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Harbor Hills #1
The House on Apple Hill Lane
Small-town secrets, female friendship, and romance… fans of Birch Harbor are clamoring to read this heartwarming spin-off saga from USA Today bestseller Elizabeth Bromke.
Looking to reinvent herself, Quinn Whittle is ready for a fresh start in a new neighborhood. On a tight budget, she’s thrilled to discover a charming fixer-upper and jumps to make an offer. But it isn’t until after she’s signed the paperwork that she learns there’s more to the foreclosure than a few loose floorboards…
Annette Best owns Best on the Block realty, but the business is struggling. Then a new face comes to town, and Annette sees an opportunity to save her company… as long as no one finds out about the history of Apple Hill Lane.
Judith Banks is freshly single but too fed up to date. Or so she thinks. Then a new neighbor moves in on her street, and brings with her a team of pros–electricians and plumbers and all the sorts of men Judith never expected to find attractive. Soon enough, she’s drawn to one particular worker, someone who happens to know about the house’s storied history.
Beverly Castle had it all. Now she’s lost it all, and the only thing keeping her going is her job with the Harbor Herald. She needs something else: a good friend. When the arrival of a new neighbor inspires her to investigate, she finds that she isn’t the only one curious about the house on Apple Hill… or the woman who now lives there.
If you enjoyed the Birch Harbor series, you will fall in love with Harbor Hills, a Birch Harbor spinoff. Romance, secrets and mystery, family ties and female friendships abound in this heartwarming saga about four women who find friendship right next door.
Looking to reinvent herself, Quinn Whittle is ready for a fresh start in a new neighborhood. On a tight budget, she’s thrilled to discover a charming fixer-upper and jumps to make an offer. But it isn’t until after she’s signed the paperwork that she learns there’s more to the foreclosure than a few loose floorboards…
Annette Best owns Best on the Block realty, but the business is struggling. Then a new face comes to town, and Annette sees an opportunity to save her company… as long as no one finds out about the history of Apple Hill Lane.
Judith Banks is freshly single but too fed up to date. Or so she thinks. Then a new neighbor moves in on her street, and brings with her a team of pros–electricians and plumbers and all the sorts of men Judith never expected to find attractive. Soon enough, she’s drawn to one particular worker, someone who happens to know about the house’s storied history.
Beverly Castle had it all. Now she’s lost it all, and the only thing keeping her going is her job with the Harbor Herald. She needs something else: a good friend. When the arrival of a new neighbor inspires her to investigate, she finds that she isn’t the only one curious about the house on Apple Hill… or the woman who now lives there.
If you enjoyed the Birch Harbor series, you will fall in love with Harbor Hills, a Birch Harbor spinoff. Romance, secrets and mystery, family ties and female friendships abound in this heartwarming saga about four women who find friendship right next door.
- GenresFiction
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2021
400 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Bromke
56 books224 followersElizabeth Bromke writes women's fiction and heartwarming romance. In her stories, she weaves together family dynamics and the triumphs and trials of modern relationships. Echoes of the past flavor her books with nostalgia.
Elizabeth lives in the mountains of Arizona. There, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking with her husband, son, and their sweet Golden-mix, Winnie.
Elizabeth lives in the mountains of Arizona. There, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking with her husband, son, and their sweet Golden-mix, Winnie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 16, 2021
Elizabeth Bromke has done it again. She's written a great start to the Harbor Hills series, where we meet the ladies on Apple Hill Lane in Harbor Hills--Quinn, Annette, Judith and Beverly. With the exception of Quinn, who's just moved into a long abandoned house, each of them looks like they have it all together, but looks can be deceiving. Each of these ladies is dealing with a secret.
Quinn Whittle's making a fresh start and buys a "fixer-upper" sight unseen! The house belonged to old man Carlson, a hoarding hermit, and the house needs a lot more work than Quinn thought it would. There are some lingering questions about the previous owner that I'd love the answer to. Annette Best and her husband own Best Realty which, truth be told, isn't doing well at all. Annette and her small family need to downside if they're going to make it financially. Judith Banks, remember her from Birch Harbor? If you don't you're fine. Judith is newly divorced and goes by the name Jude. One good thing about all the work Quinn's house needs are the hunky workmen Jude is showing some interest in. Beverly Castle looks like she's got it altogether, but she's barely hanging in there. Seems as if the only thing keeping her going is her job at the local newspaper.
The chapters rotate through the women's point of view and we get to see that just because someone looks like they have it all, most of the time that isn't true. Everyone has their struggles and when we have friends, they can help us get through our struggles a little more easily, than when we try to do it by ourselves. Sometimes it requires us to swallow our pride and ask for help.
I like books that show women of different backgrounds and social classes becoming good friends, and Elizabeth Bromke does a great job doing just that.
I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Quinn Whittle's making a fresh start and buys a "fixer-upper" sight unseen! The house belonged to old man Carlson, a hoarding hermit, and the house needs a lot more work than Quinn thought it would. There are some lingering questions about the previous owner that I'd love the answer to. Annette Best and her husband own Best Realty which, truth be told, isn't doing well at all. Annette and her small family need to downside if they're going to make it financially. Judith Banks, remember her from Birch Harbor? If you don't you're fine. Judith is newly divorced and goes by the name Jude. One good thing about all the work Quinn's house needs are the hunky workmen Jude is showing some interest in. Beverly Castle looks like she's got it altogether, but she's barely hanging in there. Seems as if the only thing keeping her going is her job at the local newspaper.
The chapters rotate through the women's point of view and we get to see that just because someone looks like they have it all, most of the time that isn't true. Everyone has their struggles and when we have friends, they can help us get through our struggles a little more easily, than when we try to do it by ourselves. Sometimes it requires us to swallow our pride and ask for help.
I like books that show women of different backgrounds and social classes becoming good friends, and Elizabeth Bromke does a great job doing just that.
I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
January 26, 2021
We get to meet the ladies of Apple Hill Lane and not all is at it seems with them, but then again we all have our secrets don't we. Quinn is the newest to the lane after buyer a hoarding hermits house (site unseen no less!!!) which has tongues wagging and Annette, Judith and Beverly wanting to know more not just about Quinn but the previous owner. Thing I loved the most about it is all the women are flawed and goin through something whether the other women or anyone else knows. It was nice to see some familiar characters from Birch Harbor as well and I can't wait for the next book in the series!!!
May 18, 2021
This book set in Harbor Hills was a very nice and pleasant read. It is the first book of the series, Harbor Hills Saga. It is also the first time I have read a book by the author, but certainly not the last!
This book has all the ingredients to make a nice read a little bit of everything. We meet the interesting nice characters, it starts at 696 Apple Hill Lane in 1973 with a little girl in a pale pink dress. The story then takes us back to present day and lets us discover Quinn, Annette Best the realtor, Judith a neighbor, Beverly Castle another neighbor. How these women get to know each other and the new house owner on Apple Hill Lane. What the reader discovers as the story unravels is more mystery and history from the past and how these women get connected as they live in the same street. It includes gossip, rough times and scandal isn't far away.. The book kept me reading more and more it was so captivating!
I can highly recommend this book and I am happy to have read the book and will shortly read book 2 in the series!
Thank you Charlotte N
This book has all the ingredients to make a nice read a little bit of everything. We meet the interesting nice characters, it starts at 696 Apple Hill Lane in 1973 with a little girl in a pale pink dress. The story then takes us back to present day and lets us discover Quinn, Annette Best the realtor, Judith a neighbor, Beverly Castle another neighbor. How these women get to know each other and the new house owner on Apple Hill Lane. What the reader discovers as the story unravels is more mystery and history from the past and how these women get connected as they live in the same street. It includes gossip, rough times and scandal isn't far away.. The book kept me reading more and more it was so captivating!
I can highly recommend this book and I am happy to have read the book and will shortly read book 2 in the series!
Thank you Charlotte N
January 18, 2021
What a great story about four women becoming friends. Quinn, Annette, Judith and Beverly each have their own tales to tell and past lives. Quinn wanted to start a new life and bought a fixer upper house. Little did she know exactly how much fixing up it really needed. But, she was determined to make a go of it and make it a home. Annette and her husband own Best on the Block Realty but are struggling to make ends meet. They need to downsize their house in order to survive and she finally figures out a way they might be able to do that. Judith is single but finds a certain handyman who she is attracted to and who might have some information on the history of Quinn's new home. Beverly is definitely a lost soul after losing her daughter and her husband. She works for the newspaper and wants to write a story about the secrets in the house on Apple Hill Lane. A great story of women and friendships. I definitely recommend this book. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
January 27, 2021
What a great book. I absolutely loved it. It's very well written and I loved the storyline and the characters.
