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Welcome to Thorndale #1
The Cottage of New Beginnings
One crumbling cottage. One broken heart. A chance to start over?
When Annie returns to Thorndale, the village where she spent much of her childhood, she’s looking for a new start. All she wants to do is fix up the cottage her godmother left her, and fix up her broken heart.
When she clashes with local hero, Jon, Annie can’t help but wonder if coming back to Thorndale was a mistake. The village has clearly changed and the last thing she needs is more drama. But avoiding the distractingly handsome Jon is proving impossible, especially when Thorndale seems to be conspiring to throw them together…
Annie is looking for a fresh start with zero romance – but what if the only way to learn to trust again is to take a risk on love?
When Annie returns to Thorndale, the village where she spent much of her childhood, she’s looking for a new start. All she wants to do is fix up the cottage her godmother left her, and fix up her broken heart.
When she clashes with local hero, Jon, Annie can’t help but wonder if coming back to Thorndale was a mistake. The village has clearly changed and the last thing she needs is more drama. But avoiding the distractingly handsome Jon is proving impossible, especially when Thorndale seems to be conspiring to throw them together…
Annie is looking for a fresh start with zero romance – but what if the only way to learn to trust again is to take a risk on love?
298 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2020
235 people are currently reading
1061 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Snow
12 books81 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 243 reviews
September 2, 2021
4 🔆🔆🔆🔆 sunny stars!
An ever-so-sweet and refreshing debut Romance novel 🌹 absolutely brimming with village charm 🏡, community traditions ⛪ and the delightful sense of new beginnings ✨. Thorndale is a dream preciously rendered in words!
Let your senses savour the peace and quiet…
🌻🌻🌻
THE STORY:
At crossroads and in need of a fresh start, Annie Armstrong returns to the childhood memories of Thorndale and settles into the cottage inherited from her loving godmother. With summer in full swing, and a few months yet to go before the start of the new school year at the supply post she has taken up at a village close by, she hardly knows what to do with herself; admittedly, she is still very much on the mend from her soon-to-be husband’s abrupt abandonment and all the hurt bruising that open wound. Between meeting up with her lifelong friend Kirstie, being practically dragged into helping out with all sorts of festivals and activities, and ‘putting up with’ neighbourly help of all sorts, Annie finds herself slipping into a somewhat peaceful and pleasant – though equally unsettling – hum as the presence of the one and only Jon Beresford starts to sweetly impose on her time and mind, and in the roaring rage of a Yorkshire storm, tucked together in front of a cosy fireplace, they find that love is knocking at their door...
COMMENTS:
The Cottage of New Beginnings is a fine tale of strong community life populated with incredibly endearing characters. Much to the novel’s benefit, the protagonists are granted a measure of depth that is hard to come by in its genre, and both Annie and Jon’s character development is equal parts striking and inspiring. Good on her, the author seems more concerned with exploring the elusive, spectrum-wide foundations of meaningful relationships, and little contributes to the fastidious sentimentality not infrequently overindulged in Romance novels. As ex-missionary and a positive presence within the community, Jon’s identity as estate-owner and his status of director acquires a level of secondary importance, and his good nature and will to contribute and be of service – together with his strongmindedness and loyalty – make for an enriching component that sets an inviting tone throughout the narrative.
Moreover, the novel feels just the right kind of compact and wholesome that allows for character and story development. The narrative is commendable in its effortless progression and fast pace, and the flowing writing style particularly engaging. The ending was in truth wholly predictable, yet very nicely and seamlessly delivered – no futile long-windedness here, or petty running around in circles.
🌻🌻🌻
I will certainly remember Suzanne Snow when in dire need of detox and a quick, thoroughly enjoyable read! Definitely recommended to readers of Romance.
An ever-so-sweet and refreshing debut Romance novel 🌹 absolutely brimming with village charm 🏡, community traditions ⛪ and the delightful sense of new beginnings ✨. Thorndale is a dream preciously rendered in words!
Let your senses savour the peace and quiet…
🌻🌻🌻
THE STORY:
At crossroads and in need of a fresh start, Annie Armstrong returns to the childhood memories of Thorndale and settles into the cottage inherited from her loving godmother. With summer in full swing, and a few months yet to go before the start of the new school year at the supply post she has taken up at a village close by, she hardly knows what to do with herself; admittedly, she is still very much on the mend from her soon-to-be husband’s abrupt abandonment and all the hurt bruising that open wound. Between meeting up with her lifelong friend Kirstie, being practically dragged into helping out with all sorts of festivals and activities, and ‘putting up with’ neighbourly help of all sorts, Annie finds herself slipping into a somewhat peaceful and pleasant – though equally unsettling – hum as the presence of the one and only Jon Beresford starts to sweetly impose on her time and mind, and in the roaring rage of a Yorkshire storm, tucked together in front of a cosy fireplace, they find that love is knocking at their door...
COMMENTS:
The Cottage of New Beginnings is a fine tale of strong community life populated with incredibly endearing characters. Much to the novel’s benefit, the protagonists are granted a measure of depth that is hard to come by in its genre, and both Annie and Jon’s character development is equal parts striking and inspiring. Good on her, the author seems more concerned with exploring the elusive, spectrum-wide foundations of meaningful relationships, and little contributes to the fastidious sentimentality not infrequently overindulged in Romance novels. As ex-missionary and a positive presence within the community, Jon’s identity as estate-owner and his status of director acquires a level of secondary importance, and his good nature and will to contribute and be of service – together with his strongmindedness and loyalty – make for an enriching component that sets an inviting tone throughout the narrative.
Moreover, the novel feels just the right kind of compact and wholesome that allows for character and story development. The narrative is commendable in its effortless progression and fast pace, and the flowing writing style particularly engaging. The ending was in truth wholly predictable, yet very nicely and seamlessly delivered – no futile long-windedness here, or petty running around in circles.
🌻🌻🌻
I will certainly remember Suzanne Snow when in dire need of detox and a quick, thoroughly enjoyable read! Definitely recommended to readers of Romance.
September 4, 2020
This had the potential to be an interesting read, but unfortunately it fell flat for me. Some of the village descriptions were well done, but the whole premise of girl has heart broken, so starts again, but can't trust a man has been done to death. Nothing new here. Meets a man and gets off on the wrong foot. Misunderstandings abound as the main characters just don't communicate, so this descends into Mills & Boon paragraphs of hearts leaping and everything being read in each others eyes.
The lack of story is padded out by wardrobe descriptions for every character.
Some of the characters just weren't developed, and those that were made me scream at the screen for being so wet and maddening. So sweet and sugary that I need a Dentist, but at least, very predictably, we had a happy ending.
Thank you Pigeonhole and Suzanne.
The lack of story is padded out by wardrobe descriptions for every character.
Some of the characters just weren't developed, and those that were made me scream at the screen for being so wet and maddening. So sweet and sugary that I need a Dentist, but at least, very predictably, we had a happy ending.
Thank you Pigeonhole and Suzanne.
September 17, 2020
Jilted right before her wedding, Annie has moved to a new town in an inherited cottage to start over. She meets Jon, and romance ensues.
The is a very simple book with no plot twists. It concentrates solely on the romance between Annie and Jon. The ending is predictable. I would have liked some subplots to make the story more interesting. However, fans of romance novels may enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
January 12, 2021
Some books open with a bang, plopping the reader down into the height of drama. Others open with a whimper, showcasing the normal and rosy lives of their characters. The Cottage of New Beginnings, author Suzanne Snow’s debut novel, opens with an illegally parked car and some miscommunication. It’s somewhere between the two extremes and, frankly, in these topsy-turvy days, this low-stakes opening is appreciated.
That’s not to suggest Snow’s world is all flowers and sunshine. Her protagonist, Annie, returns to Thorndale, the village where she spent her childhood summers, after separating from her fiance. Looking for a distraction, she devotes her attention to restoring her grandmother’s cottage to its former glory. And while she’s thrilled to reconnect with old friends, there’s one new face that keeps popping up: Jon, a man of immeasurable talent that everyone seems to love—well, almost.
As the title suggests, this journey is all about new beginnings and Annie ultimately has to break old habits before anything fresh can blossom in her life. While Annie and Jon are seemingly meant for each other, that doesn’t stop each from dismissing the other based on a negative first encounter. Their constant uncomfortableness could be solved with a good talk, but neither seems up for the task, and the result is a fair bit of tension that’s genuinely fun. They’re running to an inevitable end, even if they don’t always see it. Plus, it helps that Snow almost seems to take glee in finding situations that force the two of them together.
Beyond the blooming romance, things are light. Annie rekindles platonic relationships while toiling away in a cottage that seems to subsist on a never-ending list of repairs. These are fun scenes that give Annie something to do, but there’s hardly any tension—and really, no time limit—when it comes to making her new home comfortable. Instead, this provides the house provides a peaceful backdrop as she comes to accept her new circumstances and, finally, the opportunities around her.
In a week filled with chaos, there’s perhaps no better place to escape than The Cottage of New Beginnings.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review also published at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
That’s not to suggest Snow’s world is all flowers and sunshine. Her protagonist, Annie, returns to Thorndale, the village where she spent her childhood summers, after separating from her fiance. Looking for a distraction, she devotes her attention to restoring her grandmother’s cottage to its former glory. And while she’s thrilled to reconnect with old friends, there’s one new face that keeps popping up: Jon, a man of immeasurable talent that everyone seems to love—well, almost.
As the title suggests, this journey is all about new beginnings and Annie ultimately has to break old habits before anything fresh can blossom in her life. While Annie and Jon are seemingly meant for each other, that doesn’t stop each from dismissing the other based on a negative first encounter. Their constant uncomfortableness could be solved with a good talk, but neither seems up for the task, and the result is a fair bit of tension that’s genuinely fun. They’re running to an inevitable end, even if they don’t always see it. Plus, it helps that Snow almost seems to take glee in finding situations that force the two of them together.
Beyond the blooming romance, things are light. Annie rekindles platonic relationships while toiling away in a cottage that seems to subsist on a never-ending list of repairs. These are fun scenes that give Annie something to do, but there’s hardly any tension—and really, no time limit—when it comes to making her new home comfortable. Instead, this provides the house provides a peaceful backdrop as she comes to accept her new circumstances and, finally, the opportunities around her.
In a week filled with chaos, there’s perhaps no better place to escape than The Cottage of New Beginnings.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review also published at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
August 14, 2020
Annie moves to Thorndale village, where she spent most of her summer holidays as a child, after an ugly breakup with her fiance five days before the wedding. Her godmother had left Annie a cottage in Thorndale upon her passing. There Annie reunites with old and makes new friends. She is enamored with Jon, the most eligible bachelor in the village, who seems to be enamored with her as well.
The details of the village and surrounding area are lovely and well fleshed out. The secondary characters are interesting and likable. While this book is well written, it is completely lacking in plot outside the romance between Annie and Jon. Annie has a cottage to settle as well as a teaching job to prepare for, but these things are hardly mentioned as Annie moons for Jon day in and day out. Throughout the book, Annie is certain she should not rush into anything and be cautious with her heart. The end of the book is cliched and eye-roll inducing.
This book had so much potential to be a fun, light romance read set in the countryside of England. It was a solid 3 stars for me until the last few chapters when I realized that a cheesy cliche and complete about face of the main character's resolve were the ending of the book.
I would also mention that this is Christian romance. Jon is extremely religious, was shaped by his mission trips, and runs a Christian outreach program for teens. This is probably why Jon and Annie's romance is PG, which is not a bad thing, but seems to be completely unrealistic in today's society as well as the history Annie gives about her previous relationship.
To sum up, I would not recommend this book unless one is looking for a completely light, fluffy read that is completely about the romance and not much else. Thanks to Netgalley for the arc and a chance to read.
The details of the village and surrounding area are lovely and well fleshed out. The secondary characters are interesting and likable. While this book is well written, it is completely lacking in plot outside the romance between Annie and Jon. Annie has a cottage to settle as well as a teaching job to prepare for, but these things are hardly mentioned as Annie moons for Jon day in and day out. Throughout the book, Annie is certain she should not rush into anything and be cautious with her heart. The end of the book is cliched and eye-roll inducing.
This book had so much potential to be a fun, light romance read set in the countryside of England. It was a solid 3 stars for me until the last few chapters when I realized that a cheesy cliche and complete about face of the main character's resolve were the ending of the book.
I would also mention that this is Christian romance. Jon is extremely religious, was shaped by his mission trips, and runs a Christian outreach program for teens. This is probably why Jon and Annie's romance is PG, which is not a bad thing, but seems to be completely unrealistic in today's society as well as the history Annie gives about her previous relationship.
To sum up, I would not recommend this book unless one is looking for a completely light, fluffy read that is completely about the romance and not much else. Thanks to Netgalley for the arc and a chance to read.
May 9, 2021
The Cottage Of New Beginnings by Suzanne Snow is the first in the Welcome To Thorndale series, it's a heartwarming, simple, small village romance.
It keeps you wanting more with every page you turn, you also need Jon and Annie to have their own victory after everything they have thought, thought out their lives.
It has a wonderful happy ever after which will bring a smile to everyone.
I definitely recommend this if quick and easy is what you want 📖
It keeps you wanting more with every page you turn, you also need Jon and Annie to have their own victory after everything they have thought, thought out their lives.
It has a wonderful happy ever after which will bring a smile to everyone.
I definitely recommend this if quick and easy is what you want 📖
January 31, 2024
Iets te hoog truttigheidsgehalte voor mijn smaak. (Of misschien ben ik verpest omdat ik Haunting Adeline onlangs heb gelezen?)
August 29, 2022
B O O K R E V I E W
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
To start off I just want to say that this book was just incredible! It was cute, light and easy to read. It's a really good romance book to read in Spring or Autumn (so very sooooon 😉). I loved everything about this book and it's also a great book to read if you are just starting off in the romance department or if you just want to read a fluffy romance book.
When Annie's wedding is off a few days before the wedding, she decides to return to Thorndale and fix up the cottage that her late godmother left her. The last thing she wants it to get caught in the village gossip but when she and Jon, a man who is loved throughout the entire village, keep seeing each other randomly, it starts to get a bit difficult. When she see's how much Jon contributes to the village and his past, she starts to see him in a different light but she just wants to find herself once again.
This book was just *chefs kiss. It goes into a few deep topics such as endometrioses, a common debilitating disease found in woman, so it's isn't all light and cutesy. Jon was just SO RESPECTFULLLLLL omg I love him 🛐🛐🛐 I hate hate HATE her ex fiancé I loved both main characters. They were just so understanding towards each other and I was THERE for it!!!!! I really loved the writing in this book and the details of the scenery because I could really imagine that I was there with them.
I recommend this book soooo much if you're looking for a quick and easy cute book to read. This book was just really cute and there's only fluff / closed door.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
To start off I just want to say that this book was just incredible! It was cute, light and easy to read. It's a really good romance book to read in Spring or Autumn (so very sooooon 😉). I loved everything about this book and it's also a great book to read if you are just starting off in the romance department or if you just want to read a fluffy romance book.
When Annie's wedding is off a few days before the wedding, she decides to return to Thorndale and fix up the cottage that her late godmother left her. The last thing she wants it to get caught in the village gossip but when she and Jon, a man who is loved throughout the entire village, keep seeing each other randomly, it starts to get a bit difficult. When she see's how much Jon contributes to the village and his past, she starts to see him in a different light but she just wants to find herself once again.
This book was just *chefs kiss. It goes into a few deep topics such as endometrioses, a common debilitating disease found in woman, so it's isn't all light and cutesy. Jon was just SO RESPECTFULLLLLL omg I love him 🛐🛐🛐 I hate hate HATE her ex fiancé I loved both main characters. They were just so understanding towards each other and I was THERE for it!!!!! I really loved the writing in this book and the details of the scenery because I could really imagine that I was there with them.
I recommend this book soooo much if you're looking for a quick and easy cute book to read. This book was just really cute and there's only fluff / closed door.
September 12, 2024
What can I say here. Annie was infuriatingly annoying. What kind of person decides to wear towering stilettos for a walk through a village? Or chooses white linen pants and fancy sandals for a rural farm show then gets angry that her feet are dirty (dirt in a farm show imagine that) and sore from standing in bad footwear? Every decision she made was a poor one. Not sure what Jon saw in her to be honest but he wasn’t a catch himself.
The overtones of churchy related things did me in as well. Annie was basically like “oooh Jon loves the church he’s a missionary so I better get into the church too! Praise the lord!” Ugh. Also one more comment about Sam the “hip” vicars wife wearing Doc Martens or dying her hair (when pregnant!) and I was going to hurl.
Speaking of hurling there is a line where someone picks up their pet cat and “hurls him into the garden” way to go with the animal abuse.
Bleh.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review all opinions are my own
The overtones of churchy related things did me in as well. Annie was basically like “oooh Jon loves the church he’s a missionary so I better get into the church too! Praise the lord!” Ugh. Also one more comment about Sam the “hip” vicars wife wearing Doc Martens or dying her hair (when pregnant!) and I was going to hurl.
Speaking of hurling there is a line where someone picks up their pet cat and “hurls him into the garden” way to go with the animal abuse.
Bleh.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review all opinions are my own
September 4, 2020
This was a bit too light and fluffy for me to be honest but it was still enjoyable. Did want to knock some heads together at times. Would make a perfect holiday read. Thank you to The Pigeonhole and to the author for the chance to read this title in exchange for an honest review.
did-not-finish
January 3, 2021It was just...meh. I might revisit it later when
I’m in the mood for a light-hearted romance, but everyone was just a bit too twee, with their village (sounds more like a town) spirit and getting distracted by eyes.
I’m in the mood for a light-hearted romance, but everyone was just a bit too twee, with their village (sounds more like a town) spirit and getting distracted by eyes.
December 21, 2023
SPOILER (Zoë - scroll door als je dit nog niet wil zien)
Ik ging dit boek los 5 sterren geven…. Maar las toen het aanzoek op de laatste pagina 🙃 can’t take this anymore
Ik ging dit boek los 5 sterren geven…. Maar las toen het aanzoek op de laatste pagina 🙃 can’t take this anymore
August 21, 2023
3.5⭐️
Annie is looking for a fresh start with no romance involved but what if the only way to learn to trust again is to take a risk on love?
This was an easy, cosy romance read which I found hard to put down. I loved the characters especially Sam, Annie and Jon although I do wish that we got to know better. I found it interesting to read about Annie’s endometriosis but do wish that this was explored more.
I felt like the ending happened a little too fast for me but nevertheless I would probably read the rest of the series at some point. It felt like there was a lot of characters featured in this book which often left me confused as to who was who. I wasn’t a fan of the miscommunication trope.
⚠️ CWs: cursing, alcohol use; mentions death, fertility issues ⚠️
Annie is looking for a fresh start with no romance involved but what if the only way to learn to trust again is to take a risk on love?
This was an easy, cosy romance read which I found hard to put down. I loved the characters especially Sam, Annie and Jon although I do wish that we got to know better. I found it interesting to read about Annie’s endometriosis but do wish that this was explored more.
I felt like the ending happened a little too fast for me but nevertheless I would probably read the rest of the series at some point. It felt like there was a lot of characters featured in this book which often left me confused as to who was who. I wasn’t a fan of the miscommunication trope.
⚠️ CWs: cursing, alcohol use; mentions death, fertility issues ⚠️
September 6, 2020
Welcome to the village of Thorndale, an idyllic sounding setting for this lighthearted romance. Our protagonist Annie Armstrong is returning to this village, a place that holds fond childhood memories,following the break up of her relationship with the man she believed was ‘The One’. By a stroke of good fortune (although not for the deceased!) she has inherited her godmother Molly’s cottage, and this is where she intends to nurse her broken heart before taking up her teaching position in the local school.
With a promising start I fully expected to enjoy this romantic tale, be introduced to some interesting characters, get caught up in village life and gossip and of course meet the man destined to sweep Annie off her feet and restore her faith in love and romance.
The reader quickly meets Annie’s potential love interest, Jon,when she inadvertently parks her car in the wrong place, thereby ensuring their first introduction is far from wonderful. This pretty much sets the tone for the whole book with Annie and Jon constantly acting like silly teenagers, unable to communicate effectively their true feelings, making me incredibly exasperated with the pair of them. Jon is predictably drawn as the handsome, rugged, multi talented all round nice guy (nothing wrong with that!) keen to cast himself as the knight in shining armour coming to the rescue of the damsel in distress, aka Annie. His role in the fell and rescue team as well as his involvement in other charitable projects does make him an easy character to desire!
However,I have to admit to being infuriated at the way the author has chosen to depict Annie as a fragile woman afraid of her own shadow, acting like a besotted adolescent,incapable of carrying out the most menial tasks. I felt the author was taking us back to the 1950’s with the woman’s place being firmly in the kitchen since Annie’s only skills seem to lie in cooking and baking which is a harsh observation I know. There is an awful lot of eye gazing, unnecessary wardrobe descriptions and plenty of references to sturdy thighs and capable strong arms, in preference to a stronger storyline. I think the basis for a good romance novel is present but with sketchily drawn secondary characters, one of which could have proved to be a worthwhile adversary for Annie, thereby creating a love triangle, is an opportunity that’s been missed but one which I would have welcomed. For me personally, the storyline goes round in circles and ends as you’d expect, although I do believe this is the first in a series, so it’s maybe not the last you’ll hear of Annie and Jon if you feel inclined to follow their journey. ( sincere apologies if this information is incorrect).
I also apologise if this review is viewed as scathing as it’s not my intention to slate the author’s writing. I appreciate that I’m only a book lover and not an author and that writing is indeed a labour of love. Believe it or not I am a huge fan of lighthearted, romantic reads and have nothing against predictability but I prefer them to have a more contemporary feel. Sadly on this occasion The Cottage of New Beginnings wasn’t quite to my taste but I imagine it will still hold much appeal for many fans of this genre.
My thanks to the author and Pigeonhole for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
With a promising start I fully expected to enjoy this romantic tale, be introduced to some interesting characters, get caught up in village life and gossip and of course meet the man destined to sweep Annie off her feet and restore her faith in love and romance.
The reader quickly meets Annie’s potential love interest, Jon,when she inadvertently parks her car in the wrong place, thereby ensuring their first introduction is far from wonderful. This pretty much sets the tone for the whole book with Annie and Jon constantly acting like silly teenagers, unable to communicate effectively their true feelings, making me incredibly exasperated with the pair of them. Jon is predictably drawn as the handsome, rugged, multi talented all round nice guy (nothing wrong with that!) keen to cast himself as the knight in shining armour coming to the rescue of the damsel in distress, aka Annie. His role in the fell and rescue team as well as his involvement in other charitable projects does make him an easy character to desire!
However,I have to admit to being infuriated at the way the author has chosen to depict Annie as a fragile woman afraid of her own shadow, acting like a besotted adolescent,incapable of carrying out the most menial tasks. I felt the author was taking us back to the 1950’s with the woman’s place being firmly in the kitchen since Annie’s only skills seem to lie in cooking and baking which is a harsh observation I know. There is an awful lot of eye gazing, unnecessary wardrobe descriptions and plenty of references to sturdy thighs and capable strong arms, in preference to a stronger storyline. I think the basis for a good romance novel is present but with sketchily drawn secondary characters, one of which could have proved to be a worthwhile adversary for Annie, thereby creating a love triangle, is an opportunity that’s been missed but one which I would have welcomed. For me personally, the storyline goes round in circles and ends as you’d expect, although I do believe this is the first in a series, so it’s maybe not the last you’ll hear of Annie and Jon if you feel inclined to follow their journey. ( sincere apologies if this information is incorrect).
I also apologise if this review is viewed as scathing as it’s not my intention to slate the author’s writing. I appreciate that I’m only a book lover and not an author and that writing is indeed a labour of love. Believe it or not I am a huge fan of lighthearted, romantic reads and have nothing against predictability but I prefer them to have a more contemporary feel. Sadly on this occasion The Cottage of New Beginnings wasn’t quite to my taste but I imagine it will still hold much appeal for many fans of this genre.
My thanks to the author and Pigeonhole for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2020
I finished reading this book some days ago but didn't quite know how I was going to write a review.
The short version is that this book is not for me, but I DO think a lot of people will enjoy it.
The book started well. I was completely entranced with the picturesque village of Thorndale, the hump backed bridge, the fell rescue centre, The Courtyard where there are artist workshops and a beautiful restaurant, the post office and ice cream shop, the cottages, the farms etc etc.
I also knew that this would be a romantic read and that Annie and Jon, after many bumps, diversions, wrong turnings and misunderstandings would get together for a happily ever after.
I love romantic and uplifting stories set in idyllic places as I can dream myself there and be living a gentler, happier, cosy existence. This book has all the right ingredients for just that type of daydream, some interesting characters and a clear desire to offer the reader pure escapism fiction.
For me though, I found the language a bit too repetitive and some of the aspects of Annie's characters and actions a little maddening.
I can imagine this becoming a series and that some readers will readily devour book after book.
I wish the author all the best with the series if that is what becomes of Thorndale and its inhabitants.
The short version is that this book is not for me, but I DO think a lot of people will enjoy it.
The book started well. I was completely entranced with the picturesque village of Thorndale, the hump backed bridge, the fell rescue centre, The Courtyard where there are artist workshops and a beautiful restaurant, the post office and ice cream shop, the cottages, the farms etc etc.
I also knew that this would be a romantic read and that Annie and Jon, after many bumps, diversions, wrong turnings and misunderstandings would get together for a happily ever after.
I love romantic and uplifting stories set in idyllic places as I can dream myself there and be living a gentler, happier, cosy existence. This book has all the right ingredients for just that type of daydream, some interesting characters and a clear desire to offer the reader pure escapism fiction.
For me though, I found the language a bit too repetitive and some of the aspects of Annie's characters and actions a little maddening.
I can imagine this becoming a series and that some readers will readily devour book after book.
I wish the author all the best with the series if that is what becomes of Thorndale and its inhabitants.
September 5, 2020
So Annie meets Jon, there are a ton of misunderstandings, eyes wide with surprise and wardrobe descriptions but not much else to be honest. Too Mills and Boon for me.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and Suzanne and my fellow PH for the entertaining comments as we read this
Thanks to Pigeonhole and Suzanne and my fellow PH for the entertaining comments as we read this
August 6, 2022
Roman krase lijepi opisi krajolika, svakodnevice, druženja te obaveza, no uvodni dio i završni dio romana ujedno su najzanimljiviji dijelovi knjige. Kućica novih početaka samim time bila bi u cijelosti zanimljivija kad bi ostatak romana bio napetiji i uzbudljiviji, s više dijelova u kojima se doista nešto bitno događa, a ne monoton i automatski teži za čitanje.
June 24, 2023
Jammerlig. Det starter lidt vakkelvornt men styrter snart ned og crasher og burner
November 19, 2024
A quick read
October 4, 2020
The Cottage of New Beginnings is a charming story about a woman who moves back into her childhood home and finds so much more than she is looking for. Eager to make a fresh start after a terrible break-up, Annie moves back to the quaint town where she grew up. Intent on fixing up and living in the house she inherited from her godmother, Annie almost immediately clashes with Jon, a popular local. As they grow to know each other and feelings develop, can Annie and Jon put their misgivings aside and take a chance on love?
A heart-warming story about finding love in the most unlikely of places, The Cottage of New Beginnings is the perfect book for readers who enjoy small-town romance. I enjoyed the romance between Annie and Jon, two kind and giving people who aren’t looking for love. They have great chemistry, and their stories are interesting. Both have scars from past relationships, and both are reluctant to trust and love deeply again. However, their feelings for each other are strong.
Annie is still recovering from a surprising break-up and feels fragile. She’s not used to being alone, and it takes time for her to build confidence and strength. The author shows how deep Annie’s wounds are, and how the town, her new friends, and potential love helps her to find herself and rediscover her roots.
I really like the small community of Thorndale. It is quaint and charming, much like it’s inhabitants, who are well-developed and interesting. Thorndale has changed since Annie last visited and has a modern vibe while still maintaining the older charm that Annie remembers from her childhood. I also like how the author introduces several unique and defined characters, some from Annie’s childhood and some connected to Jon. These old acquaintances and new friends add depth tot he story, and, as this is the first book in the series, I am eager to read more about these characters in future books.
Thanks so much to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
A heart-warming story about finding love in the most unlikely of places, The Cottage of New Beginnings is the perfect book for readers who enjoy small-town romance. I enjoyed the romance between Annie and Jon, two kind and giving people who aren’t looking for love. They have great chemistry, and their stories are interesting. Both have scars from past relationships, and both are reluctant to trust and love deeply again. However, their feelings for each other are strong.
Annie is still recovering from a surprising break-up and feels fragile. She’s not used to being alone, and it takes time for her to build confidence and strength. The author shows how deep Annie’s wounds are, and how the town, her new friends, and potential love helps her to find herself and rediscover her roots.
I really like the small community of Thorndale. It is quaint and charming, much like it’s inhabitants, who are well-developed and interesting. Thorndale has changed since Annie last visited and has a modern vibe while still maintaining the older charm that Annie remembers from her childhood. I also like how the author introduces several unique and defined characters, some from Annie’s childhood and some connected to Jon. These old acquaintances and new friends add depth tot he story, and, as this is the first book in the series, I am eager to read more about these characters in future books.
Thanks so much to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
September 4, 2020
This a light sweet little romance and is written well enough, the conversation, for example, is very natural and sometimes humorous. I think I would have enjoyed it more when I was younger but now found it had too little substance for me. The main characters in their twenties/thirties acted like young teenagers, ignoring each other, blowing hot and cold, not saying what they really meant etc. - I just longed to bash their heads together. If you want a happy ever after holiday read with Christian values this may do very well for you.
January 23, 2025
3,5 ⭐
Malo previše sladunjava i bajkovita za moj ukus, ali pasala mi je u ovom trenutku. Sasvim solidna knjiga za predah i "mozak na pašu". ☺️
Zapravo sam više uživala u opisima mjesta radnje i prirode. Glavni likovi su me na momente smorili i živcirali 🙈
Definitvno knjiga koju Eva ne bi ni mrtva čitala!!!
Malo previše sladunjava i bajkovita za moj ukus, ali pasala mi je u ovom trenutku. Sasvim solidna knjiga za predah i "mozak na pašu". ☺️
Zapravo sam više uživala u opisima mjesta radnje i prirode. Glavni likovi su me na momente smorili i živcirali 🙈
Definitvno knjiga koju Eva ne bi ni mrtva čitala!!!
February 6, 2022
Slatka, jednostavna, nježna priča.
Najviše mi se svidjelo pomalo idiličan opis života manje zajednice s puno prijateljskih druženja, pomaganja u jednostavim događanjima. Ispeći kolač i darovati ga kao znak zahvale, podrške ili prijateljstva - poticaj da jednostavne stvari daju okus životu.
Najviše mi se svidjelo pomalo idiličan opis života manje zajednice s puno prijateljskih druženja, pomaganja u jednostavim događanjima. Ispeći kolač i darovati ga kao znak zahvale, podrške ili prijateljstva - poticaj da jednostavne stvari daju okus životu.
September 17, 2023
This was a cute story but never really grabbed me. The characters felt bland, the instalove felt forced and the character backstories resolved off page and seemingly instantaneously after being brought up.
Not a book I'd likely return to, but so bland it'll have a high reread value.
Not a book I'd likely return to, but so bland it'll have a high reread value.
June 22, 2022
Perfect book for reading in the sunshine!
I will definitely be looking out for the next book in the series.
I will definitely be looking out for the next book in the series.
January 23, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. Couldn't put it down. The story just flowed and totally got invested in the main character.
January 17, 2024
A quick holiday read
August 11, 2020
What a charming story! The tale begins with Annie's return to the cottage that her Godmother had left her in a bequest when she died. She returns to the cottage in order to escape heartbreak and a failed relationship. The cottage brings back many happy memories, as well as new friends. Annie feels like she never wants to give her heart away, ever again, but you never know who may be just around the corner. I loved the book and found that the storyline and the character development provided such interest that I had difficulty putting the book down. I really was looking forward to Sam having her baby. Please please write a followup! I absolutely loved this book.
I would like to thank Suzanne Snow, Canelo Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair honest review.
I would like to thank Suzanne Snow, Canelo Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair honest review.
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