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Welcome to Thorndale #2
The Garden of Little Rose
For love to grow, Flora will have to first dig up the past.
At a hen party on the remote Scottish island of Alana, Flora is dared to ask a handsome stranger to be her plus-one for the wedding. When the gorgeous Mac accepts her invite, she assumes he’s joking and thinks nothing more of it… Until he turns up at the church on the wedding day.
But Mac has an agenda. He wants to hire her skills as a garden historian to restore the gardens at Róisín House, his home back on Alana. Flora knows she should refuse – Mac has ‘heartbreaker’ written all over him – but she can’t resist uncovering the tragic truth behind the garden at Róisín.
Transported by the beauty of the island, Flora can’t help but fall in love with Alana, and the man who brought her there.
A heartwarming romance for fans of Victoria Walters, Trisha Ashley and Julie Houston.
At a hen party on the remote Scottish island of Alana, Flora is dared to ask a handsome stranger to be her plus-one for the wedding. When the gorgeous Mac accepts her invite, she assumes he’s joking and thinks nothing more of it… Until he turns up at the church on the wedding day.
But Mac has an agenda. He wants to hire her skills as a garden historian to restore the gardens at Róisín House, his home back on Alana. Flora knows she should refuse – Mac has ‘heartbreaker’ written all over him – but she can’t resist uncovering the tragic truth behind the garden at Róisín.
Transported by the beauty of the island, Flora can’t help but fall in love with Alana, and the man who brought her there.
A heartwarming romance for fans of Victoria Walters, Trisha Ashley and Julie Houston.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2021
96 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Snow
12 books79 followersSuzanne writes uplifting fiction inspired by romance and rural life. Subscribe to Suzanne's newsletter to download a bonus chapter and read on after 'The End.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 15, 2021
What a charming little book this was.
Flora is a restorer of gardens and does very well at her job.
Flora and a few friends are staying in a hotel on a remote Scottish Island and friends being friends they dare each other to do something. Her dare is to ask someone to be her plus one for her friend's wedding . Against her better judgement she does it and to her utter surprise he says yes.
I absolutely loved the descriptions of the gardens and how she lovingly fixed them up.
I want to visit the island with the sand,sea air and hear the crashing waves while smelling the delightful flowers in the garden.
Will a relationship develop or will it just be a one night date?
Fun book that is a relaxing read!
Pub Date: 15 Feb 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Flora is a restorer of gardens and does very well at her job.
Flora and a few friends are staying in a hotel on a remote Scottish Island and friends being friends they dare each other to do something. Her dare is to ask someone to be her plus one for her friend's wedding . Against her better judgement she does it and to her utter surprise he says yes.
I absolutely loved the descriptions of the gardens and how she lovingly fixed them up.
I want to visit the island with the sand,sea air and hear the crashing waves while smelling the delightful flowers in the garden.
Will a relationship develop or will it just be a one night date?
Fun book that is a relaxing read!
Pub Date: 15 Feb 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
March 29, 2021
A chance meeting leads Flora to a job on a remote Scottish island, in charge of renovating a garden. It's a really sweet story. leaving you totally immersed in the whole magical story. You feel her love of seeing a garden come to life under her guidance. Romance, friendships, beautiful setting- this book has it all. I will be keen to read more by Suzanne Snow.
February 22, 2021
A lovely easy to read book with lots of opportunities to escape with a romantic setting, a garden and an island in Scotland.
Just what you need to relax with.
Just what you need to relax with.
January 18, 2021
While Flora is at a remote Scottish island for her friend’s bachelorette weekend, she is dared to ask a stranger to be her plus one for the wedding. Surprise—Mac says yes. She thinks he’s joking, until he actually shows up hundreds of miles away at the wedding. Sparks fly between the two of them, and Mac asks Flora if she will use her skills as a garden historian to restore the gardens at his home. She accepts (sort of), and falls in love with the island and the people on it.
This author does a great job of describing the environment around her. From the beautiful gardens, to the homes, everything sounds really lovely (especially to an American). But the love story in this book just doesn’t really work. When Mac drives hundreds of miles to be Flora’s date for the wedding, she acts like she’s put out by the whole thing. She’s almost embarrassed to have him there. And even though she’s developing feelings for him, she refuses to acknowledge it to him and treats him really poorly. Mac isn’t much better. He keeps trying to get close to Flora, and he keeps saying that there’s “something I need to tell you“... and then never actually says it! There is so much conflict and misunderstanding and drama introduced into this book for no good reason. And the introduction of the sad little orphan, designed to tug on your heartstrings, seemed forced in order to build an instant family.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for this advanced reader copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This author does a great job of describing the environment around her. From the beautiful gardens, to the homes, everything sounds really lovely (especially to an American). But the love story in this book just doesn’t really work. When Mac drives hundreds of miles to be Flora’s date for the wedding, she acts like she’s put out by the whole thing. She’s almost embarrassed to have him there. And even though she’s developing feelings for him, she refuses to acknowledge it to him and treats him really poorly. Mac isn’t much better. He keeps trying to get close to Flora, and he keeps saying that there’s “something I need to tell you“... and then never actually says it! There is so much conflict and misunderstanding and drama introduced into this book for no good reason. And the introduction of the sad little orphan, designed to tug on your heartstrings, seemed forced in order to build an instant family.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for this advanced reader copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 31, 2021
I’ve loved this book set in wonderful Scotland makes you want to visit it’s a heartwarming read with plenty of romance and about friendship as well the characters are brilliant and the setting is amazing.