July 10, 2021
I received an ARC to review: Some familar characters from Birch Harbor cross paths with new characters in Harbor Hills, each with their own issues, mysteries, love interests, emotional baggage or financial woes to solve. The first in a new series, a spin-off from Liz's Birch Harbor series, 4 ladies realise they are more than neighbors; they have become friends. While away an afternoon, languidly, chatting with the 4 neighbor-friends as they muse about the mystery of the house on Apple Hill while they scrub and clean old man Carlson's accumulated grime ... You may find yourself pulled into this close-knit clique, offering your help and advice in steering them to live above and beyond their issues! A succintly written saga, boasting the genre of 'chic lit'; a must-read for all women, both young and old!
September 1, 2021
Wouldn't Recommend
Boring......elementary. I was tempted to just put it down but whenever I start a book, I am determined to finish it. I kept thinking it would get better..... but it didn't.
Boring......elementary. I was tempted to just put it down but whenever I start a book, I am determined to finish it. I kept thinking it would get better..... but it didn't.
January 18, 2023
I did not finish this book. It jumped around so much and in away that I had a hard time keeping the characters strait. It boring and there are so many more books out there to read I just gave up on this one.
March 11, 2022
Boring!!!!!!!!
April 18, 2021
This is my first book by Elizabeth Bromke. I enjoyed the introduction of the different characters and could tell that the author was planting seeds to take root in future stories in this series.
The opening scene takes place in the past with a mysterious young lady being sent to stay on Apple Hill Lane and then shifts to present day. At first glance, Apple Hill Lane seems to be an idyllic close neighborhood in the town of Harbor Hills. Yet under the surface, secrets abound. We meet Quinn, who buys the neighborhood eyesore, sight unseen. Her realtor also happens to be her neighbor, who we find is valiantly struggling to save her family business. Another neighbor, Beverly, occupies the house with the blue door and everyone tiptoes around the recently widowed reporter. Our final resident is Jude, who is starting over after her divorce. Each of these women is at a different place in life, and they become friends.
The point of view is told from each woman's perspective, which at times was distracting. I also felt that the clues setting up of future stories, took a little away from this story. The opening scene had so much potential, yet because it was not explained it left me feeling a little let down by the ending. I understand an author not resolving all the mysteries, especially when building a series. I didn't feel feel this story had the sense of conflict resolution I was looking for.
I do intend to read the next installment and I hope that as the series continues and new clues are presented, we also have some closure on others to keep the storyline driving forward. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys stories about friendships, small communities and a little mystery.
The opening scene takes place in the past with a mysterious young lady being sent to stay on Apple Hill Lane and then shifts to present day. At first glance, Apple Hill Lane seems to be an idyllic close neighborhood in the town of Harbor Hills. Yet under the surface, secrets abound. We meet Quinn, who buys the neighborhood eyesore, sight unseen. Her realtor also happens to be her neighbor, who we find is valiantly struggling to save her family business. Another neighbor, Beverly, occupies the house with the blue door and everyone tiptoes around the recently widowed reporter. Our final resident is Jude, who is starting over after her divorce. Each of these women is at a different place in life, and they become friends.
The point of view is told from each woman's perspective, which at times was distracting. I also felt that the clues setting up of future stories, took a little away from this story. The opening scene had so much potential, yet because it was not explained it left me feeling a little let down by the ending. I understand an author not resolving all the mysteries, especially when building a series. I didn't feel feel this story had the sense of conflict resolution I was looking for.
I do intend to read the next installment and I hope that as the series continues and new clues are presented, we also have some closure on others to keep the storyline driving forward. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys stories about friendships, small communities and a little mystery.
April 17, 2021
This is my first book by Elizabeth Bromke, but it certainly won't be the last! Reading the first page which is set in 1973 made me so sad for the little girl being left at 696 Apple Hill Lane that I immediately wanted to know who she was, why she was left there, and what happened to her. Not many authors pull me in from the first page, so I knew immediately that I'd enjoy this book.
I loved the characters in this story and how even though they all had misgivings at times, they stepped up to help Quinn. I'm anxious to read more about the story behind the previous owner of the house that Quinn purchased and so many other things.
The small town setting was wonderful, with the "everyone knows everyone else's business" vibe that is so prevalent in small towns. The characters were all people I've love to run into on my street and the author described things so well that I could clearly picture the homes and people in my mind.
Now I want to know more about everyone, which is the sign of an engaging series. I'm anxiously awaiting The House With the Blue Front Door! If you like books set in a small town with great characters and lots going on, I'd definitely recommend this series.
I loved the characters in this story and how even though they all had misgivings at times, they stepped up to help Quinn. I'm anxious to read more about the story behind the previous owner of the house that Quinn purchased and so many other things.
The small town setting was wonderful, with the "everyone knows everyone else's business" vibe that is so prevalent in small towns. The characters were all people I've love to run into on my street and the author described things so well that I could clearly picture the homes and people in my mind.
Now I want to know more about everyone, which is the sign of an engaging series. I'm anxiously awaiting The House With the Blue Front Door! If you like books set in a small town with great characters and lots going on, I'd definitely recommend this series.
March 11, 2021
This is the first in the Harbor Hills series and what a beginning it is! Ms. Bromke has once again given us a heartwarming, brilliantly written story. The story draws you in from the very first page and does not let go until you are done. You simply won't be able to put it down! In this first book, we meet the Quinn, Annette, Judith, and Beverly, the ladies of Apple Hill Lane. They all seem like they have it all, but each one is harboring their own secret and past issues they are dealing with. I enjoyed getting to know these women and see how their friendship really bonded them in a special way. The book has a strong storyline with wonderful characters with such personality and depth that give them an authentic quality, you can't help but be endeared to them. This is truly a heartwarming story and a brilliant beginning to what looks to be an amazing new series.
I received a complimentary advanced readers copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary advanced readers copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
April 13, 2021
The House on Apple Hill Lane ~ Harbor Hills bk 1 by Elizabeth Bromke
Start of a new series and this book has it all, a very well-written story that has the readers hooked from the very first page and I love how Elizabeth tells the story. This has links to her Birch Harbor series with Matt and Vivi making an appearance Vivi's mum is Quinn, who has purchased 696 Apple Hill Lane, in Harbor Hills, a run-down house a fixer-upper that has some history that has yet to be discovered by Quinn and her daughter.
I am not going to go further into the story as it deserves to be enjoyed without spoilers. So grab your copy today you won’t be disappointed.
I highly recommend The House on Apple Hill Lane and am looking forward to reading book two in the series. Thank you, Elizabeth, for a fantastic read. 5*****
Start of a new series and this book has it all, a very well-written story that has the readers hooked from the very first page and I love how Elizabeth tells the story. This has links to her Birch Harbor series with Matt and Vivi making an appearance Vivi's mum is Quinn, who has purchased 696 Apple Hill Lane, in Harbor Hills, a run-down house a fixer-upper that has some history that has yet to be discovered by Quinn and her daughter.
I am not going to go further into the story as it deserves to be enjoyed without spoilers. So grab your copy today you won’t be disappointed.
I highly recommend The House on Apple Hill Lane and am looking forward to reading book two in the series. Thank you, Elizabeth, for a fantastic read. 5*****
April 10, 2021
This is the first book in the series. Lots of secrets on Apple Hill Lane. The book begins as Quinn comes to town after buying and eyesore of a house, sight unseen. She soon meets widowed Beverly, real estate agent, Annette, and Jude.
Each woman is fighting inner battles and have their own stories. The new neighbors come together to help Quinn work on cleaning out the house.
Quinn’s ex husband arrives with daughter Vivi in tow.
Why has Vivi come to town? What trouble is she in? Will Quinn be able to conquer her compulsive behavior as she makes friends. Find out what secrets are hidden on Apple Hill Lane
Each woman is fighting inner battles and have their own stories. The new neighbors come together to help Quinn work on cleaning out the house.
Quinn’s ex husband arrives with daughter Vivi in tow.
Why has Vivi come to town? What trouble is she in? Will Quinn be able to conquer her compulsive behavior as she makes friends. Find out what secrets are hidden on Apple Hill Lane
April 24, 2021
I love books in which women who maybe don't have a lot in common come together. The House on Apple Hill Lane fits that bill. Each of the women in the book are dealing with different types of things in their lives, but they are coming together to help each other. I wish I had these types of women in my life, but I don't. Guess I'll just keep reading about them and drawing joy from them.
This is the first in a new series and I can tell I am really going to love the whole series. There is also a little mystery going on (or maybe several..). It really kept me turning the pages. Loved it!
This is the first in a new series and I can tell I am really going to love the whole series. There is also a little mystery going on (or maybe several..). It really kept me turning the pages. Loved it!
March 21, 2024
Probably one of the worst books I’ve read.
The description on Goodreads is not at all like the book itself.
Romance? A half page of conversation between Jude and Quinn’s handyman.
Mystery? Yes the previous owner of Quinn’s house was a mystery — but we never found out about him.
Vague flashbacks to someone who previously lived in the house - but no tie in to the story.
I haven’t the patience to read the next book in the series.
The description on Goodreads is not at all like the book itself.
Romance? A half page of conversation between Jude and Quinn’s handyman.
Mystery? Yes the previous owner of Quinn’s house was a mystery — but we never found out about him.
Vague flashbacks to someone who previously lived in the house - but no tie in to the story.
I haven’t the patience to read the next book in the series.
November 3, 2021
Intriguing Ladies on Apple Hill Lane
Elizabeth Bromke is by far one of my favorite authors. The House on Apple Hill Lane has intriguing women characters. By the end of the book you are caught up in each women’s life and can’t wait to see what is in store for them individually and as a neighborhood.
Elizabeth Bromke is by far one of my favorite authors. The House on Apple Hill Lane has intriguing women characters. By the end of the book you are caught up in each women’s life and can’t wait to see what is in store for them individually and as a neighborhood.
March 29, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! The first couple chapters I had to read a little slower to gather who was who. But this book kept my attention the whole time! It almost gives me the vibe of the show desperate housewives. Each woman has her own secret. I can’t wait to read the next book of the series!
June 14, 2021
Elizabeth Bromke knows how to draw you in. This is the second series I’m reading from this author which says a lot. Women sticking together and dealing with the changes in their life the best they can. Makes me want to move to a small town.
March 18, 2021
Wonderful start to a new series! It's well written and holds your attention from the first page until the last. I loved it!
March 27, 2021
Lots of unanswered questions! First in a series so I hope that the answers will be revealed as the stories continue. What was in the drain? Who is Carl Carlson? What is June hiding?
April 8, 2021
The House of Apple Hill Lane is setting up to be a good series! I enjoyed getting to know all the characters in the Harbor Hills neighborhood and cannot wait to see what happens next! A fun read!
May 11, 2021
Can't wait to read the next one.
August 10, 2021
Nice story line to follow
Good story leaves many story lines open to make a series. Fast read, different types of conflicts to pull you into read rest of books
Good story leaves many story lines open to make a series. Fast read, different types of conflicts to pull you into read rest of books
September 30, 2021
Excellent
Another excellent story by one of my favorite authors. I love the way she explores the lives of people in the smaller communities.
Another excellent story by one of my favorite authors. I love the way she explores the lives of people in the smaller communities.
October 12, 2021
great read
Twists at every turn light hearted and fun. Definitely leaves you wanting more of the story. These ladies all have history.
Twists at every turn light hearted and fun. Definitely leaves you wanting more of the story. These ladies all have history.
July 2, 2022
Jumped around
After trying to read a second time things made more sense but too much left unknown. Hoping the next book ties up.some lose ends.
After trying to read a second time things made more sense but too much left unknown. Hoping the next book ties up.some lose ends.
July 21, 2023
I discovered a new author and new saga that I have enjoyed. Can not wait to read #2
April 24, 2021
I just love a book where the characters have lots of
secrets the reader needs to unravel, and this one has plenty of them. The author, Elizabeth Bromke, is new to me but I can say right now I’ll be reading more from her. I already can’t wait for book 2!
secrets the reader needs to unravel, and this one has plenty of them. The author, Elizabeth Bromke, is new to me but I can say right now I’ll be reading more from her. I already can’t wait for book 2!
May 2, 2021
Intrigue with hints of romance abound in this first book of the Harbor Hills Series. A new homeowner in the most dilapidated house on the block: so many possibilities for the house, the buyer and the rest of the homeowners on Apple Hill Lane. All the woman are going through their own crises yet I really like how they are willing to reach out and be there for each other. If that isn’t enough this book flirts with a hint of romance for some of the gals on Apple Hill Lane. I want to get to better know these gals so I am looking forward to the next book. I received a free book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews