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Little Village Of Second Chances
Surely everyone deserves a second chance?
Ex-fireman and edible flower farmer Shay McGillen has plenty of reasons not to give Sarah Pickering even one chance when she turns up in his small Yorkshire village. After all, she is only there to try and convince him and his fellow villagers to sell up so her company can build a bypass. If Sarah thinks she can make Shay give up his farmhouse and his business, she has another thing coming!
But when an unexpected blizzard leaves Sarah stranded in Shay’s home, he soon realises that they are far more alike than he could have ever imagined – and perhaps both of them deserve a second chance ...
Ex-fireman and edible flower farmer Shay McGillen has plenty of reasons not to give Sarah Pickering even one chance when she turns up in his small Yorkshire village. After all, she is only there to try and convince him and his fellow villagers to sell up so her company can build a bypass. If Sarah thinks she can make Shay give up his farmhouse and his business, she has another thing coming!
But when an unexpected blizzard leaves Sarah stranded in Shay’s home, he soon realises that they are far more alike than he could have ever imagined – and perhaps both of them deserve a second chance ...
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2020
70 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 26, 2020
This is the perfect escapist, light-hearted and feel-good summer read, from the first page I was hooked and I devoured this in one weekend, but this isn’t your stereotypical village love story there are some serious issues that are highlighted within the plot and around certain character’s which gives it a certain edge that other little village stories don’t have.
I loved the sound of this the moment I saw it, it is set in a small Yorkshire may have helped turn my head, but to be honest, I was hooked with the back blurb and intrigued by the hero – I mean, a fireman turned edible flower farmer, what a unique and intriguing man, a man who had so much sadness about him which made me want to give the huge Irishman a cuddle. Our gloomy Shay has been through the most awful experiences, he has seen too much and those dark shadows have settled on his soul and his heart. He left his home, the country he was born and lived, gave up the job he was brilliant at and moved to a tiny little Yorkshire village to become a farmer.
But what reason made him do that?
I’m not going to divulge that, but, I can say one thing that when all is revealed you will be a blubbering teary mess.
Shay and Sarah have been through the mill, they both need space and time to move past their own heartaches, and if they had met under different circumstances their journey to happily ever after may not have been as winding. Sarah just wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of York, she wants to get on with the job at hand and try to move past the hard memories. She thinks that once she gets to the village she will do the job at changing the minds of the villagers to sell up – what she doesn’t count on is that these are proud and stubborn Yorkshire folk who once dig in very rarely change their minds, plus on the first day of meeting some of the residents and breathing in the warming embrace of village life she soon falls in love with Weatherton and a certain gruff, growling, scowling rugged Irishman – aww, Shay!!! …Deep sigh!!!
I have to say that this has the best opening I have read for ages, that first page had me in fits of laughter, it was a brilliant introduction to both Shay and Sarah a misunderstanding that will stay with them.
I loved the villagers, they are a fabulous group of people; funny, serious, passionate, a little eccentric (but then, who doesn’t walk around with teabag’s in their pocket’s or tv remotes in their handbags? ) kind and caring – I can totally relate to this village and its residents.
I loved every part of this; Sarah and Shay are the perfect ‘enemies to lovers’ couple, they don’t start off on the right foot and thing do seem to go downhill every so often once certain things are revealed but neither of them can deny that there is a sparkle, underlying chemistry that hovers between them like swirling mist.
The Little Village of Second Chances is like a box of chocolates, I know that has probably been said a million times before, but with this book, it is the absolute truth. Just imagine it; opening the lid of your favourite chocolate brand box removing the foil and seeing the selection of delicious beautiful chocolates sitting there staring at you and that is what this book is all about, you open the beautiful cover and are greeted with the most charming, lovable, witty character’s which all live in the most idyllic little village. I would absolutely love to run off to charming Weatherton, which is so full of life and drama, community spirit and the perfect place to forget the outside world and settle into a whole new life.
I loved the sound of this the moment I saw it, it is set in a small Yorkshire may have helped turn my head, but to be honest, I was hooked with the back blurb and intrigued by the hero – I mean, a fireman turned edible flower farmer, what a unique and intriguing man, a man who had so much sadness about him which made me want to give the huge Irishman a cuddle. Our gloomy Shay has been through the most awful experiences, he has seen too much and those dark shadows have settled on his soul and his heart. He left his home, the country he was born and lived, gave up the job he was brilliant at and moved to a tiny little Yorkshire village to become a farmer.
But what reason made him do that?
I’m not going to divulge that, but, I can say one thing that when all is revealed you will be a blubbering teary mess.
Shay and Sarah have been through the mill, they both need space and time to move past their own heartaches, and if they had met under different circumstances their journey to happily ever after may not have been as winding. Sarah just wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of York, she wants to get on with the job at hand and try to move past the hard memories. She thinks that once she gets to the village she will do the job at changing the minds of the villagers to sell up – what she doesn’t count on is that these are proud and stubborn Yorkshire folk who once dig in very rarely change their minds, plus on the first day of meeting some of the residents and breathing in the warming embrace of village life she soon falls in love with Weatherton and a certain gruff, growling, scowling rugged Irishman – aww, Shay!!! …Deep sigh!!!
I have to say that this has the best opening I have read for ages, that first page had me in fits of laughter, it was a brilliant introduction to both Shay and Sarah a misunderstanding that will stay with them.
I loved the villagers, they are a fabulous group of people; funny, serious, passionate, a little eccentric (but then, who doesn’t walk around with teabag’s in their pocket’s or tv remotes in their handbags? ) kind and caring – I can totally relate to this village and its residents.
I loved every part of this; Sarah and Shay are the perfect ‘enemies to lovers’ couple, they don’t start off on the right foot and thing do seem to go downhill every so often once certain things are revealed but neither of them can deny that there is a sparkle, underlying chemistry that hovers between them like swirling mist.
The Little Village of Second Chances is like a box of chocolates, I know that has probably been said a million times before, but with this book, it is the absolute truth. Just imagine it; opening the lid of your favourite chocolate brand box removing the foil and seeing the selection of delicious beautiful chocolates sitting there staring at you and that is what this book is all about, you open the beautiful cover and are greeted with the most charming, lovable, witty character’s which all live in the most idyllic little village. I would absolutely love to run off to charming Weatherton, which is so full of life and drama, community spirit and the perfect place to forget the outside world and settle into a whole new life.
June 28, 2020
This was bloody perfect. Exactly what I wanted on a Sunday morning with my hot cuppa tea. I loved the way author Gina Holland penned it; each word was friendly and complete with a sense of camaraderie to them. The book made me want to rush into it and linger there forever.
Sarah was working ingognito for a company which was building the bypass through the village. Shay was one of the villagers who was protesting the construct. Their clash occurred over speeding, moved indoors due to a blizzard where the cold winds forced them to blow hot.
Something about Gina Hollands’ writing caused me to give the prose a second and third look. I just didnt want to leave the small community of friendly people, each with a story of their own. Their warmth wafted off the pages to include me. Hate to love trope was familiar, but the way this author had delivered her story, it was something off the norm. I fell in love with everything and everyone in the book. The villagers were so warm even when their heart was troubled.
I understood where the main characters were coming from. They were etched in a loving detail, contrary in their views yet so similar in their emotions. Clashes over their views, hurt of the past, and betrayals of the present did occur, and they added a layer to the story to bring out the strength of a human psyche.
The whole book had a three dimensional effect as if I too were living my life vicariously through them. The world crisis took away hope, but Gina’s book brought it trickling back. A few hours of love and happiness was what this Village of Second Chances gave me.
I loved the book, and it loved me back completely.
Sarah was working ingognito for a company which was building the bypass through the village. Shay was one of the villagers who was protesting the construct. Their clash occurred over speeding, moved indoors due to a blizzard where the cold winds forced them to blow hot.
Something about Gina Hollands’ writing caused me to give the prose a second and third look. I just didnt want to leave the small community of friendly people, each with a story of their own. Their warmth wafted off the pages to include me. Hate to love trope was familiar, but the way this author had delivered her story, it was something off the norm. I fell in love with everything and everyone in the book. The villagers were so warm even when their heart was troubled.
I understood where the main characters were coming from. They were etched in a loving detail, contrary in their views yet so similar in their emotions. Clashes over their views, hurt of the past, and betrayals of the present did occur, and they added a layer to the story to bring out the strength of a human psyche.
The whole book had a three dimensional effect as if I too were living my life vicariously through them. The world crisis took away hope, but Gina’s book brought it trickling back. A few hours of love and happiness was what this Village of Second Chances gave me.
I loved the book, and it loved me back completely.
February 18, 2023
Locker leichter Liebesroman mit Happy End. Trotzdem einige (teilweise) überraschende Wendungen. Ein kurzes comfort Buch.
June 23, 2020
This was one of those books that seems to be perfect to read on a sunny or rainy afternoon! I loved the characters of Sarah and Shay, and the village community feeling was what we all hope to find wherever we live!
Sarah has just moved to the village with seemingly double intentions! She's escaping something sad from her past, but also hopeful of helping the locals see fit to accept the plan of her company who want to build a massive bypass. She knows they are being offered very good money to move away so can't understand why they are all so reluctant to comply and move away!
Shay is a flower farmer who has lived in the village for sometime, and does all he can to keep himself to himself. He has also suffered tragedy in his past and you get the sense he feels guilty and is happy to punish himself by staying lonely. His first encounter with Sarah isn't the start they both wanted, but when the weather gets in the way they are forced to spend more time together and they soon find a common connection as they open up to one another, and it was really touching to see how their past shaped how they see the world now, and that by talking to one another about things helped them find a little happiness in the world.
But things never run smoothly, and when the bypass company start to play hard ball we get to see how the truth comes out about Sarah and her role and Shay finds himself feeling betrayed by how he opened up to her.
There is a great balance between the light and dark subjects in this book, and I loved how you could relate to both characters and the way they have faced up to tragedies in their lives, and how we need to go easy on ourselves at some point!
Sarah has just moved to the village with seemingly double intentions! She's escaping something sad from her past, but also hopeful of helping the locals see fit to accept the plan of her company who want to build a massive bypass. She knows they are being offered very good money to move away so can't understand why they are all so reluctant to comply and move away!
Shay is a flower farmer who has lived in the village for sometime, and does all he can to keep himself to himself. He has also suffered tragedy in his past and you get the sense he feels guilty and is happy to punish himself by staying lonely. His first encounter with Sarah isn't the start they both wanted, but when the weather gets in the way they are forced to spend more time together and they soon find a common connection as they open up to one another, and it was really touching to see how their past shaped how they see the world now, and that by talking to one another about things helped them find a little happiness in the world.
But things never run smoothly, and when the bypass company start to play hard ball we get to see how the truth comes out about Sarah and her role and Shay finds himself feeling betrayed by how he opened up to her.
There is a great balance between the light and dark subjects in this book, and I loved how you could relate to both characters and the way they have faced up to tragedies in their lives, and how we need to go easy on ourselves at some point!
January 19, 2021
I used to write fanfiction at this level when i was twelve 🥴
January 3, 2023
I’ve never read a book by this author, and I know I have judged a book by its cover, but I don’t think I would have picked it up by its cover! However, I received this book in a book subscription box and gave it a go. And i’m so glad I did! This book was only short so I was able to finish it in one sitting, it was a (almost predictable but) feel-good short romance that made me smile.
It’s about Sarah who had to experience her mother commuting suicide, who goes to a village to try to convince the villagers to accept payment from her employer company to sell their homes for the building of a bypass road. She bumps into her neighbour, Shay who is a recluse that lives on an edible flower farm by himself, following the deaths of his past wife and 6-month child. They begin to open up to each other about their tragic pasts, and fall for each other, but this is broken by the truth coming out about Sarah’s real reasons for moving to the village. They give each other a second chance and fall for each other for real and have a happy ending<3
It’s about Sarah who had to experience her mother commuting suicide, who goes to a village to try to convince the villagers to accept payment from her employer company to sell their homes for the building of a bypass road. She bumps into her neighbour, Shay who is a recluse that lives on an edible flower farm by himself, following the deaths of his past wife and 6-month child. They begin to open up to each other about their tragic pasts, and fall for each other, but this is broken by the truth coming out about Sarah’s real reasons for moving to the village. They give each other a second chance and fall for each other for real and have a happy ending<3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2020
A tragedy happend in his life and he feels guilty about it. A tragedy happened in her life and she feels guilty about it. They both run away from the painful past and find solace in each others arms.
He is completely honest about everything. She is completely honest, but not about everything and when she is pushed with her back against the wall, she is forced to come clean sooner than she wanted to.
He thought he did not deserve a second chance. She thought she could please everybody and believed that money could solve everything.
Will their two hearts collide and start beating as one?
A lovely story about loss, guilt and of course happy times too. I enjoyed it a lot. 5 stars.
Thank you, Gina Hollands and Choc Lit
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
He is completely honest about everything. She is completely honest, but not about everything and when she is pushed with her back against the wall, she is forced to come clean sooner than she wanted to.
He thought he did not deserve a second chance. She thought she could please everybody and believed that money could solve everything.
Will their two hearts collide and start beating as one?
A lovely story about loss, guilt and of course happy times too. I enjoyed it a lot. 5 stars.
Thank you, Gina Hollands and Choc Lit
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
February 6, 2024
This was a freebie, not my genre at all and I really didn’t enjoy the read. Still I’ll know in future.
October 2, 2025
Predictable ending, but it's still a nice little story.
August 19, 2021
Brilliant read. Really enjoyed it. Shame wasn't a sequel lol. Defo worth a read.
May 21, 2025
A cute Quick read - Loved sexy shay the botonist
June 5, 2021
Beach/out of slump book. Cheesy, romantic, and also with a major plot hole.
February 18, 2022
I'll start this off by saying that this isn't a genre that I usually read, and this book reminded me of why 🙈
I'm not immune to a good romance, but this was sickeningly so. We start off with Sarah moving to Wertherstone for work purposes, only to fall in love with the most grumpy resident of the village..
From there we rarely hear about the original reason as to why Sarah is there and it remains about the relationship which is blossoming.. kinda. What annoyed me is that they went from okay to fighting to okay again repeatedly for the majority of the book.. but this flitting around happened on what felt like every page..
I'm not immune to a good romance, but this was sickeningly so. We start off with Sarah moving to Wertherstone for work purposes, only to fall in love with the most grumpy resident of the village..
From there we rarely hear about the original reason as to why Sarah is there and it remains about the relationship which is blossoming.. kinda. What annoyed me is that they went from okay to fighting to okay again repeatedly for the majority of the book.. but this flitting around happened on what felt like every page..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2020
Shay is a troubled recluse due to a tragedy in his life. He has moved to a lovely friendly Yorkshire village to make a new life. Sarah is also trying to escape her past but has very different reasons for coming to the village. Can they overcome their differences to save the village they have both grown to love. A lovely story set in a village I want to move to!!
July 8, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
‘Little Village of Second Chances‘ is a delightful romance that proves the point that what we first see isn’t always the entire story and that perhaps people deserve that second chance to show us what they are truly all about before we rush to judgment. This would be very true indeed for Shay and Sarah. I was drawn into their lives from the opening of this story and remained captured as they each had to face a painful past in differing circumstances, learning to trust each other… and enduring what appears to be a betrayal of that trust. There are several gems of insight into both Shay and Sarah that will help the reader to understand the why of their actions and reactions… but I’m not about to spoil this story for you and you’ll have to discover those tidbits firsthand.
Shay is a wounded soul, and when we discover his past everything about him makes sense. Sarah, on the other hand, is mostly upfront about herself except for one huge glaring detail – one bit of information that will bite her on the butt when she least expects it. I liked them both even though theirs is definitely an enemy to lovers trope. Each has their reasons, even if the other really cannot understand them at first.
I fell in love with the people of this little village, a more diverse, quirky lot would be hard to find and I enjoyed every insight into their lives and their reasons for staying (beyond stubbornness). It was the little touches that mattered to me in ‘Little Village of Second Chances‘ from Sarah’s need to hide why she’s really there, to Shay’s dealing (or not dealing) with his tragic past, to the individual villagers who really made this dilemma more human vs corporation. While the weather may have played a part in Shay and Sarah getting closer it really is up to them to decide what is more important – living in the past or forging forward to a promising, happy ever after future together. I had an absolute blast with this story and would not hesitate to recommend it to any Romance reader.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Choc Lit/Ruby Fiction. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
‘Little Village of Second Chances‘ is a delightful romance that proves the point that what we first see isn’t always the entire story and that perhaps people deserve that second chance to show us what they are truly all about before we rush to judgment. This would be very true indeed for Shay and Sarah. I was drawn into their lives from the opening of this story and remained captured as they each had to face a painful past in differing circumstances, learning to trust each other… and enduring what appears to be a betrayal of that trust. There are several gems of insight into both Shay and Sarah that will help the reader to understand the why of their actions and reactions… but I’m not about to spoil this story for you and you’ll have to discover those tidbits firsthand.
Shay is a wounded soul, and when we discover his past everything about him makes sense. Sarah, on the other hand, is mostly upfront about herself except for one huge glaring detail – one bit of information that will bite her on the butt when she least expects it. I liked them both even though theirs is definitely an enemy to lovers trope. Each has their reasons, even if the other really cannot understand them at first.
I fell in love with the people of this little village, a more diverse, quirky lot would be hard to find and I enjoyed every insight into their lives and their reasons for staying (beyond stubbornness). It was the little touches that mattered to me in ‘Little Village of Second Chances‘ from Sarah’s need to hide why she’s really there, to Shay’s dealing (or not dealing) with his tragic past, to the individual villagers who really made this dilemma more human vs corporation. While the weather may have played a part in Shay and Sarah getting closer it really is up to them to decide what is more important – living in the past or forging forward to a promising, happy ever after future together. I had an absolute blast with this story and would not hesitate to recommend it to any Romance reader.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Choc Lit/Ruby Fiction. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
July 12, 2020
Sarah moves to the village of Wetherstone-on-Ouse to talk the locals into selling up their properties so that the company she works for can build a bypass. What she hadn’t considered is that she may actually like the residents and find that they are lovely and helpful.
Sarah also meets Shay, a farmer who stands to lose his farm if the bypass goes ahead, and despite his tough rough exterior she realises there is much more to this man, who has had tragic past, than meets the eye.
Sarah herself has had some tough times and find that it is easy to share these with Shay, secrets that she hasn’t been able to talk to others about previously.
I loved the fact that the village life sounded great and made me wish I was living in a village where people look out for each other and support small businesses.
Although there is romance there is also some serious issued explored like preservation and how companies find it easy to evict people when they are faceless. There is also the aspect of how 2 individuals deal with things that have happened to them in the past.
An easy read which I wanted to finish quickly to see how it ended.
Thank you to Choc-Lit for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review, which is completely my own
Sarah also meets Shay, a farmer who stands to lose his farm if the bypass goes ahead, and despite his tough rough exterior she realises there is much more to this man, who has had tragic past, than meets the eye.
Sarah herself has had some tough times and find that it is easy to share these with Shay, secrets that she hasn’t been able to talk to others about previously.
I loved the fact that the village life sounded great and made me wish I was living in a village where people look out for each other and support small businesses.
Although there is romance there is also some serious issued explored like preservation and how companies find it easy to evict people when they are faceless. There is also the aspect of how 2 individuals deal with things that have happened to them in the past.
An easy read which I wanted to finish quickly to see how it ended.
Thank you to Choc-Lit for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review, which is completely my own
March 8, 2025
Love, Redemption, and Second Chances!
I totally enjoyed reading this delightfully charming story. Two lost souls with a tragic past meet under less than harmonious circumstances. Sarah has arrived in a small village to try and convince the residents to sell their homes and property in order for a new dual highway to be built. But first she must try to win them over with friendship, not only the villagers but Shay McGillian as well. Having gotten off to a bad start she tries extra hard to win him over, believing that if she can get him on her side the other villagers will agree as well.
But Sarah starts to have feelings for this large gruff silent man and begins to rethink her position on trying to oust the residents from their homes, as well as deceiving them by not being completely honest. As they grow closer Sarah and Shay both start to slowly heal from the regrets and nightmares that haunt them. But will they get to have their happily ever after? You will just have to read this charming feel good story. I guarantee you will not be disappointed! Kudos to the author and to Joffe Books for the recommendation. 🎉👏👏🌟🌟📚💞
I totally enjoyed reading this delightfully charming story. Two lost souls with a tragic past meet under less than harmonious circumstances. Sarah has arrived in a small village to try and convince the residents to sell their homes and property in order for a new dual highway to be built. But first she must try to win them over with friendship, not only the villagers but Shay McGillian as well. Having gotten off to a bad start she tries extra hard to win him over, believing that if she can get him on her side the other villagers will agree as well.
But Sarah starts to have feelings for this large gruff silent man and begins to rethink her position on trying to oust the residents from their homes, as well as deceiving them by not being completely honest. As they grow closer Sarah and Shay both start to slowly heal from the regrets and nightmares that haunt them. But will they get to have their happily ever after? You will just have to read this charming feel good story. I guarantee you will not be disappointed! Kudos to the author and to Joffe Books for the recommendation. 🎉👏👏🌟🌟📚💞
June 24, 2020
Sarah is desperate for a fresh start, away from her troubles, when her job offers her the chance to work away on location. She takes this opportunity, wanting to show everyone she can do this, she doesn't need a man and that she is strong independent woman.
On Sarah's first day at the village Wetherstone she clashes with her new neighbour Shay. Sarah needs to get Shay on her side for work, as her company are wanting to build a bypass through the village. She tries to get to know Shay better, and finds out that Shay too arrived in Wetherstone needing to get away and a fresh start.
What could have been so bad that he'd picked up his life and moved countries because of it?
They both try and fight the attraction between them, but they just can't deny it. Sarah falls in love with Wetherstone and the people who live there.
What will happen when Shay finds out she is working for his opposition?
What were they both running from?
A beautiful read!... I loved the warmth of the characters,it is an emotional read of new beginnings .
Definitely worthy of a 5 star review.
On Sarah's first day at the village Wetherstone she clashes with her new neighbour Shay. Sarah needs to get Shay on her side for work, as her company are wanting to build a bypass through the village. She tries to get to know Shay better, and finds out that Shay too arrived in Wetherstone needing to get away and a fresh start.
What could have been so bad that he'd picked up his life and moved countries because of it?
They both try and fight the attraction between them, but they just can't deny it. Sarah falls in love with Wetherstone and the people who live there.
What will happen when Shay finds out she is working for his opposition?
What were they both running from?
A beautiful read!... I loved the warmth of the characters,it is an emotional read of new beginnings .
Definitely worthy of a 5 star review.
July 14, 2020
Sarah has a job to do which is get people to sell up their houses so that a new bypass can be built so she rents a house in Wetherstone-on-Ouse to get to know the locals and get them to accept the very generous offers..... and she needs to keep busy to help her with her loss. Shay is an ex fireman turned flower farmer who is also trying to escape tragedy and avoids getting close to anyone but when after a snow storm he gets snowed in with Sarah he starts to feel that maybe he can start living again...... but he doesn't know that she is the one trying to get the bypass which goes right through the middle of his farm!
A lovely book with good strong characters and a lovely village vibe, I like the way Sarah starts to understand the village community once she starts to live there whereas beforehand she just thought they were lucky to be getting such generous offers and couldn't understand why they didn't jump at the chance
A lovely book with good strong characters and a lovely village vibe, I like the way Sarah starts to understand the village community once she starts to live there whereas beforehand she just thought they were lucky to be getting such generous offers and couldn't understand why they didn't jump at the chance
December 20, 2021
I've not read a book by this author before, but I'm glad I took a chance and picked it up because it was a lovely little read.
Both main characters, Sarah and Shay, are slightly flawed in that they are both hiding tragic circumstances in their past.
Sarah has come to the Yorkshire village of Wetherstone to try to convince Shay and his fellow villagers to sell up, so her company can build a by-pass.
Ex-fireman turned edible flower farmer Shay, will barely give Sarah the time of day at first, and when he finds out why Sarah is actually in the village he is even more determined not to give her a chance, especially when it means giving up his home and business.
But when an unexpected blizzard means Sarah ends up stranded in Shay's home, they both begin to realise, that they are more alike than they first imagined.
It is a story of grief, loss, and shame, but it does feature happier times too.
Well worth a read.
Both main characters, Sarah and Shay, are slightly flawed in that they are both hiding tragic circumstances in their past.
Sarah has come to the Yorkshire village of Wetherstone to try to convince Shay and his fellow villagers to sell up, so her company can build a by-pass.
Ex-fireman turned edible flower farmer Shay, will barely give Sarah the time of day at first, and when he finds out why Sarah is actually in the village he is even more determined not to give her a chance, especially when it means giving up his home and business.
But when an unexpected blizzard means Sarah ends up stranded in Shay's home, they both begin to realise, that they are more alike than they first imagined.
It is a story of grief, loss, and shame, but it does feature happier times too.
Well worth a read.
June 23, 2020
Sarah and Shay’s first meeting is not the welcome to her new home Sarah might have hoped for, but then her reasons for being there in the first place might be not what the locals are hoping for. It seems Shay is one of the biggest opponents to the new plans her company has for the village, and it is her job to persuade him otherwise, but when she starts to fall for him and realises how much the place means to him, she starts to question her reasons for being there in the first place. Great characters, great story. Gina Holland is a refreshing new author and Little Village of Second Chances, a joy to read. Gina’s beautiful descriptions of Wetherstone-on-Ouse made me realise early on, this place didn’t need a bypass. Sarah was a great character and I empathised with her, but I really hoped she wouldn’t succeed and I couldn’t put the book down until I’d discovered what happened.
June 23, 2020
I love reading books which deal with emotions i can relate to, and I’m a sucker for a happy ending.
I was drawn into the depth of the characters as they journeyed through their story and I loved the descriptions of village life and the sense of community.
Sarah has some personal issues which she needs to work through, and she hoped this job would help, little did she realise she would ultimately have to make a choice between her conscience and her job.
Shay has held onto his grief for so long he has trouble relinquishing it. Hiding away from life, nursing his hurts (all of them) he too needs to start living, and he is very unwilling participant.
I really don’t want to give spoilers, I want you to read this incredibly well written book for yourself and fall in love with the characters and the village as much as I did.
I was drawn into the depth of the characters as they journeyed through their story and I loved the descriptions of village life and the sense of community.
Sarah has some personal issues which she needs to work through, and she hoped this job would help, little did she realise she would ultimately have to make a choice between her conscience and her job.
Shay has held onto his grief for so long he has trouble relinquishing it. Hiding away from life, nursing his hurts (all of them) he too needs to start living, and he is very unwilling participant.
I really don’t want to give spoilers, I want you to read this incredibly well written book for yourself and fall in love with the characters and the village as much as I did.
August 7, 2021
A great book to escape life with. It's a rainy day here in London and this book bought the sunshine back into my life.
Sarah is running away from a horrendous life occurrence as it Shay and they both meet up in a small village just outside of York.
It's more a love hate start but some serious issues are tackled here - not the usual in a romance book but beautifully penned. I enjoyed having a more meaty plot line and have loved reading the book.
A great one to whisk you away, be it on a beach, in the cold of winter or here in the UK in the rain during a pandemic!
I've not read anything from this author before but I must say she has a great way of writing stories and emotions. No long passages of unneeded descriptive prose or gratuitous sex or bad language. A book that can be enjoyed by everyone. Go on give it a read!
Sarah is running away from a horrendous life occurrence as it Shay and they both meet up in a small village just outside of York.
It's more a love hate start but some serious issues are tackled here - not the usual in a romance book but beautifully penned. I enjoyed having a more meaty plot line and have loved reading the book.
A great one to whisk you away, be it on a beach, in the cold of winter or here in the UK in the rain during a pandemic!
I've not read anything from this author before but I must say she has a great way of writing stories and emotions. No long passages of unneeded descriptive prose or gratuitous sex or bad language. A book that can be enjoyed by everyone. Go on give it a read!
September 6, 2021
This was a very sweet, fast read. All the right cliches for a romance book.
I do feel like my only real criticisms with this book is that, as well as it being a little rushed in parts, that a lot of the back-and-forth between Sarah and Shay could have been resolved by the two of them having a genuine conversation, rather than assuming that the other person would either be happy or upset by what they were doing, or had done. But then again, this would probably mean that most of the problems that arise within the book would not occur and, thus, no book.
But their lives continuing on for the better, despite their individual life traumas, goes to show that people can be happy and, eventually, move on.
I do feel like my only real criticisms with this book is that, as well as it being a little rushed in parts, that a lot of the back-and-forth between Sarah and Shay could have been resolved by the two of them having a genuine conversation, rather than assuming that the other person would either be happy or upset by what they were doing, or had done. But then again, this would probably mean that most of the problems that arise within the book would not occur and, thus, no book.
But their lives continuing on for the better, despite their individual life traumas, goes to show that people can be happy and, eventually, move on.
June 7, 2020
A "small town/village" romance is always welcome, and I enjoyed this one even if near the end I thought something was a little exaggerated (but the problem is that it seems to happen ridiculously often to romance heroines, not that it couldn't really happen). On the plus side, farming edible flowers is an original occupation for a hero, and most importantly I felt there was a good balance between funny moments and emotional ones (both Sarah and Shay are still affected by tragic past events). Also, there's a dog and a cat. ☺
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2020
A lovely feel good book filled with community spirit and a perfect escape.
Well written I really enjoyed all of the characters and empathised with them. I loved the village of Wetherstone-on-Ouse and would like to live in a village like this where there is a community where people look out for each other and support local businesses. Well paced with twists and turns along the way which made this book difficult to put down - I wanted to find out what would happen next.
A story of community, new beginnings, self discovery, friendship and romance. A perfect read for a sunny afternoon or afternoon cosy on the sofa.
I am looking forward to reading more from Gina Hollands
Well written I really enjoyed all of the characters and empathised with them. I loved the village of Wetherstone-on-Ouse and would like to live in a village like this where there is a community where people look out for each other and support local businesses. Well paced with twists and turns along the way which made this book difficult to put down - I wanted to find out what would happen next.
A story of community, new beginnings, self discovery, friendship and romance. A perfect read for a sunny afternoon or afternoon cosy on the sofa.
I am looking forward to reading more from Gina Hollands
January 2, 2024
A Lovely Book
When Sarah was sent to Wetherstone-on-Ouse to persuade the villagers to sell their homes to the property company she worked for, so they could build a new road, little did she know what she was letting herself in for. Most of the villagers welcomed her, although they didn't know why she was there, but one person didn't, her nearest neighbour Shay. He had no intention of selling his farm. Both Sarah and Shay had their own demons to come to terms with, but there was instant attraction between them. Would Sarah be able to fulfil her task and maybe find a romantic interest as well? A lovely story and while there were no surprises I still enjoyed it.
When Sarah was sent to Wetherstone-on-Ouse to persuade the villagers to sell their homes to the property company she worked for, so they could build a new road, little did she know what she was letting herself in for. Most of the villagers welcomed her, although they didn't know why she was there, but one person didn't, her nearest neighbour Shay. He had no intention of selling his farm. Both Sarah and Shay had their own demons to come to terms with, but there was instant attraction between them. Would Sarah be able to fulfil her task and maybe find a romantic interest as well? A lovely story and while there were no surprises I still enjoyed it.
January 5, 2024
It's a while since I've been so invested in a story. The characters all completely believable although in many cases their characters came through with the fewest of words. The main thing though was how it made me feel. I was in tears at the back stories of both Sarah and Shay and also some of the others about to lose their homes thanks to big business.
Couldn't help wondering if Gina Hollands has personal experience of something similar or it was simply impeccable research into how businesses can make people feel when they ride rough shod over them.
But as well as tears there was also a lot of drama, joy, laughter and love included as everything worked out in the best possible way.
Couldn't help wondering if Gina Hollands has personal experience of something similar or it was simply impeccable research into how businesses can make people feel when they ride rough shod over them.
But as well as tears there was also a lot of drama, joy, laughter and love included as everything worked out in the best possible way.
June 23, 2020
Although quite a lot of snow plays an important part in the story do not wait until winter to read it! Shay is used to running towards danger but grief made him run away to Yorkshire. Sarah has not run as far but nonetheless is looking for a life without reminders of her recent past and is convinced her employer's new bypass is going to be welcomed by the villagers. Swiftly and sorely disillusioned Sarah has some serious thinking to do. Can any of her bright future be saved? And will Shay be part of it? Both seem unlikely, but it is Choc Lit...
June 23, 2020
I thought the opening section of this book was a cracker – a real hook with which to get going. However, the impetus then slowed a little and I was wondering if I was going to enjoy it after all, but I eventually read the whole thing in one sitting as I didn’t want to put it down. Shay makes a wonderfully damaged hero …. The ending is something of a tearjerker, how can it all end well? At one point I really didn’t see how it could! A very good debut novel – I look forward to the next. It gets a good 4 stars from me.
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