The hen party is happening and flora is dared to to ask Mac to be her plus one at the wedding and she doesn’t know him. She never dreamt he would turn up but he then wants to hire her skills and restore the gardens at Roisin house she can’t resist how will it all go.
A heartwarming read.
The hen party is happening and flora is dared to to ask Mac to be her plus one at the wedding and she doesn’t know him. She never dreamt he would turn up but he then wants to hire her skills and restore the gardens at Roisin house she can’t resist how will it all go.
A heartwarming read.
May 26, 2022
At a hen party on a remote Scottish Island Flora is dared to ask the next man who walks through the hotel door to be her date to her best friend’s wedding. Mac accepts her invite but Flora thinks he is just joking.
One day whilst out for a walk on the island, Flora discovers a house with a dilapidated garden. She is captivated by the garden, which she finds out belongs to Mac.
Mac has an ulterior motive for accepting the date and coming to the wedding. He knows that Flora is a horticulturalist and wants her to discover the secrets of the garden and restore it. Flora accepts his invite to the island of Alana to uncover all the garden’s history. As she and Mac work together not only on the garden but the things he finds in the attic from the house they grow closer but can they have a relationship?
Flora makes friends on the Alana and gets involved in the community, especially with a wee girl called Tasmin, their relationship was so lovely. I like the island community and the friendships that Flora made.
I really enjoyed this book, good characters with a nice plot that moved on well.
One day whilst out for a walk on the island, Flora discovers a house with a dilapidated garden. She is captivated by the garden, which she finds out belongs to Mac.
Mac has an ulterior motive for accepting the date and coming to the wedding. He knows that Flora is a horticulturalist and wants her to discover the secrets of the garden and restore it. Flora accepts his invite to the island of Alana to uncover all the garden’s history. As she and Mac work together not only on the garden but the things he finds in the attic from the house they grow closer but can they have a relationship?
Flora makes friends on the Alana and gets involved in the community, especially with a wee girl called Tasmin, their relationship was so lovely. I like the island community and the friendships that Flora made.
I really enjoyed this book, good characters with a nice plot that moved on well.
May 8, 2022
3,5
Good but I hate when it goes on and on because someone doesn’t want to listen to the other side’s explanations, it’s so frustrating
Good but I hate when it goes on and on because someone doesn’t want to listen to the other side’s explanations, it’s so frustrating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2021
This book includes some lovely elements, but they never quite coalesce into a story. The plot is tissue-paper thin, and the character development non-existent. "It was all just a misunderstanding" is not a story-worthy problem.
The writing quality is good, but too much time is spent on mundane details rather than on the characters facing obstacles and overcoming them. The only "obstacle" in the book is cleared up by a five-minute conversation at the end. Flora and Mac's relationship never really develops beyond the "I really like you" stage, yet at the end they're declaring their undying love for each other. They haven't done anything to earn that supposed love, so as a reader, I have no faith that it will last.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.
The writing quality is good, but too much time is spent on mundane details rather than on the characters facing obstacles and overcoming them. The only "obstacle" in the book is cleared up by a five-minute conversation at the end. Flora and Mac's relationship never really develops beyond the "I really like you" stage, yet at the end they're declaring their undying love for each other. They haven't done anything to earn that supposed love, so as a reader, I have no faith that it will last.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.
August 17, 2021
Although I enjoyed reading the book, it does not realy entice me to read it again or recommend it. The text is too descriptive of the surroundings wheres there is little focus on the actual love story, if you can even call it that. Both characters like each other but do not want to admit and ignore each other to the point of being rude. Mac needs to tell Flora something throughout the whole book but never does apart from at the end. It also ended up not being that much of an important twist for me.
February 3, 2021
This is a sweet novel about a chance meeting and a dare that turns into a love story. Flora invites Mac to be her date for her friend's wedding but never expects him to turn up. He does, not only because she's captivated him but also because he hopes she'll do him a favor in return. Mac wants her help with the gardens at Roisin House, his home on the small Scottish island where they met. You know how this is going to go, don't you? Well, it's an enjoyable ride, with nice descriptions of the island and the gardens, and two fun characters. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. It's light. it's fun, it will take your mind off the news.
February 6, 2021
A totally captivating and uplifting story. This book grabbed me in from the first page and I was completely hooked. Beautiful descriptions of the locations and gardens, wonderful characters and friendships, this book will certainly test your emotions. A wonderfully written story.
June 5, 2022
This is the second book in the truly delightful Thorndale series.
During a hen party on the remote Scottish Island of Alana, Flora Stewart is dared by her two friends, Mel and Sophie, to ask a handsome stranger to be her plus one at the wedding.
Mackenzie (Mac) Jamieson, is that handsome stranger, Flora didn't think he would even agree to her request, never mind actually turn up at the church.
Mac does have some sort of agenda of his own though too, he wants to hire Flora for her skills as a horticulturalist, to restore the gardens at Roisin House, his home back on the island of Alana.
Flora knows deep down that she should really refuse, she has a perfectly good job back in Yorkshire and Mac is certain to be nothing more than a heart-breaker, but Flora, can't resist the chance to uncover, the tragic truth that the garden at Roisin is hiding.
Although this is the second book of the series, you could totally read this as a standalone, there are some characters from the previous book, who get a mention, but there are no great links to any previous plot lines, but since the first book is as delightful as this one, then I really do recommend you read it too, as I guarantee you will enjoy it immensely.
Looking forward to reading the next one soon.
During a hen party on the remote Scottish Island of Alana, Flora Stewart is dared by her two friends, Mel and Sophie, to ask a handsome stranger to be her plus one at the wedding.
Mackenzie (Mac) Jamieson, is that handsome stranger, Flora didn't think he would even agree to her request, never mind actually turn up at the church.
Mac does have some sort of agenda of his own though too, he wants to hire Flora for her skills as a horticulturalist, to restore the gardens at Roisin House, his home back on the island of Alana.
Flora knows deep down that she should really refuse, she has a perfectly good job back in Yorkshire and Mac is certain to be nothing more than a heart-breaker, but Flora, can't resist the chance to uncover, the tragic truth that the garden at Roisin is hiding.
Although this is the second book of the series, you could totally read this as a standalone, there are some characters from the previous book, who get a mention, but there are no great links to any previous plot lines, but since the first book is as delightful as this one, then I really do recommend you read it too, as I guarantee you will enjoy it immensely.
Looking forward to reading the next one soon.
June 13, 2024
A lovely story sprinkled here and there with some romantic moments but somehow lacked the cosy, feel-good vibes I usually get when I pick up a romance book. I think the start of the story was too slow - the friend's wedding took up several chapters. Flora, the main character hesitated too much. My main issue was.. Why didn't she simply ask Mac what was truly going on between Chloe and him? Mac could also have easily stayed firm when Flora shut him down and explained the truth if he wanted.
I also felt that I was left wanting more about the history of the cottage and garden. There was nothing much to uncover as Mac and Flora got to that bit about Rose and Archie pretty quickly. However, I liked that it worked out in the end between them and that little Tamsin was going to join their little family. The few scenes set on the school grounds where Flora was invited to help out was also really fun to read.
52 Book Club 2024: #44 - Features a wedding
I also felt that I was left wanting more about the history of the cottage and garden. There was nothing much to uncover as Mac and Flora got to that bit about Rose and Archie pretty quickly. However, I liked that it worked out in the end between them and that little Tamsin was going to join their little family. The few scenes set on the school grounds where Flora was invited to help out was also really fun to read.
52 Book Club 2024: #44 - Features a wedding
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2022
Such a heart warming, comfortable romance - just what I needed. This is a very cute story that starts with a silly dare which evolves into a fun flirtatious night at a wedding and eventually becomes overshadowed by misunderstanding and complication. This is one of those stories that kind of frustrates you because if the characters just sat down and actually took the time to be honest with each other everything would be resolved by chapter 5. But nonetheless, it was a very enjoyable, easy read and I loved the setting and feel of escapism (I mean, I'm sure a lot of people dream of falling in love with a Scottish man on a remote Hebridean island) and the characters are sweet, especially Tamsin.
Overall a solid 4.25 ⭐
Overall a solid 4.25 ⭐
September 3, 2022
Second in the lovely, uplifting series set in Thorndale, Yorkshire. Although this book is mainly set on a remote Scottish Island, one of the main characters works near Thorndale, and has relatives near the village.
This book centers around Flora, a garden horticulturist and Mac, who is an architect. Flora, for a dare asks Mac to a wedding, and her life takes an unexpected turn afterwards.
It's a lovely read, transports you to the garden and leaves you feeling relaxed and happy. Whilst it's a series of 4 books, each book can be read as a standalone story.
I can't wait to read the next book.
This book centers around Flora, a garden horticulturist and Mac, who is an architect. Flora, for a dare asks Mac to a wedding, and her life takes an unexpected turn afterwards.
It's a lovely read, transports you to the garden and leaves you feeling relaxed and happy. Whilst it's a series of 4 books, each book can be read as a standalone story.
I can't wait to read the next book.
September 10, 2023
After enjoying the first Welcome to Thorndale so much I was happy to follow the Thorndale series in order. This was just as lovely although the dare seemed crazy but it worked. Loved the tie back with the Thorndale characters and really enjoyed this. The beautiful way the love of gardens and the healing power of gardens and plants is woven through is meaningful and so well done. A really enjoyable read. More than ready to start book 3.
September 25, 2021
Lovely heart warming story
Loved this book from the start great characters, fabulous story and gorgeous setting on and gardening too! I adore Suzanne's style of writing, I totally get absorbed into the story and have no idea what is happening around me! Great follow up to book 1 looking forward to more in the series i hope!
Loved this book from the start great characters, fabulous story and gorgeous setting on and gardening too! I adore Suzanne's style of writing, I totally get absorbed into the story and have no idea what is happening around me! Great follow up to book 1 looking forward to more in the series i hope!
January 30, 2022
A lovely cosy read
I have been away from reading for a while now but decided I needed to read again. Welcome to Thorndale Trilogy was my first gift to myself and it's made me think how strange it was that I ever stopped. I've done 2 of the 3 so far and can't wait to start on ano 3.
I have been away from reading for a while now but decided I needed to read again. Welcome to Thorndale Trilogy was my first gift to myself and it's made me think how strange it was that I ever stopped. I've done 2 of the 3 so far and can't wait to start on ano 3.
November 1, 2022
Save yourselves time and money - go and buy (or borrow) a Mills & Boon. They've been doing it longer, and you know what to expect. I was lent this by a friend, and thought it might be a cut above the usual romance genre. However - I found it extremely derivative, boring and unengaging. Filed in the bin (OK - returned to my friend).
February 4, 2023
Their love is fun to read, but they spend the whole book just not saying something that could be easily said, and it was kind of annoying haha. If he trusted her he could just have told her about the understanding he had with Chloe? And I hate how she doesn't ask for any clarity either, as if the only thing she can do is wait until he decides to do things
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2024
Horticulturalist Flora invites a stranger to be her date to a wedding not imagining that she may fall for him. This was okay but there wasn’t anything that made this book special. There was far less about gardens and history than I anticipated. I also didn’t find the MC likeable at all, Flora was so rude to Mac that I couldn’t see why he would want to get to know her.
2 stars = fair
2 stars = fair
February 24, 2021
A most enjoyable book, dwelling on my favourite subject--gardens, but including romance!. The historical aspect was nicely covered and I found the descriptions of the old garden very interesting. Hope to read more from this author.
January 3, 2022
A lovely lighthearted romance made better for me as I love gardening and flowers. Set in the Scottish Isles made it a beautiful and romantic setting that made me want to go there. Perfect summer beach read
February 6, 2023
This was a cute feel-good romance. I liked it but it didn’t quite have the same charm as the first one. I missed the setting from the first one though Flora does briefly go to Thorndale. But it was a cute story that I enjoyed and I will still be reading the rest of the series as well.
February 18, 2024
The Garden of Little Roseby Suzanne Snow
A lovely enjoyable easy read . Well written beautifully set in the Scottish isles . Charming characters and good plot . An enjoyable weekend / beach read if you love gardens / gardening this is the book for you. 3.5/5
A lovely enjoyable easy read . Well written beautifully set in the Scottish isles . Charming characters and good plot . An enjoyable weekend / beach read if you love gardens / gardening this is the book for you. 3.5/5
April 21, 2021
A real page turner, not to be missed
From the first to the last page I was drawn into this beautifully written story. I couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end.
From the first to the last page I was drawn into this beautifully written story. I couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end.
May 26, 2021
Beautiful story
I loved this book from page one and didn't want it to end. There was a lot more than just romance with interesting characters, would thoroughly recommend.
I loved this book from page one and didn't want it to end. There was a lot more than just romance with interesting characters, would thoroughly recommend.
June 26, 2021
Really enjoyed
September 28, 2021
Heartwarming
Lovely read from start to finish,I was sad when it was over.loved it,easy characters to follow,well written lovely lovely lovely.
Lovely read from start to finish,I was sad when it was over.loved it,easy characters to follow,well written lovely lovely lovely.
November 9, 2021
Light read. Very predictable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews