s ice cream, I am seriously craving some right now. A lovely story for all seasons.
This book in emojis 🎄 🍎 🖌 👶🏼 🍨 🍓 💐 🐕🦺
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
September 27, 2020
Four seasons, four women and four stories about rekindling old love, finding new love, friendships, forgiveness, aspirations, dreams, premonitions, new beginnings, all bound together by a bit of magic, psychic intuition and an apple orchard, the Appleyard Farm. All four leading ladies of the four stories, Freya (Winter), Merry (Spring), Willow (Summer) and Laura (Autumn) are strong, smart, talented, beautiful women who are brave to take a leap of faith when it comes to turning their dreams into a reality. The magic of winter and mistletoe brings Freya back to her old love Sam and the happily ever after she has always dreamed of (with some help from a fairy godfather 😉). The promise of spring sees Merry and her husband Tom take on the task of renovating their newly acquired house and shop with the help of Merry's psychic intuition and some 'ghostly' inspiration. Summer finds Willow making new plans to safeguard her and her family's future, with her delectable icecreams and cordials, after dark premonitions hint at a disaster waiting to happen. Autumn has new beginnings and changes in store (personal and romantic) for both Stephen (Sam's previously despicable elder brother) and Laura, who has isolated herself from society because of her hearing loss and a tragic past. All four stories have one connecting factor, Freya and her apple orchard and since it all begins at the Appleyard Farm, it is only fitting that all the characters come together to end it there.
With beautiful, colourful settings filled with delectable fruits and berries, fragrant flowers and mistletoes, ice creams and cordials, cozy villages and beautiful, charming and lovable characters, this book was a delight to read and it really surprised me. I had expected to read a simple cozy romance but it turned out to much more.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Emma Davies for the e-Arc of the book. It took me a while to finish reading this book but it was worth it.
The book was published on 3rd September, 2020.
With beautiful, colourful settings filled with delectable fruits and berries, fragrant flowers and mistletoes, ice creams and cordials, cozy villages and beautiful, charming and lovable characters, this book was a delight to read and it really surprised me. I had expected to read a simple cozy romance but it turned out to much more.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Emma Davies for the e-Arc of the book. It took me a while to finish reading this book but it was worth it.
The book was published on 3rd September, 2020.
September 1, 2020
In this touching story by Emma Davies, we have four separate stories that show how love and second chances change the lives of several people.
Winter
Freya Sherbourne lost her father several months ago, and she has decided that she needs to sell her orchard and perhaps go to work for her friend Merry. However, a stranger named Amos that she gave a place to lay his head changed her life in remarkable ways. She is currently living with her boyfriend, but they are drifting apart. For now, it is time for Freya to sell her wares at a local fare. This certainly will be her very last season. However, Freya finds herself in competition with Sam Henderson in more ways than one. The two shared a past, but there is more. Freya also shared a past with Sam's brother Stephen, and she cannot stand the sight of the man.
This touching story was a great read and a perfect start to this collection of stories. I loved Amos and how his insights played into Freya's future.
Spring
Merry and Tom are getting a fresh start. They are new parents to baby Robyn and are moving into a new home. They had been running a small hotel, but now they hope to begin a new business, one that will be called Five Penny House. However, the house needs a lot of work. What is more is that it is said to be cursed. With friends Freya and Sam, Merry and Tom try to ignore that rumor and are greatly looking forward to the hard work ahead.
However, as a new mother, Merry has some serious concerns. Her long friendship with Freya helps her to cope with those issues, especially when a very serious event takes place that could be utterly devastating. Just like Freya had Amos while her life was changing, someone appears in Merry's life. Her name is Cora and her insights are quite valuable.
Summer
Willow's strawberry fields are doing quite well. She imagines that she can grow her business even more than it is, especially if she can get her husband Jude to help her. However, as close as they are, along with being the parents of twin girls, there is something that seems to be drawing Jude away. Just as sensitive as the first two stories, this one has an air of mystery about it. Jude has secrets, and Willow begins to worry about the future of their land.
However, Willow is not alone with things changing as she has good friends Merry and Freya right by her side. Hopefully Willow will not end up at cross purposes with Jude. This story was just as sensitive as the first two and I enjoyed their conflict but especially the resolution.
Autumn
Stephen has finally gotten back into the good graces with his brother Sam and also with Freya. Sam and Freya are about to get married. While Stephen will be serving as the best man, Freya will still need a lot of help. She finds someone that fits the bill and her name is Laura. However, Laura is reticent and with very good reason.
Meanwhile, one day while on his bike, Stephen runs (literally) into Laura. He soon learns that she is deaf, and then so does Freya. Laura had a very traumatic past and very recent events might thrust her into a larger crowd than she is prepared to handle. While Freya and Laura begin to work together, there is a situation that throws Stephen and Laura together. If love at first sight is real, then Stephen has been struck. This doesn't mean that things will be easy for him and Laura, however.
I especially loved this story because in the first one in this collection, Stephen was all but despicable. I loved the fact that he became a changed man and I loved watching him fall for Laura, despite their apparent obstacles.
Concluding thoughts
When this book came up for review, there was no doubt that I would read it. I have read several books by Emma Davies so I knew that I would be in for something special. She writes a great mix of women's fiction and romance, and I even read a mystery by her. Well, with this collection of stories, I got just what I bargained for: an excellent read. One that was utterly compelling.
I loved the sensitivity of each story, the realness of the characters, the drama and conflicts, as well as the infusion of special characters like Amos and Cora. All in all, this book gave me the reader a very warm feel throughout. Although each story was only just over a hundred pages or so each, they all felt complete to me. Of course, they all tied together, and this only raised the level of continuity and completeness. I never did read this book in its previous publication, so to get the chance to do so now made my heart sing. It is a wonderful demonstration of love, family and friendship that captivated my attention from beginning to end.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Winter
Freya Sherbourne lost her father several months ago, and she has decided that she needs to sell her orchard and perhaps go to work for her friend Merry. However, a stranger named Amos that she gave a place to lay his head changed her life in remarkable ways. She is currently living with her boyfriend, but they are drifting apart. For now, it is time for Freya to sell her wares at a local fare. This certainly will be her very last season. However, Freya finds herself in competition with Sam Henderson in more ways than one. The two shared a past, but there is more. Freya also shared a past with Sam's brother Stephen, and she cannot stand the sight of the man.
This touching story was a great read and a perfect start to this collection of stories. I loved Amos and how his insights played into Freya's future.
Spring
Merry and Tom are getting a fresh start. They are new parents to baby Robyn and are moving into a new home. They had been running a small hotel, but now they hope to begin a new business, one that will be called Five Penny House. However, the house needs a lot of work. What is more is that it is said to be cursed. With friends Freya and Sam, Merry and Tom try to ignore that rumor and are greatly looking forward to the hard work ahead.
However, as a new mother, Merry has some serious concerns. Her long friendship with Freya helps her to cope with those issues, especially when a very serious event takes place that could be utterly devastating. Just like Freya had Amos while her life was changing, someone appears in Merry's life. Her name is Cora and her insights are quite valuable.
Summer
Willow's strawberry fields are doing quite well. She imagines that she can grow her business even more than it is, especially if she can get her husband Jude to help her. However, as close as they are, along with being the parents of twin girls, there is something that seems to be drawing Jude away. Just as sensitive as the first two stories, this one has an air of mystery about it. Jude has secrets, and Willow begins to worry about the future of their land.
However, Willow is not alone with things changing as she has good friends Merry and Freya right by her side. Hopefully Willow will not end up at cross purposes with Jude. This story was just as sensitive as the first two and I enjoyed their conflict but especially the resolution.
Autumn
Stephen has finally gotten back into the good graces with his brother Sam and also with Freya. Sam and Freya are about to get married. While Stephen will be serving as the best man, Freya will still need a lot of help. She finds someone that fits the bill and her name is Laura. However, Laura is reticent and with very good reason.
Meanwhile, one day while on his bike, Stephen runs (literally) into Laura. He soon learns that she is deaf, and then so does Freya. Laura had a very traumatic past and very recent events might thrust her into a larger crowd than she is prepared to handle. While Freya and Laura begin to work together, there is a situation that throws Stephen and Laura together. If love at first sight is real, then Stephen has been struck. This doesn't mean that things will be easy for him and Laura, however.
I especially loved this story because in the first one in this collection, Stephen was all but despicable. I loved the fact that he became a changed man and I loved watching him fall for Laura, despite their apparent obstacles.
Concluding thoughts
When this book came up for review, there was no doubt that I would read it. I have read several books by Emma Davies so I knew that I would be in for something special. She writes a great mix of women's fiction and romance, and I even read a mystery by her. Well, with this collection of stories, I got just what I bargained for: an excellent read. One that was utterly compelling.
I loved the sensitivity of each story, the realness of the characters, the drama and conflicts, as well as the infusion of special characters like Amos and Cora. All in all, this book gave me the reader a very warm feel throughout. Although each story was only just over a hundred pages or so each, they all felt complete to me. Of course, they all tied together, and this only raised the level of continuity and completeness. I never did read this book in its previous publication, so to get the chance to do so now made my heart sing. It is a wonderful demonstration of love, family and friendship that captivated my attention from beginning to end.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 10, 2020
Down a winding lane lined with strawberry trees and wildflowers lies Appleyard Farm, a beautiful orchard in the English countryside.
This story is told in 4 parts, 1 for each season of the year and each season is focused on 1 main character who also has a relationship with the others from the other seasons. How they all work together and are friends.
It starts out with Freya who lives on the farm when her father suddenly dies and she has to sell the farm. She wanted this to be her home. Then someone from her past brings some spark to her eyes and a glimmer of hope.
I loved how everyone was there for each other and helping them reach their dreams and goals.
I received this from NetGalley and Bookouture for a review.
This story is told in 4 parts, 1 for each season of the year and each season is focused on 1 main character who also has a relationship with the others from the other seasons. How they all work together and are friends.
It starts out with Freya who lives on the farm when her father suddenly dies and she has to sell the farm. She wanted this to be her home. Then someone from her past brings some spark to her eyes and a glimmer of hope.
I loved how everyone was there for each other and helping them reach their dreams and goals.
I received this from NetGalley and Bookouture for a review.
September 6, 2020
Previously released as four short stories, covering the four seasons all combined into one book to lose yourself in.
Staring in Winter we meet the main characters who feature throughout all four seasons; Freya and Sam.
Having only recently lost her father, Freya is now struggling to keep hold of Appleyard Farm and it looks like she is going to have to sell to her nearest neighbours, brothers Sam and Stephen. Trouble is there is a lot of history with these three.
As Christmas is looming, Freya throws herself into her mistletoe sales quite literally and it looks like she will be spending her last Christmas alone at Appleyard Farm but a guardian angel seems to be working for Freya and all the history becomes present and it seems that perhaps that and Freya and the farm have a different future.
Moving into Spring, whilst Freya's story still runs it is in the main dominated by her friend Merry. Embarking on a new adventure in moving, staring up a new business and bringing up a little baby, Merry throws herself into it all.
But the house and shop she has bought has a history and there is something about it all which is seeming into Merry and she has visions of how things should be. The house and it's previous occupant had a colourful if not sad past and Merry wants to pay tribute to them forever and it seems the house is going to give up all its secrets.
As Summer bursts onto the page, Merry has her dream life up and running, Freya is settling into something different and Willow, another of Freya's friends appears and she has a plan of her own.
Willow was picked on as a child because of her mother's strong sixth sense and it seems Willow has inherited it. When a bad dream affects all parts of her life and her husband seems to be drifting away, Willow knows she needs a back up plan - and that plan is ice cream.
What could be better than using ingredients that Freya is growing at her farm as well as foraging in the fields around where she lives, producing glorious products and selling it all in Merry's shop. As the dreams change, Willow realises she has been carrying something else and it seems that all she hopes is about to come true.
Autumn arrives just as Summer fades and it seems that we are back full circle to Freya and Appleyard Farm, but with relationships progressing, it has suddenly become infectious and love is blossoming in all seasons. Laura thought her love had blossomed and died but she was fascinated by Freya's regular visits to the graveyard and in turn Freya was fascinated by the wreaths that Laura leaves by the gravestones.
Could the two of them have a potential future together, can Laura provide the decorations that Freya needs and can Freya prove that love can blossom once again?
This is a wonderful book to get completely lost in and experience all four seasons in one day because you will not want to put it down. Emma Davies writes some wonderful stories and they cover so much in emotional depth and are certainly not all fluffy and frothy. A book to be read at any time of the year - because you know no matter what happens the seasons will come round again and again, and next time it might be just the season for you!
Staring in Winter we meet the main characters who feature throughout all four seasons; Freya and Sam.
Having only recently lost her father, Freya is now struggling to keep hold of Appleyard Farm and it looks like she is going to have to sell to her nearest neighbours, brothers Sam and Stephen. Trouble is there is a lot of history with these three.
As Christmas is looming, Freya throws herself into her mistletoe sales quite literally and it looks like she will be spending her last Christmas alone at Appleyard Farm but a guardian angel seems to be working for Freya and all the history becomes present and it seems that perhaps that and Freya and the farm have a different future.
Moving into Spring, whilst Freya's story still runs it is in the main dominated by her friend Merry. Embarking on a new adventure in moving, staring up a new business and bringing up a little baby, Merry throws herself into it all.
But the house and shop she has bought has a history and there is something about it all which is seeming into Merry and she has visions of how things should be. The house and it's previous occupant had a colourful if not sad past and Merry wants to pay tribute to them forever and it seems the house is going to give up all its secrets.
As Summer bursts onto the page, Merry has her dream life up and running, Freya is settling into something different and Willow, another of Freya's friends appears and she has a plan of her own.
Willow was picked on as a child because of her mother's strong sixth sense and it seems Willow has inherited it. When a bad dream affects all parts of her life and her husband seems to be drifting away, Willow knows she needs a back up plan - and that plan is ice cream.
What could be better than using ingredients that Freya is growing at her farm as well as foraging in the fields around where she lives, producing glorious products and selling it all in Merry's shop. As the dreams change, Willow realises she has been carrying something else and it seems that all she hopes is about to come true.
Autumn arrives just as Summer fades and it seems that we are back full circle to Freya and Appleyard Farm, but with relationships progressing, it has suddenly become infectious and love is blossoming in all seasons. Laura thought her love had blossomed and died but she was fascinated by Freya's regular visits to the graveyard and in turn Freya was fascinated by the wreaths that Laura leaves by the gravestones.
Could the two of them have a potential future together, can Laura provide the decorations that Freya needs and can Freya prove that love can blossom once again?
This is a wonderful book to get completely lost in and experience all four seasons in one day because you will not want to put it down. Emma Davies writes some wonderful stories and they cover so much in emotional depth and are certainly not all fluffy and frothy. A book to be read at any time of the year - because you know no matter what happens the seasons will come round again and again, and next time it might be just the season for you!
September 13, 2020
I’ve yet to find a story from Emma Davies that I don’t like: each one leaves me with a smile, hope and some new characters to love. This book, a compilation of four stories that are tied together by our first heroine, Freya, all bring light, friendship and new possibilities to the forefront.
Told over the span of a year, each section focuses on Freya or one of her friends and brings the sense of the seasonal changes and glories that are offered. From Freya finding new direction and reconnecting with her first (and only) love, to her friend Merry’s expanding family and new challenges with a village store that brings everything together and gives new hope and happiness to the home she and her husband bought – we’ve traversed trials and found a sense of place and the scenery, ever-changing, around them.
Summer brings us Willow and her little family as she tries to plan for changes to her strawberry farm and the items she can create. Adding a new opportunity that will take off with Merry, we deal with her own insecurities, trouble with her father-in-law and her mysterious and possibly magical recipe book with her own special brand of ‘knowing’. Lastly, we have Laura, she’s isolated herself after her husband’s death while working at another local farm. She’s found her own ‘community’ along her little lane, and slowly both Freya and her soon-to-be brother-in-law help her to find new friends, opportunities and hope, just when she thought all was lost.
Davies creates communities with disparate people and brings them together – each working their own magic, dealing with issues, and growing and changing in common causes, with plenty of people to get to know. It’s the true meaning of ‘village life’ when they band together to uplift, protect, and enjoy one another – allowing us a chance to escape and smile.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Told over the span of a year, each section focuses on Freya or one of her friends and brings the sense of the seasonal changes and glories that are offered. From Freya finding new direction and reconnecting with her first (and only) love, to her friend Merry’s expanding family and new challenges with a village store that brings everything together and gives new hope and happiness to the home she and her husband bought – we’ve traversed trials and found a sense of place and the scenery, ever-changing, around them.
Summer brings us Willow and her little family as she tries to plan for changes to her strawberry farm and the items she can create. Adding a new opportunity that will take off with Merry, we deal with her own insecurities, trouble with her father-in-law and her mysterious and possibly magical recipe book with her own special brand of ‘knowing’. Lastly, we have Laura, she’s isolated herself after her husband’s death while working at another local farm. She’s found her own ‘community’ along her little lane, and slowly both Freya and her soon-to-be brother-in-law help her to find new friends, opportunities and hope, just when she thought all was lost.
Davies creates communities with disparate people and brings them together – each working their own magic, dealing with issues, and growing and changing in common causes, with plenty of people to get to know. It’s the true meaning of ‘village life’ when they band together to uplift, protect, and enjoy one another – allowing us a chance to escape and smile.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
August 4, 2020
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'A Year At Appleyard Farm' by Emma Davies
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd September 2020
This is the second book that I have read by this author. It was previously published as four short stories: Merry Mistletoe, Spring Fever, Gooseberry Fool, and Blackberry Way. It most definitely will not be my last!!!
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover, interesting title & intriguing blurb. I have also read another book by her called 'My Husbands lie' which I enjoyed so am hoping this will be just as good. It is also different to the typical crime genre I normally read so it looked like a good opportunity to expand my genres. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 4 parts (Each season) and 60 chapters which are quite short so that you can read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
The book is written in third person perspective from several characters points of views. I enjoy books like this as you can see more of the big picture and what several of the characters are doing and feeling.
It is set in England which is always a bonus for me due to living Wales and visiting many places in England I sometimes recognise the places in the book and can picture it even better.
Rather than this book be 4 books that run smoothly into each other it is more a collection of 4 books . Because of this I shall give smaller reviews to each Novella and then an overall mini review for the whole book.
The first part of the book is 'Winter' and the book on its own is aptly named 'Merry Mistletoe' (Tales From Appleyard #1).
Description....
Sherbourne Mistletoe has been prized and sold at the annual Mistletoe Fair for over a hundred years; but could this year possibly be the last? With her father’s sudden death and debts mounting up it looks as though Freya’s only hope for the future is to sell her beloved family home. And to make matters worse, the only contenders to buy Appleyard Farm, are the people she’d least like to sell it to – her rival growers, the Henderson brothers, who seem always to make life so difficult for her. It’s magical stuff though, mistletoe, and the arrival of the mysterious Amos Fry, brings a glimmer of hope that might just mean Freya can fall in love with Christmas all over again.
My thoughts....
What an absolutely fabulous start to what is essentially a series. A light hearted page turner that kept me hooked from page one to the fantastic ending. Packed with laughter, tears, twists, turns, love, loss, tears, friendship and some Christmas magic this is a perfect story to snuggle up on your sofa and read, especially at Christmas.
Excellent strong characters, I think it is great how strong Freya is throughout and how she kept going even though she wanted to just give in. Absolutely loved Amos and Sam!!! Hated Gareth and Stephen although Stephen did shock me!
During the end there was a shocking revelation which I did not expect! I'd got it all wrong in regards to what had happened in the past and it was quite a twist!!
A light hearted and easy read which was beautifully written with fantastic descriptions which really put me in the story.
Overall a perfect, relaxing Christmas tale.
92 pages
Rated 5/5. I LOVED IT
The second part of this book is 'Spring'. The book in its own is again aptly named 'Spring Fever' (Tales From Appleyard #2).
Description...
Life is about to get very exciting for Merry and Tom – a new baby, a wonderful new home, and a fresh business venture to get off the ground. Five Penny House is just the place to make their dreams come true, and so what if the locals think the place is cursed? Merry’s not about to let a little thing like that bother her…
For Freya and Sam too, spring heralds the beginning of their new life together at her beloved Appleyard orchard. There are plans to make and a lot of hard work needed if they’re ever to reverse its failing fortunes, but as long as they have each other, what could possibly go wrong?
Then the rain starts to fall – and keeps on falling – and the new beginning both couples dream of begins to slip from their grasp. For Merry and Tom it now looks like the start of their worst nightmare. But sometimes help can arrive from the most unexpected places…
My thoughts....
In this book we get to delve into Merry and Tom's lifes. We 'met them' in Merry Mistletoe and I'm glad to see them again as although they weren't mentioned that much in 'Merry Mistletoe' what I did read of them made me want to 'meet' them again.
In this book I really missed Amos's mysterious character from 'Merry Mistletoe' and would love to read more about him, who he was, where he came from, etc. In fact I think I would actually enjoy reading a whole book on him alone..... Hint hint Emma 😂. I think the Mary Poppin's comparison to him is completely accurate!!!
Moving onto this storyline I would say that this had more drama in than 'Merry Mistletoe' and kept me turning the pages slightly faster due to what was going on.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters betters especially Merry and Tom while still having the previous books characters around. I loved the addition to Cora who I would class as Amos's female equivalent to a certain extent.
Very well written, flowed beautifully and loved the storyline overall.
Overall a page turning Spring based book that is packed with drama, mystery and friendship.
112 pages
Rated 5/5 ( I loved it)
The third part of this novel is 'Summer' and the individual book is called 'Gooseberry Fool' (Tales From Appleyard #3).
Description...
Willow’s strawberry fields are bursting with fruit and open for business. This heralds the start of a long hot summer, and for Willow the chance to reap the rewards of all her hard work; but Willow is not the only one with a project. It seems that her husband, Jude, has plans of his own and when Willow has a horrifying glimpse of the future he is proposing for their land, she knows she must come up with something to make him change his mind, and fast…
With help from her friends, Freya and Merry, Willow builds her love of all things fruity into a brilliant new business venture. But will she have enough time to get Willowberries Nectar off the ground before Jude sets the seal on the biggest deal of his life…?
Thoughts....
In this 'book: we get to meet new characters Willow who is friends with Freya and her husband Jude. A very easy, smooth page turner filled with love, twists, laughter and tears. I really enjoyed reading more about Willow and Jude and their business ventured. I love the fact that Freya and Merry are constants in the book and how their friendships have developed throughout.
Overall another lovely page turner, perfect to read in the garden.
106 pages
Rated 4/5. I enjoyed it.
The final 'book' is Autumn and on its own was called 'Blackberry Way' (Tales From Appleyard #4).
Description....
Laura Ashcombe wasn’t always a forager, but no-one knows the lanes and fields around Much Marlowes like she does. As autumn settles in, her kitchen is filled with tempting blackberry and coconut cream truffles and the heady perfume of quinces; Laura can go for days without seeing a soul, and that’s just the way she likes it…
For Freya and Sam the next few weeks will be the busiest of their year as the harvest comes to Appleyard – and also the happiest, as they plan for their wedding. If only Freya had more hours in the day… She’s bursting with ideas for a harvest-inspired theme, but seriously short on help to make it happen. So when she spots the most beautiful floral decorations in the churchyard, she’s desperate to find out who made them…
Stephen Henderson is finally beginning to get his life and business back on track, with his brother Sam’s help, but when his life quite literally collides with Laura’s it awakens in him something he’s never felt before…
Suddenly, it seems, Laura is surrounded by people; but there’s a reason she likes being on her own, and revisiting that past is something she couldn't bear to do. Can the warm and mellow season bring about a change in Laura, or will her heart always remain as cold as winter?
My thoughts....
I must admit I'm quite sad that I have come to the end of the Tales From Appleyard Farm series. I have enjoyed getting to know all the characters and all their unique storylines and businesses.
'Blackberry Way' was a very easy and very smooth, heartwarming read. Absolutely perfect to curl up with in the garden while the trees change colour around you. I loved meeting Laura and watching Stephen's character develop and strengthen. Fantastic descriptions that really put me in this page turning story. Absolutely loved it and a perfect ending to the Appleyard Farm series. Well done Emma, a fantastic success!!!
121 pages
Rated 5/5 . I loved it!!
To sum up my thoughts of the whole book...
Confession time!! I was actually daunted when I started reading this book when I realised it was over 500 pages but I completely devoured it!!!
An absolutely fantastic heart warming book filled with drama, secrets, romance, flowers, fruits and everything that makes a perfect relaxing easy page turner!!! I would love to see this as a movie and also to read more about all the amazing characters that I have grown to love. Amazing settings which are perfect for the stories and loves of the characters.
Each 'book' can be read as a standalone.
Genres covered include Romance.
I could not recommend this book enough!!!
516 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED IT ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#AYearAtAppleyardFarm #EmmaDavies #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
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Review for 'A Year At Appleyard Farm' by Emma Davies
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd September 2020
This is the second book that I have read by this author. It was previously published as four short stories: Merry Mistletoe, Spring Fever, Gooseberry Fool, and Blackberry Way. It most definitely will not be my last!!!
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover, interesting title & intriguing blurb. I have also read another book by her called 'My Husbands lie' which I enjoyed so am hoping this will be just as good. It is also different to the typical crime genre I normally read so it looked like a good opportunity to expand my genres. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 4 parts (Each season) and 60 chapters which are quite short so that you can read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
The book is written in third person perspective from several characters points of views. I enjoy books like this as you can see more of the big picture and what several of the characters are doing and feeling.
It is set in England which is always a bonus for me due to living Wales and visiting many places in England I sometimes recognise the places in the book and can picture it even better.
Rather than this book be 4 books that run smoothly into each other it is more a collection of 4 books . Because of this I shall give smaller reviews to each Novella and then an overall mini review for the whole book.
The first part of the book is 'Winter' and the book on its own is aptly named 'Merry Mistletoe' (Tales From Appleyard #1).
Description....
Sherbourne Mistletoe has been prized and sold at the annual Mistletoe Fair for over a hundred years; but could this year possibly be the last? With her father’s sudden death and debts mounting up it looks as though Freya’s only hope for the future is to sell her beloved family home. And to make matters worse, the only contenders to buy Appleyard Farm, are the people she’d least like to sell it to – her rival growers, the Henderson brothers, who seem always to make life so difficult for her. It’s magical stuff though, mistletoe, and the arrival of the mysterious Amos Fry, brings a glimmer of hope that might just mean Freya can fall in love with Christmas all over again.
My thoughts....
What an absolutely fabulous start to what is essentially a series. A light hearted page turner that kept me hooked from page one to the fantastic ending. Packed with laughter, tears, twists, turns, love, loss, tears, friendship and some Christmas magic this is a perfect story to snuggle up on your sofa and read, especially at Christmas.
Excellent strong characters, I think it is great how strong Freya is throughout and how she kept going even though she wanted to just give in. Absolutely loved Amos and Sam!!! Hated Gareth and Stephen although Stephen did shock me!
During the end there was a shocking revelation which I did not expect! I'd got it all wrong in regards to what had happened in the past and it was quite a twist!!
A light hearted and easy read which was beautifully written with fantastic descriptions which really put me in the story.
Overall a perfect, relaxing Christmas tale.
92 pages
Rated 5/5. I LOVED IT
The second part of this book is 'Spring'. The book in its own is again aptly named 'Spring Fever' (Tales From Appleyard #2).
Description...
Life is about to get very exciting for Merry and Tom – a new baby, a wonderful new home, and a fresh business venture to get off the ground. Five Penny House is just the place to make their dreams come true, and so what if the locals think the place is cursed? Merry’s not about to let a little thing like that bother her…
For Freya and Sam too, spring heralds the beginning of their new life together at her beloved Appleyard orchard. There are plans to make and a lot of hard work needed if they’re ever to reverse its failing fortunes, but as long as they have each other, what could possibly go wrong?
Then the rain starts to fall – and keeps on falling – and the new beginning both couples dream of begins to slip from their grasp. For Merry and Tom it now looks like the start of their worst nightmare. But sometimes help can arrive from the most unexpected places…
My thoughts....
In this book we get to delve into Merry and Tom's lifes. We 'met them' in Merry Mistletoe and I'm glad to see them again as although they weren't mentioned that much in 'Merry Mistletoe' what I did read of them made me want to 'meet' them again.
In this book I really missed Amos's mysterious character from 'Merry Mistletoe' and would love to read more about him, who he was, where he came from, etc. In fact I think I would actually enjoy reading a whole book on him alone..... Hint hint Emma 😂. I think the Mary Poppin's comparison to him is completely accurate!!!
Moving onto this storyline I would say that this had more drama in than 'Merry Mistletoe' and kept me turning the pages slightly faster due to what was going on.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters betters especially Merry and Tom while still having the previous books characters around. I loved the addition to Cora who I would class as Amos's female equivalent to a certain extent.
Very well written, flowed beautifully and loved the storyline overall.
Overall a page turning Spring based book that is packed with drama, mystery and friendship.
112 pages
Rated 5/5 ( I loved it)
The third part of this novel is 'Summer' and the individual book is called 'Gooseberry Fool' (Tales From Appleyard #3).
Description...
Willow’s strawberry fields are bursting with fruit and open for business. This heralds the start of a long hot summer, and for Willow the chance to reap the rewards of all her hard work; but Willow is not the only one with a project. It seems that her husband, Jude, has plans of his own and when Willow has a horrifying glimpse of the future he is proposing for their land, she knows she must come up with something to make him change his mind, and fast…
With help from her friends, Freya and Merry, Willow builds her love of all things fruity into a brilliant new business venture. But will she have enough time to get Willowberries Nectar off the ground before Jude sets the seal on the biggest deal of his life…?
Thoughts....
In this 'book: we get to meet new characters Willow who is friends with Freya and her husband Jude. A very easy, smooth page turner filled with love, twists, laughter and tears. I really enjoyed reading more about Willow and Jude and their business ventured. I love the fact that Freya and Merry are constants in the book and how their friendships have developed throughout.
Overall another lovely page turner, perfect to read in the garden.
106 pages
Rated 4/5. I enjoyed it.
The final 'book' is Autumn and on its own was called 'Blackberry Way' (Tales From Appleyard #4).
Description....
Laura Ashcombe wasn’t always a forager, but no-one knows the lanes and fields around Much Marlowes like she does. As autumn settles in, her kitchen is filled with tempting blackberry and coconut cream truffles and the heady perfume of quinces; Laura can go for days without seeing a soul, and that’s just the way she likes it…
For Freya and Sam the next few weeks will be the busiest of their year as the harvest comes to Appleyard – and also the happiest, as they plan for their wedding. If only Freya had more hours in the day… She’s bursting with ideas for a harvest-inspired theme, but seriously short on help to make it happen. So when she spots the most beautiful floral decorations in the churchyard, she’s desperate to find out who made them…
Stephen Henderson is finally beginning to get his life and business back on track, with his brother Sam’s help, but when his life quite literally collides with Laura’s it awakens in him something he’s never felt before…
Suddenly, it seems, Laura is surrounded by people; but there’s a reason she likes being on her own, and revisiting that past is something she couldn't bear to do. Can the warm and mellow season bring about a change in Laura, or will her heart always remain as cold as winter?
My thoughts....
I must admit I'm quite sad that I have come to the end of the Tales From Appleyard Farm series. I have enjoyed getting to know all the characters and all their unique storylines and businesses.
'Blackberry Way' was a very easy and very smooth, heartwarming read. Absolutely perfect to curl up with in the garden while the trees change colour around you. I loved meeting Laura and watching Stephen's character develop and strengthen. Fantastic descriptions that really put me in this page turning story. Absolutely loved it and a perfect ending to the Appleyard Farm series. Well done Emma, a fantastic success!!!
121 pages
Rated 5/5 . I loved it!!
To sum up my thoughts of the whole book...
Confession time!! I was actually daunted when I started reading this book when I realised it was over 500 pages but I completely devoured it!!!
An absolutely fantastic heart warming book filled with drama, secrets, romance, flowers, fruits and everything that makes a perfect relaxing easy page turner!!! I would love to see this as a movie and also to read more about all the amazing characters that I have grown to love. Amazing settings which are perfect for the stories and loves of the characters.
Each 'book' can be read as a standalone.
Genres covered include Romance.
I could not recommend this book enough!!!
516 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED IT ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#AYearAtAppleyardFarm #EmmaDavies #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@EmmaDavies @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
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September 25, 2020
I love how the story flows together as characters pop in an out, brilliant
July 21, 2020
This delightful story of an apple orchard farm is set in the English countryside is told in four segments....Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Along with their friends, we meet a group of people, making this story cozy and comforting.
Winter
We first meet Freya Sherbourne during the Christmas season, a time where homes are warm, the season is merry and hearts are light. But not so for Freya, as she is on the verge of losing the farm now that her father has died and a decision to sell is hanging over her head. This is the time of year when she harvests mistletoe and makes holly wreaths, selling them at an auction. With the help of a "hired" drifter, Amos, she is able to keep up with her Winter business. With his help and a friend, Sam, a man from the past who comes back into her life, she is able to re-energize. It was Sam, always Sam, that loved Freya, yet Stephen, Sam's brother,who was the one that pursued her, and wanted to marry her. He was the "spoiler"... he was the one that Freya stood up at the altar. Now Sam is back in her life, with Stephen, as ever, still lurking in the background . However, will love conquer all or will the past bring her down once more?
Spring
Friends of Freya and Sam, Merry and her husband Tom have decided on a new challenge in life along with Robyn their 3 month old daughter. They swapped their country house hotel for a house that hasn't been lived in for some time and a derelict shop that will need a "miracle" to open again. There will be challenges as they settle into Five Penny House, yet they are eager to begin a new phase in their lives. While cleaning out the storeroom at the shop, Merry and Tom find 7 canvases along with artists supplies as well as other treasures from the 60's and 70's. Who did this artwork and was this a gallery at one time? Will her neighbor Cora, who had introduced herself on their first day at the house, have the answers as she had lived in the village for a long, long time? Not all appears to be what it seems to be...mysteries and secrets abound! With rumors swirling around that the house and shop are cursed, Merry and Tom ignore the gossip, should they have?
In the meantime Freya and Sam, her soon to be husband., are working hard at the farm to make it a success...changes are on the way!
Summer
Jude and Willow Middleton have a family business -- Middleton Estates, with Jude running the business and Willow taking care of the fruit...which currently was strawberry. The pickers were out early, picking the sweet, ripened fruit which soon would be sitting in jars and jars with the sticky sweet jam for their shop. Now with Freya coming to the shop for a visit, Willow offers her a business decision that would be good for both women. Several weeks earlier Freya and Sam opened a shop selling juices made from the fruits at their orchard. Now Willow wants to gather elderflowers from Freya's farm and made cordials, ice cream and other jams to sell at her shop. With not only sharing the elderflower syrup with Freya and Merry as well, they would all work together and prosper with new products. But Willow had her dreams and could smell impending disaster before anything happened. Right now her dreams are telling her that Jude is facing impending disaster business wise. What did the future hold, what was in store for her and would her dreams come to fruition?
Autumn
We have almost come full circle now and watch as Freya goes to the churchyard to visit her father's grave. In a few weeks she will be walking down the aisle and marry Sam. While talking to her father, she doesn't notice Laura, a petit young woman who also visits the cemetery fairly often, but she doesn't know Freya at least as a friend, but only from her visits to the churchyard.
Going home later that afternoon, Laura had an errand to attend to and with her trusty dog Boris was walking on her way home. As luck would have it, a car speeding around the curve and nearly hit Stephen whose bicycle went careening into a hedgerow where Laura was picking fruit from the blackthorns. Not hearing the car speeding down the road, or Stephen's shouting, he couldn't fathom why she didn't move away. The answer, she is deaf! Yet after this encounter, Stephen decided he wanted to find this mystery woman. He was not alone, since Freya also wanted to find the person who made the beautiful wreath she had seen at the cemetery. A bit of a recluse, she made beautiful wreaths and flower arrangements that she brought to the churchyard...she was a caretaker for some of the graves. However, Freya finally met Laura again one morning at the churchyard and was able to ask her to make flower arrangements for her wedding. What were the chances she would agree? More to the point, would Stephen find her and if so, how would that end?
This was a wonderful novel, "magical" in many ways and warm with love and friendship. It is a book that is broken down into 4 separate stories but brought together with the main protagonist, Freya.
My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
https://bookworms43.blogspot.com/
Winter
We first meet Freya Sherbourne during the Christmas season, a time where homes are warm, the season is merry and hearts are light. But not so for Freya, as she is on the verge of losing the farm now that her father has died and a decision to sell is hanging over her head. This is the time of year when she harvests mistletoe and makes holly wreaths, selling them at an auction. With the help of a "hired" drifter, Amos, she is able to keep up with her Winter business. With his help and a friend, Sam, a man from the past who comes back into her life, she is able to re-energize. It was Sam, always Sam, that loved Freya, yet Stephen, Sam's brother,who was the one that pursued her, and wanted to marry her. He was the "spoiler"... he was the one that Freya stood up at the altar. Now Sam is back in her life, with Stephen, as ever, still lurking in the background . However, will love conquer all or will the past bring her down once more?
Spring
Friends of Freya and Sam, Merry and her husband Tom have decided on a new challenge in life along with Robyn their 3 month old daughter. They swapped their country house hotel for a house that hasn't been lived in for some time and a derelict shop that will need a "miracle" to open again. There will be challenges as they settle into Five Penny House, yet they are eager to begin a new phase in their lives. While cleaning out the storeroom at the shop, Merry and Tom find 7 canvases along with artists supplies as well as other treasures from the 60's and 70's. Who did this artwork and was this a gallery at one time? Will her neighbor Cora, who had introduced herself on their first day at the house, have the answers as she had lived in the village for a long, long time? Not all appears to be what it seems to be...mysteries and secrets abound! With rumors swirling around that the house and shop are cursed, Merry and Tom ignore the gossip, should they have?
In the meantime Freya and Sam, her soon to be husband., are working hard at the farm to make it a success...changes are on the way!
Summer
Jude and Willow Middleton have a family business -- Middleton Estates, with Jude running the business and Willow taking care of the fruit...which currently was strawberry. The pickers were out early, picking the sweet, ripened fruit which soon would be sitting in jars and jars with the sticky sweet jam for their shop. Now with Freya coming to the shop for a visit, Willow offers her a business decision that would be good for both women. Several weeks earlier Freya and Sam opened a shop selling juices made from the fruits at their orchard. Now Willow wants to gather elderflowers from Freya's farm and made cordials, ice cream and other jams to sell at her shop. With not only sharing the elderflower syrup with Freya and Merry as well, they would all work together and prosper with new products. But Willow had her dreams and could smell impending disaster before anything happened. Right now her dreams are telling her that Jude is facing impending disaster business wise. What did the future hold, what was in store for her and would her dreams come to fruition?
Autumn
We have almost come full circle now and watch as Freya goes to the churchyard to visit her father's grave. In a few weeks she will be walking down the aisle and marry Sam. While talking to her father, she doesn't notice Laura, a petit young woman who also visits the cemetery fairly often, but she doesn't know Freya at least as a friend, but only from her visits to the churchyard.
Going home later that afternoon, Laura had an errand to attend to and with her trusty dog Boris was walking on her way home. As luck would have it, a car speeding around the curve and nearly hit Stephen whose bicycle went careening into a hedgerow where Laura was picking fruit from the blackthorns. Not hearing the car speeding down the road, or Stephen's shouting, he couldn't fathom why she didn't move away. The answer, she is deaf! Yet after this encounter, Stephen decided he wanted to find this mystery woman. He was not alone, since Freya also wanted to find the person who made the beautiful wreath she had seen at the cemetery. A bit of a recluse, she made beautiful wreaths and flower arrangements that she brought to the churchyard...she was a caretaker for some of the graves. However, Freya finally met Laura again one morning at the churchyard and was able to ask her to make flower arrangements for her wedding. What were the chances she would agree? More to the point, would Stephen find her and if so, how would that end?
This was a wonderful novel, "magical" in many ways and warm with love and friendship. It is a book that is broken down into 4 separate stories but brought together with the main protagonist, Freya.
My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
https://bookworms43.blogspot.com/
October 17, 2020
This is a collection of four different novellas, and for the first time, I probably would have preferred reading them separately. They are very distinct pieces of work, although the location of the stories is in and around the Appleyard. There is a twinge of magic, the unexplained version that is threaded through every tale.
I was not sure I would like the book when I was halfway through the first story. By the time I reached the third story, however, I was well acquainted with the characters and therefore felt better invested in it all. The first introduces us to the Appleyard of the book title fame and the precarious state it finds itself in. We have the current owner drowning in grief and struggling to keep things running when a mysterious stranger decides to play cupid (as well as several other roles). I would have loved it if this character later tied in with some future narrative, but that was not to be. There is a happily ever after at the end of each story, and this was no exception.
The second brings to the forefront a family of new parents embarking on a big challenge. It is filled with a lot of activity, and people are constantly doing something or discovering something.
The third is of a married family with two children. The wife is harbouring a secret, something she feels would be required in some time. It was very entertaining to watch her put it together. The entire enterprise felt like something that would be fun to watch come together.
The last was my favourite. It ties up quite neatly with the last unattached person left, finding a new beginning.
This is a light read, with characters to root for. The collection also offers multiple variations of happily ever after for the couples involved.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
I was not sure I would like the book when I was halfway through the first story. By the time I reached the third story, however, I was well acquainted with the characters and therefore felt better invested in it all. The first introduces us to the Appleyard of the book title fame and the precarious state it finds itself in. We have the current owner drowning in grief and struggling to keep things running when a mysterious stranger decides to play cupid (as well as several other roles). I would have loved it if this character later tied in with some future narrative, but that was not to be. There is a happily ever after at the end of each story, and this was no exception.
The second brings to the forefront a family of new parents embarking on a big challenge. It is filled with a lot of activity, and people are constantly doing something or discovering something.
The third is of a married family with two children. The wife is harbouring a secret, something she feels would be required in some time. It was very entertaining to watch her put it together. The entire enterprise felt like something that would be fun to watch come together.
The last was my favourite. It ties up quite neatly with the last unattached person left, finding a new beginning.
This is a light read, with characters to root for. The collection also offers multiple variations of happily ever after for the couples involved.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
September 20, 2020
A Year at Appleyard Farm was originally published as four separate stories based on the seasons.
This combined version begins with Christmas approaching and Freya is dreading it. Her beloved dad has died and left her with a house and business she needs to sell. Gentle giant Amos Fry (who we have met in other Emma Davies books) arrives to help smooth the transition and helps Freya to face the past as well as look forward to the future.
In the other parts or seasons, Freya's best friend Merry and Tom are setting up a new home and business while coping with a newborn, Freya's apple orchard and Merry's shop have a new work contact in their old friend Willow, and finally Freya's ex gets a chance at redemption.
There is a beautiful warmth to Emma's writing and the use of the seasons makes it so easy to identify with the events of the books: the hope for snow, spring changes, long summers and crisp autumn days all clearly evoke a recognition from the reader.
The weather descriptions are rich and vivid as are the emotional highs and lows of the characters. The change in seasons represents the beginnings and ends of different parts of life, the inevitability of change. Love and loss are key themes throughout all sections of the book as well as the anxiety about change which often proves unfounded.
The plot is engaging, full of human interest with characters that are realistic and easy to empathise with. I loved meeting Amos again as he is such a wonderful character. Every parent will enjoy the hilarity of Freya being in charge of baby Robyn, explosive poo and all!
A Year at Appleyard Farm is a rich and warm novel that would be a perfect beach read or great to snuggle down with under a winter blanket.
This combined version begins with Christmas approaching and Freya is dreading it. Her beloved dad has died and left her with a house and business she needs to sell. Gentle giant Amos Fry (who we have met in other Emma Davies books) arrives to help smooth the transition and helps Freya to face the past as well as look forward to the future.
In the other parts or seasons, Freya's best friend Merry and Tom are setting up a new home and business while coping with a newborn, Freya's apple orchard and Merry's shop have a new work contact in their old friend Willow, and finally Freya's ex gets a chance at redemption.
There is a beautiful warmth to Emma's writing and the use of the seasons makes it so easy to identify with the events of the books: the hope for snow, spring changes, long summers and crisp autumn days all clearly evoke a recognition from the reader.
The weather descriptions are rich and vivid as are the emotional highs and lows of the characters. The change in seasons represents the beginnings and ends of different parts of life, the inevitability of change. Love and loss are key themes throughout all sections of the book as well as the anxiety about change which often proves unfounded.
The plot is engaging, full of human interest with characters that are realistic and easy to empathise with. I loved meeting Amos again as he is such a wonderful character. Every parent will enjoy the hilarity of Freya being in charge of baby Robyn, explosive poo and all!
A Year at Appleyard Farm is a rich and warm novel that would be a perfect beach read or great to snuggle down with under a winter blanket.
July 27, 2020
This book is a little different to most - it’s more like four novellas published together than one book in four sections. In fact, that is how it was originally published. There is definitely an overarching theme, but each section very much focusses on two people. I didn’t realise this in advance, and found it confusing, especially the third section (Summer), because it starts with two characters that have not even been mentioned in the previous two sections.
However, I did enjoy all four sections of this book. Each one contains a lovely romance, and Appleyard Farm and the village are the setting for all four.
Autumn (the final section) was my favourite. It includes both Stephen’s character development, and such a sweet romance. It also ends with the wedding of the two characters from Winter (the first section). However, I was disappointed that although the romantic side of the story had a satisfying ending, the criminal storyline did not. An epilogue tying this up would have been great.
Spring was another favourite, I loved all the discoveries about the previous occupants of the house and shop.
Amos was a great character, though only present in Winter. I know he’s in some of Emma’s other books, it’s always great when he crops up.
I enjoyed the way the seasons ran throughout the book, each story is threaded through with the season it is set in.
Overall, this was an enjoyable collection of romances, that work well together in one volume. Perfect for settling down with on a rainy day.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
However, I did enjoy all four sections of this book. Each one contains a lovely romance, and Appleyard Farm and the village are the setting for all four.
Autumn (the final section) was my favourite. It includes both Stephen’s character development, and such a sweet romance. It also ends with the wedding of the two characters from Winter (the first section). However, I was disappointed that although the romantic side of the story had a satisfying ending, the criminal storyline did not. An epilogue tying this up would have been great.
Spring was another favourite, I loved all the discoveries about the previous occupants of the house and shop.
Amos was a great character, though only present in Winter. I know he’s in some of Emma’s other books, it’s always great when he crops up.
I enjoyed the way the seasons ran throughout the book, each story is threaded through with the season it is set in.
Overall, this was an enjoyable collection of romances, that work well together in one volume. Perfect for settling down with on a rainy day.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
September 5, 2020
I never read blurbs anymore as I told before. The cover is what has to convince me whether I pick a book or not and believe it or not when I love the cover I usually love the book too.
So I was in for a nice surprise when I prepared this post. Not 1, not 2 but for short stories were bundled in one volume!
As soon as I started reading, I knew something was familiar. And indeed, I reviewed part 1 about 5 years ago, but under a different title (Merry Mistletoe). I looked it up and I remembered that I felt there was something missing: either an epilogue or a sequel. Well, whoohoo, the author must have heard me and gave me not 1 but 3 more stories.
This book is about love, friendship and family. We laugh and cry with the main characters and we are allowed to witness their dreams come through and their darkest clouds getting the brightest silver lining.
Get comfortable and savor the 500+ pages of this delicious book. 4 stars.
Thank you, Emma Davies and Bookouture.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
So I was in for a nice surprise when I prepared this post. Not 1, not 2 but for short stories were bundled in one volume!
As soon as I started reading, I knew something was familiar. And indeed, I reviewed part 1 about 5 years ago, but under a different title (Merry Mistletoe). I looked it up and I remembered that I felt there was something missing: either an epilogue or a sequel. Well, whoohoo, the author must have heard me and gave me not 1 but 3 more stories.
This book is about love, friendship and family. We laugh and cry with the main characters and we are allowed to witness their dreams come through and their darkest clouds getting the brightest silver lining.
Get comfortable and savor the 500+ pages of this delicious book. 4 stars.
Thank you, Emma Davies and Bookouture.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
March 26, 2024
I’ve recently discovered this author and am looking forward to reading more of her books. This one is basically four stories woven together. The stories were really up my street because they were not only romances, but cleverly imaginative in terms of depicting women running their own businesses which were very much based in nature. As the title suggests, one of the main stories follows the trials and tribulations of a working apple orchard. I loved how the different women, some already old friends, worked together to create businesses that took the best from natures produce in a sustainable and respectful way. The other aspect of this book, which I enjoyed, although I wouldn’t usually, was the minor element of magical intervention in the shape, initially of one roving traveller and his wisdom and, as the book progressed, some further minor hints at unusual and magical happenings, adding to the overall enjoyment.
August 23, 2020
Emma Davies is a new author for me but as soon as I picked up A Year at Appleyard Farm I knew it was definitely a book fir me. I found it impossible to put down and completely devoured it. I like how the book is divided into seasons with each season focusing on a different couple. It starts in winter with Freya and Sam and although new characters are introduced these two main characters keep feeding in throughout the chapters. It’s beautifully written with some great characters and gives a real sense of village life. It’s a story of love, friendship, relationships and hope with the odd bit if drama thrown in for good measure. I completely joyous five star read and I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.
September 21, 2020
This was originally released in four parts- but collected here in a wonderful collection of all 4 seasons in one book. A new book from Emma Davies is always a real treat. You fall in love with the characters straight away, taking in their fears, friendships and challenges. Freya has recently lost her father and thinks she is about to lose her farm aswell. She is determined to make a success of her farewell at the Mistletoe fair. She has history with the brothers from a neighbouring farm and their history slowly reveals itself. It felt like meeting new friends and hoping things were going to turn a corner for everyone. It has a really cosy feel to it, along with a few tense moments to keep you turning the pages to see if they will work their way through.
July 13, 2020
Love, hope, friendship and new beginnings are all happening in the beautifully described Apple yard farm, set amongst the apple orchards,and hedgerows full of elderflower, sloes and abundant foliage surrounded by fields of wildflowers you would think all was rosy and good!
Appearances can be so deceptive and poor Freya is in the position of having to sell the farm, however help is at hand in the form of her good friends and their entrepreneurial skills, this laced with a rekindling of an old love, forgiveness and following your heart takes you on an enjoyable ramble of a read.
Thank you netgalley for this early read.
Appearances can be so deceptive and poor Freya is in the position of having to sell the farm, however help is at hand in the form of her good friends and their entrepreneurial skills, this laced with a rekindling of an old love, forgiveness and following your heart takes you on an enjoyable ramble of a read.
Thank you netgalley for this early read.
November 27, 2025
Fabulous Read
I hadn’t realised this was four books merged into one with mostly the same characters. It covers the four seasons with different main characters in each but including them in each season.
It’s a heartwarming story about love, loss and friendship. Which brought a tear to my eye in places and made me laugh in others. The descriptions of the countryside made me feel like I was sitting in a field with nature all around me. I felt the emotions of the chapters as they seemed so real. I was just disappointed when I got to the end of the book.
My next task is to find more books by Emma.
I hadn’t realised this was four books merged into one with mostly the same characters. It covers the four seasons with different main characters in each but including them in each season.
It’s a heartwarming story about love, loss and friendship. Which brought a tear to my eye in places and made me laugh in others. The descriptions of the countryside made me feel like I was sitting in a field with nature all around me. I felt the emotions of the chapters as they seemed so real. I was just disappointed when I got to the end of the book.
My next task is to find more books by Emma.
August 7, 2020
A gorgeous story that I loved reading, I loved the friendship between Freya, Willow and Merry.
I felt as I read that I expected the stories to feel as if they flowed together more fluidly now they've been released as one book. However once I reached 70% and the focus returned to Freya & Sam, I became totally wrapped up in the story again.
A story with many levels and dynamics, set in a wonderful location of Appleyard Farm. I was drawn to Laura who was introduced at the end of this book and would love to get to know her better in a future story.
I felt as I read that I expected the stories to feel as if they flowed together more fluidly now they've been released as one book. However once I reached 70% and the focus returned to Freya & Sam, I became totally wrapped up in the story again.
A story with many levels and dynamics, set in a wonderful location of Appleyard Farm. I was drawn to Laura who was introduced at the end of this book and would love to get to know her better in a future story.
August 24, 2020
This is a wonderful engaging story that centers around a different couple for each of the seasons. I really enjoyed this entertaining read about Freya and Sam, a second chance romance, Tom and Merry, a starting over story, Willow and Jude, a story about secrets, and Stephen and Laura, a starting fresh story. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I enjoy reading about each of these couples and what they endured to get to where they are.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 28, 2020
Thank you NetGalley, Emma Davies, and Bookouture for the ARC copy of A Year at Appleyard Farm. This is my personal review.
This book was an amazing set of four stories in one book. Each story is set in a different season--- summer- autumn- winter and spring.
Freya holds the story together as she lets us in to her life – we meet her friends – tells about romance- and what has made everyone happy in their lives. It is about life and new beginnings.
Go and spend time with Freya and her friends because it is time well spent. You will be so glad you did!
This book was an amazing set of four stories in one book. Each story is set in a different season--- summer- autumn- winter and spring.
Freya holds the story together as she lets us in to her life – we meet her friends – tells about romance- and what has made everyone happy in their lives. It is about life and new beginnings.
Go and spend time with Freya and her friends because it is time well spent. You will be so glad you did!
March 30, 2024
This isn't a "bad" book it is just rather lacking. It is the sort of thing I would probably have plodded through if nothing else was available but there are more interesting books waiting so it's a DNF for me. Emma Davies is certainly capable of better writing, the two Rowan Hill books are head and shoulders above this anodyne offerinmg. It probably doesn't help that this is four short stories which makes it hard to create the kind of emotional depth I want from this genre, it is all rather simplistic and predictable.
July 30, 2020
Unusual set up on this book. It’s actually 4 books in one. I did find this a bit confusing as I wasn’t aware this was going to be happening.
Thinking about how to review this is puzzling. Really need to separate each story and say a bit about each one.....winter, spring, summer, autumn. Each season is full of friendship, romance and new beginnings.
I found this to be a enjoyable story with lots of heartwarming moments and beautiful romance.
Thinking about how to review this is puzzling. Really need to separate each story and say a bit about each one.....winter, spring, summer, autumn. Each season is full of friendship, romance and new beginnings.
I found this to be a enjoyable story with lots of heartwarming moments and beautiful romance.
August 29, 2020
I loved reading this book and how it was arranged into seasons. It wasn't until afterwards that I read that it was originally published as 4 stories. It made sense of how complete each part felt. I'd be interested to read more from this author, especially as I learnt that some of the other books delve into the stories of the characters that I met in this one. I always enjoy stories that I can read more about if I enjoyed one book.
September 9, 2020
Such a sweet story told in four parts. A Year at Appleyard Farm is a book about all types of love; the love between partners, between friends, and within a community. It's also set in the beautiful English countryside (which y'all know I love). If you need a heart-warming, feel-good story... this is it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Emma Davies for the ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this title.
Thank you to Netgalley and Emma Davies for the ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this title.
September 17, 2024
This was a lovely book! I have read a book by Emma Davies before and loved it, and this one was just as wonderful. This book contains four stories, each playing out in a different season, and each one is very sweet and cozy.
The stories are mostly lighthearted with some heavier parts that the author handles very well. The writing is sweet and pretty, and the pacing is good, never feeling rushed despite the shorter story format.
Overall, it's a lovely read and I'm excited to read more from the author. Definitely recommend this one if you want something gentle, sweet, and atmospheric.
The stories are mostly lighthearted with some heavier parts that the author handles very well. The writing is sweet and pretty, and the pacing is good, never feeling rushed despite the shorter story format.
Overall, it's a lovely read and I'm excited to read more from the author. Definitely recommend this one if you want something gentle, sweet, and atmospheric.
August 12, 2020
This is a wonderful book! The story inside is as beautiful as the cover. It is four different novellas that are well written and hold your attention. Once you start reading you don't want to stop. This is a heartwarming book tat you don't want to miss. Thank you Bookouture via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this beautiful book. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 3, 2020
Oh this book of stories was so delightful. I really enjoyed how to book went through seasons and featured different families but keep the characters from the other seasons. I have a love of magical realism and I thoroughly enjoy that being in this book. Emma Davies did it again! Such a great feel good read.
February 29, 2024
Great storytelling!
Loved all of the characters in this book. If you have read any of Emma's other books you will find characters from them in this book. This book as her others have surprise through out the book. Loves lost then found. If you love a good love story be sure and read this book.
Loved all of the characters in this book. If you have read any of Emma's other books you will find characters from them in this book. This book as her others have surprise through out the book. Loves lost then found. If you love a good love story be sure and read this book.
March 28, 2021
Loved the four seasons of the book and the four stories of the women who made up the village. Was great to see how they all entwined and how love can be rekindled or can happen again. Very heart warming.
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