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Hope and Happiness in Bluebell Wood
Welcome to Bluebell Wood where the sun shines, the locals are kind and there's something more than a little bit magical about the place.
Ava loves city life but when something happens to make her feel unsafe, she retreats to the calm and quiet of Bluebell Wood. The once high-flying Ava now locks herself away in her fairy-tale cottage, only leaving to explore the trails of the nearby woods or to potter in the garden with her dog, Merlin.
When Ava begins to feed the wild birds that flock to her bird table, they start leaving her trinkets of appreciation in return. The gifts seem innocent at first, but they soon take on a deeper meaning.
It isn't until Ava meets Callum, the handsome parish priest, that she can't help but wonder if the birds might have been trying to get her out of the house all along. But will their curious behaviour help to heal Ava, and transform her and Callum into the lovebirds they clearly long to be?
Ava loves city life but when something happens to make her feel unsafe, she retreats to the calm and quiet of Bluebell Wood. The once high-flying Ava now locks herself away in her fairy-tale cottage, only leaving to explore the trails of the nearby woods or to potter in the garden with her dog, Merlin.
When Ava begins to feed the wild birds that flock to her bird table, they start leaving her trinkets of appreciation in return. The gifts seem innocent at first, but they soon take on a deeper meaning.
It isn't until Ava meets Callum, the handsome parish priest, that she can't help but wonder if the birds might have been trying to get her out of the house all along. But will their curious behaviour help to heal Ava, and transform her and Callum into the lovebirds they clearly long to be?
ebook
Published July 22, 2021
70 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Ali McNamara
34 books1,271 followersAli McNamara is a writer and author.
Her debut novel, From Notting Hill with Love...Actually, the first of three 'Notting Hill' books, became an instant bestseller.
Ali has had much overseas success with her books - particularly Breakfast at Darcy's which was a Top Ten bestseller in Italy. Her novels Step Back in Time and Letters from Lighthouse Cottage were nominated for the Romantic Novel of the Year.
Ali lives in Cambridgeshire with her family and beloved dogs. In her spare time she likes to visit antique shops and people watch, more often than not accompanied by a good cup of coffee!
Ali suffers with two chronic illnesses: M.E./CFS and UCTD and is a disability and invisible disability advocate.
To find out more about Ali visit her website: www.alimcnamara.co.uk
or follow her on Twitter: @AliMcNamara, Facebook and Instagram.
Her debut novel, From Notting Hill with Love...Actually, the first of three 'Notting Hill' books, became an instant bestseller.
Ali has had much overseas success with her books - particularly Breakfast at Darcy's which was a Top Ten bestseller in Italy. Her novels Step Back in Time and Letters from Lighthouse Cottage were nominated for the Romantic Novel of the Year.
Ali lives in Cambridgeshire with her family and beloved dogs. In her spare time she likes to visit antique shops and people watch, more often than not accompanied by a good cup of coffee!
Ali suffers with two chronic illnesses: M.E./CFS and UCTD and is a disability and invisible disability advocate.
To find out more about Ali visit her website: www.alimcnamara.co.uk
or follow her on Twitter: @AliMcNamara, Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
July 10, 2021
I loved this wonderful book, the characters were so friendly and I built up a mental image of the village, woods and all the houses and wished I could live in a place like that one. The descriptions were so vivid and I really didn’t want to finish this one. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
December 31, 2023
Three and a half stars
After a traumatic experience in London, Ava ends up with ptsd. In an effort to overcome her issues Ava decides to change her lifestyle and move to the country. Ava chooses a quiet place named Bluebell Wood. She retreats to her cottage. When she starts to feed the wild birds as Evelyn who lived in the cottage before did, the birds end up leaving her trinkets of appreciation. Over time the gifts, which at first seem random, form a pattern that leads her into unexpected places. Ava ends up making a few caring friends in Bluebell Wood and starts to feel more at home there.. She also meets the local vicar who is like no pastor or priest she has ever met before. Her previous experience with religion had not been positive.
Okay so suspension of disbelief is required for this gentle book with some magical realism elements concerning the birds. The story is an entertaining read that raises some thought provoking questions and discussions. I had a couple of issues though. I was not convinced by Callum as a vicar or a love interest, but maybe just me. Others may not have any problems.
So if you want a light book about friendship, community, dealing with the past plus romance, along with serious issues, this may be just your thing. It is a sweet read that I did enjoy despite my couple of quibbles.
After a traumatic experience in London, Ava ends up with ptsd. In an effort to overcome her issues Ava decides to change her lifestyle and move to the country. Ava chooses a quiet place named Bluebell Wood. She retreats to her cottage. When she starts to feed the wild birds as Evelyn who lived in the cottage before did, the birds end up leaving her trinkets of appreciation. Over time the gifts, which at first seem random, form a pattern that leads her into unexpected places. Ava ends up making a few caring friends in Bluebell Wood and starts to feel more at home there.. She also meets the local vicar who is like no pastor or priest she has ever met before. Her previous experience with religion had not been positive.
Okay so suspension of disbelief is required for this gentle book with some magical realism elements concerning the birds. The story is an entertaining read that raises some thought provoking questions and discussions. I had a couple of issues though. I was not convinced by Callum as a vicar or a love interest, but maybe just me. Others may not have any problems.
So if you want a light book about friendship, community, dealing with the past plus romance, along with serious issues, this may be just your thing. It is a sweet read that I did enjoy despite my couple of quibbles.
July 29, 2021
There is something about an Ali McNamara book that is always addictive, quirky, draws you in keeps, keeps you guessing and can be read in one sitting.
This is no expectation from Ava's back story involving a terror incident that happened to her and the birds of bluebell wood who can disagree with them.
I like how Ava is a little older than some lead characters with two grown up children in New York and London. Two large places with big crowds. Hardly Ava's favourite place. The pub can have the same effect too (I am no surprised with what she went through).
Callum is the local priest and proves not to judge a book by its cover being different to what you would expect. I would have had the same reservations as Ava about that relationship due to any prays I would do would be to a God I do not believe in. Callum is so likeable though even I could see past his "dog collar".
Special mention to side and main characters Merlin Dog, Jonah, Robin and Jemina they all played a role to make this an excellent read.
A special book with a special story proving why Ali McNamara is one of if not my favourite authors.
5 stars
This is no expectation from Ava's back story involving a terror incident that happened to her and the birds of bluebell wood who can disagree with them.
I like how Ava is a little older than some lead characters with two grown up children in New York and London. Two large places with big crowds. Hardly Ava's favourite place. The pub can have the same effect too (I am no surprised with what she went through).
Callum is the local priest and proves not to judge a book by its cover being different to what you would expect. I would have had the same reservations as Ava about that relationship due to any prays I would do would be to a God I do not believe in. Callum is so likeable though even I could see past his "dog collar".
Special mention to side and main characters Merlin Dog, Jonah, Robin and Jemina they all played a role to make this an excellent read.
A special book with a special story proving why Ali McNamara is one of if not my favourite authors.
5 stars
July 10, 2021
This was a lovely book. I enjoyed every page. I loved the characters very much, it made me wish that I lived in a close-knit village where everyone is willing to help their neighbours and rally together in times of trouble. I love Bluebells and I enjoy walking in the wood’s especially it’s my family. This book ticked all the boxes and it gave me a chance to escape for awhile. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
September 15, 2021
A beautifully written book that really grabs you and totally immerses you in the storyline.
Ava has had a troubled time which we gradually learn more about. She has taken a rental in a lovely cottage by Bluebell Wood. She wants to cocoon herself and keep away from everyone. She struggles to go out- but her rescue dog means that she needs to venture out.
She meets the local vicar out on a walk and gradually gets to know more of the villagers.
She feeds birds in the garden and they bring little treasures that are a bit of a mystery.
There is such a community feel about this book- you get to know everyone and feel a part of the village. They pull together to try and stop a local development and the treasures the birds find form an interesting angle.
I loved every page and look forward to Ali's next release eagerly.
Ava has had a troubled time which we gradually learn more about. She has taken a rental in a lovely cottage by Bluebell Wood. She wants to cocoon herself and keep away from everyone. She struggles to go out- but her rescue dog means that she needs to venture out.
She meets the local vicar out on a walk and gradually gets to know more of the villagers.
She feeds birds in the garden and they bring little treasures that are a bit of a mystery.
There is such a community feel about this book- you get to know everyone and feel a part of the village. They pull together to try and stop a local development and the treasures the birds find form an interesting angle.
I loved every page and look forward to Ali's next release eagerly.
July 13, 2021
I really enjoyed my time in Bluebell Wood, the writing really conjured up the feel for the small village, I wanted to visit it for myself!
Ava had lived in London, but after experiencing a trauma, escapes to live in Bluebell Wood, somewhere she can hopefully feel safe. Her grown up children are worried about her, but the village draws Ava in and I loved the sense of community the writing evoked.
The bird references throughout were fab, it was fun spotting them in people's names and despite not normally loving magical elements in books, I really enjoyed the way the birds brought gifts for Ava and helped her to heal.
I would definitely recommend this one for a lovely summer read.
Ava had lived in London, but after experiencing a trauma, escapes to live in Bluebell Wood, somewhere she can hopefully feel safe. Her grown up children are worried about her, but the village draws Ava in and I loved the sense of community the writing evoked.
The bird references throughout were fab, it was fun spotting them in people's names and despite not normally loving magical elements in books, I really enjoyed the way the birds brought gifts for Ava and helped her to heal.
I would definitely recommend this one for a lovely summer read.
July 12, 2021
I've always loved a McNamara novel, and this one made no exception.
Ava is seeking some peace and quite in a remote little village after a devasting experience that changes her life.
Bluebell village reveals to be exactly what she needed and with the help of gorgeous "hot" vicar Callum, the whole community, the ancient woods surrounding the area and some magical wildlife everything finally makes sense again.
Wonderful read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ava is seeking some peace and quite in a remote little village after a devasting experience that changes her life.
Bluebell village reveals to be exactly what she needed and with the help of gorgeous "hot" vicar Callum, the whole community, the ancient woods surrounding the area and some magical wildlife everything finally makes sense again.
Wonderful read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2021
NetGalley
Member Review
Cover Image: Hope and Happiness in Bluebell Wood
Hope and Happiness in Bluebell Wood
by Ali McNamara
Pub Date: 22 Jul 2021
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 12 Jun 2021
My Recommendation
With grateful thanks to netgalley and Ali McNamara for an arc in return for an honest opinion.
Firstly I have read all of this ladies books and they are quite outstanding, this one is no exception, it's actually quite mesmerising and truly magical.
This is a Tale that involves a beautiful village of bluebell Wood some amazing residents some more amazing than others like Calum and Jonah from the church and new residents Ava and Lonan, there new friendship is helpful and very much healing especially for ava I couldn't put this nook down it truly is outstandingly magical. I can’t praise this book enough.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 22 Jul 2021, to post to these retailers.
Member Review
Cover Image: Hope and Happiness in Bluebell Wood
Hope and Happiness in Bluebell Wood
by Ali McNamara
Pub Date: 22 Jul 2021
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 12 Jun 2021
My Recommendation
With grateful thanks to netgalley and Ali McNamara for an arc in return for an honest opinion.
Firstly I have read all of this ladies books and they are quite outstanding, this one is no exception, it's actually quite mesmerising and truly magical.
This is a Tale that involves a beautiful village of bluebell Wood some amazing residents some more amazing than others like Calum and Jonah from the church and new residents Ava and Lonan, there new friendship is helpful and very much healing especially for ava I couldn't put this nook down it truly is outstandingly magical. I can’t praise this book enough.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 22 Jul 2021, to post to these retailers.
July 19, 2022
It's always a magical time when I get to sit down and read a new book from Ali McNamara and this was no exception.
This is an author who has a habit of putting something a bit out of the ordinary in her books, and the specialness in this one comes from the birds that visit Ava's new garden.
We know that Ava is clearly affected by something and her various anxieties are dealt with sympathetically, but I wouldn't have ever guessed at exactly what caused her to like she is at the start of the story.
She has a dog, Merlin who is fundamental to the story, and is involved in many of the storylines.
I also liked meeting Linnet and Robin, plus actually everyone in Bluebell Wood.
It sounds like a really charming place to live, and I was enthralled by the story.
It was a wonder and had me hooked.
Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
This is an author who has a habit of putting something a bit out of the ordinary in her books, and the specialness in this one comes from the birds that visit Ava's new garden.
We know that Ava is clearly affected by something and her various anxieties are dealt with sympathetically, but I wouldn't have ever guessed at exactly what caused her to like she is at the start of the story.
She has a dog, Merlin who is fundamental to the story, and is involved in many of the storylines.
I also liked meeting Linnet and Robin, plus actually everyone in Bluebell Wood.
It sounds like a really charming place to live, and I was enthralled by the story.
It was a wonder and had me hooked.
Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 8, 2022
Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
Ava ha quarant’anni, due figli ormai grandi e una vita a Londra dalla quale è fuggita a seguito di un evento traumatico. Da quando la sua esistenza è cambiata, trascorre molto tempo in solitudine, ripudia la gente e i luoghi affollati così come le grandi città. Per questo decide di prendere in affitto il Bluebell Cottage nella tranquilla località di Bluebell Wood. Immersa nella natura assieme al suo cane Merlin non potrà accaderle nulla, tuttavia non ha considerato quanto il piccolo paese sia popolato da gente aperta alla socialità che farà di tutto per coinvolgerla nelle iniziative che vengono via via organizzate. E se anche gli uccellini volessero comunicarle qualcosa? Spessissimo, infatti, nella loro casetta, la donna trova piccoli regalini apparentemente senza significato. Sarà solo grazie al vicino di casa Callum se risolverà il mistero e, chissà, forse il destino ha in serbo per lei una seconda possibilità.
“Per la prima volta dopo tanto tempo mi sento protetta e al sicuro. E non sono quando sono nel cottage, ma soprattutto quando io e Merlin passeggiamo nel bosco. C’è qualcosa in Bluebell Wood che non riesco a capire, ma è qualcosa che amo ogni giorno di più.”
I romanzi di Ali McNamara sono una costante della stagione estiva e, anche quest’anno, non hanno deluso le mie aspettative.
Sono principalmente due i punti di forza di questo libro: l’ambientazione e l’originale trama. Bluebell Wood è una ridente cittadina circondata dalla natura, dove la vita si svolge con semplicità e tutti gli abitanti sono disponibili e affiatati tra loro. Una comunità ben lontana dai ritmi e dallo stile di vita proprio di una grande città. I sentieri tra i boschi, i canti degli uccelli, la natura che sembra quasi prevalere sull’uomo, decisamente un altro mondo se paragonato al tanto cemento di cui sono fatte le metropoli.
Ava ha bisogno di ricominciare e di ritrovare se stessa. Ha deciso di mollare tutto, di chiudersi a riccio e quale scelta migliore se non trasferirsi in un paesino tranquillo? Man mano che la sua permanenza prosegue, la donna diverrà a poco a poco membro attivo della comunità, determinata, persino in grado di stupire se stessa attraverso reazioni e stati d’animo che non credeva di possedere ancora.
Sicuramente intrigante è l’elemento magico presente nella trama, elemento che si ritrova in molti romanzi dell’autrice. Attraverso l’espediente dei piccoli regali donati dagli uccellini, si crea una singolare caccia al tesoro in grado di riservare sorprese e di dare nuovo slancio allo sviluppo narrativo.
Callum è un personaggio davvero ben riuscito. Gentile, affabile, un punto di riferimento della comunità, sarà lui a dare un concreto contributo nella risoluzione del mistero vincendo anche la ritrosia della donna in un sentimento che si evolve gradatamente.
Lo stile della prosa è semplice, fresco e scorrevole. Il lettore è pienamente coinvolto nella vicenda, viene trasportato pagina dopo pagina con delicatezza fino alla conclusione della vicenda.
Un romanzo piacevole, dolce e amabile. Una lettura che sa arrivare dritto al cuore.
Ava ha quarant’anni, due figli ormai grandi e una vita a Londra dalla quale è fuggita a seguito di un evento traumatico. Da quando la sua esistenza è cambiata, trascorre molto tempo in solitudine, ripudia la gente e i luoghi affollati così come le grandi città. Per questo decide di prendere in affitto il Bluebell Cottage nella tranquilla località di Bluebell Wood. Immersa nella natura assieme al suo cane Merlin non potrà accaderle nulla, tuttavia non ha considerato quanto il piccolo paese sia popolato da gente aperta alla socialità che farà di tutto per coinvolgerla nelle iniziative che vengono via via organizzate. E se anche gli uccellini volessero comunicarle qualcosa? Spessissimo, infatti, nella loro casetta, la donna trova piccoli regalini apparentemente senza significato. Sarà solo grazie al vicino di casa Callum se risolverà il mistero e, chissà, forse il destino ha in serbo per lei una seconda possibilità.
“Per la prima volta dopo tanto tempo mi sento protetta e al sicuro. E non sono quando sono nel cottage, ma soprattutto quando io e Merlin passeggiamo nel bosco. C’è qualcosa in Bluebell Wood che non riesco a capire, ma è qualcosa che amo ogni giorno di più.”
I romanzi di Ali McNamara sono una costante della stagione estiva e, anche quest’anno, non hanno deluso le mie aspettative.
Sono principalmente due i punti di forza di questo libro: l’ambientazione e l’originale trama. Bluebell Wood è una ridente cittadina circondata dalla natura, dove la vita si svolge con semplicità e tutti gli abitanti sono disponibili e affiatati tra loro. Una comunità ben lontana dai ritmi e dallo stile di vita proprio di una grande città. I sentieri tra i boschi, i canti degli uccelli, la natura che sembra quasi prevalere sull’uomo, decisamente un altro mondo se paragonato al tanto cemento di cui sono fatte le metropoli.
Ava ha bisogno di ricominciare e di ritrovare se stessa. Ha deciso di mollare tutto, di chiudersi a riccio e quale scelta migliore se non trasferirsi in un paesino tranquillo? Man mano che la sua permanenza prosegue, la donna diverrà a poco a poco membro attivo della comunità, determinata, persino in grado di stupire se stessa attraverso reazioni e stati d’animo che non credeva di possedere ancora.
Sicuramente intrigante è l’elemento magico presente nella trama, elemento che si ritrova in molti romanzi dell’autrice. Attraverso l’espediente dei piccoli regali donati dagli uccellini, si crea una singolare caccia al tesoro in grado di riservare sorprese e di dare nuovo slancio allo sviluppo narrativo.
Callum è un personaggio davvero ben riuscito. Gentile, affabile, un punto di riferimento della comunità, sarà lui a dare un concreto contributo nella risoluzione del mistero vincendo anche la ritrosia della donna in un sentimento che si evolve gradatamente.
Lo stile della prosa è semplice, fresco e scorrevole. Il lettore è pienamente coinvolto nella vicenda, viene trasportato pagina dopo pagina con delicatezza fino alla conclusione della vicenda.
Un romanzo piacevole, dolce e amabile. Una lettura che sa arrivare dritto al cuore.
January 12, 2024
What a wonderful book 📖
I'd like to live in Bluebell Woods 🌳🪻
I'd like to live in Bluebell Woods 🌳🪻
July 25, 2021
Amazing read
August 10, 2021
Another gentle, heartwarming story from one of my favourite authors. I particularly loved Merlin the dog.
July 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and didn't really know what to expect. Ava moves into the country for a new start and doesn't really know what she's got herself into.
This book embodies the community that a village can have - from Ava's first encounter with Callum to the pub quiz and daily encounters with her neighbours.
The birds leaving presents on her bird table led to even more intrigue and interactions, and really made me think.
I loved how Ava's interactions developed between the other characters as she settled back into both herself and into the village which she was starting to call home.
This is a book that needs a cold drink and a hammock to enjoy it in.
This book embodies the community that a village can have - from Ava's first encounter with Callum to the pub quiz and daily encounters with her neighbours.
The birds leaving presents on her bird table led to even more intrigue and interactions, and really made me think.
I loved how Ava's interactions developed between the other characters as she settled back into both herself and into the village which she was starting to call home.
This is a book that needs a cold drink and a hammock to enjoy it in.
October 13, 2021
very easy read, sweet and simple. Ava is overcoming trauma by moving from city to country and soon becomes swept up by village life, attracted to the local vicar and fighting local developers. It was very gentle, with magical birds and a treasure hunt.
June 12, 2021
Hope and Happiness in Bluebell Wood is such a wonderfully calming and magical story.
Ava moves to a tiny village from London to escape something awful that happened in her life. We don’t find out what until later in the story, but it was obviously very traumatic, and left her with panic attacks and a fear of people.
Ava soon settles into village life with her rescue dog Merlin, and she changes beyond belief. She feeds the birds, spends time reading and learning, starts to bake and slowly starts to socialise and trust again. A far cry from her hectic life in London.
As with all Ali McNamara stories there’s a little bit of magic at stake too which makes me feel almost childlike. Like many old villages, life revolves around the church and aspects of the Bible and Christianity play a part in this story. This is not done in a preachy way by any means, but it all ties in with the historical and folklore aspects of the story. It was so interesting and makes you realise what a tiny part we play in the universe.
I loved this story and isn’t the cover gorgeous too. A thoroughly enchanting book.
Ava moves to a tiny village from London to escape something awful that happened in her life. We don’t find out what until later in the story, but it was obviously very traumatic, and left her with panic attacks and a fear of people.
Ava soon settles into village life with her rescue dog Merlin, and she changes beyond belief. She feeds the birds, spends time reading and learning, starts to bake and slowly starts to socialise and trust again. A far cry from her hectic life in London.
As with all Ali McNamara stories there’s a little bit of magic at stake too which makes me feel almost childlike. Like many old villages, life revolves around the church and aspects of the Bible and Christianity play a part in this story. This is not done in a preachy way by any means, but it all ties in with the historical and folklore aspects of the story. It was so interesting and makes you realise what a tiny part we play in the universe.
I loved this story and isn’t the cover gorgeous too. A thoroughly enchanting book.
November 30, 2021
This is one of the best book I have read this year 2021!!!!! I am so so happy to have read it! It is extremely good!!!! This book deserve a 5 stars out of 5!!!! I am warmly recommending it to you!!! The story is cute, but at the same time serious, then exciting! It's highly addictive! And the romance part of the story is very very good too!
July 22, 2021
Another magical, feel good story from Ali McNamara.
Ava has certainly been though some tough times but coming to
Bluebell wood is definitely the right decision for her. I loved how the woods and countryside helped to be calm and heal, and her introduction to the birds to the garden was wonderful to see. With a beautifully described backdrop of village life, warm and compassionate characters and a little hope, this story is one to wrap you in its arms and whisper everything will be ok. Just magical.
Ava has certainly been though some tough times but coming to
Bluebell wood is definitely the right decision for her. I loved how the woods and countryside helped to be calm and heal, and her introduction to the birds to the garden was wonderful to see. With a beautifully described backdrop of village life, warm and compassionate characters and a little hope, this story is one to wrap you in its arms and whisper everything will be ok. Just magical.
May 19, 2022
Loved it.
July 18, 2021
After being caught up in a traumatic event, Ava decides to find solace and peace in Bluebell Wood. The complete opposite to her hustle and bustle of life she is leaving behind in London but she needs to find peace and heal.
With a rescue dog called Merlin accompanying her Ava finds herself in this little cottage on the edge of the woods, with plans to keep herself to herself. Unfortunately coming to live in a small village means you are going to be the source of much interest and it isn’t long before Ava finds herself slowly being swept into village life.
Callum, the good looking vicar, is one of the first to meet Ava and leaves a lasting impression, though it takes a while for Ava to reconcile this man of god with the vision in her imagination. Jenny in the village shop is welcoming and helpful, the local teacher Jemima encourages Ava’s gift with the children. Linnet and Robin, a single mum and an autistic boy pull not just at Ava’s heart strings but mine as well.
With any village there is always something going on whether it is the local quiz, the school jumble sale or even Easter Egg hunts and Ava despite her fears and misgivings seems to become part of it all. As the new development starts on some fields adjacent to Bluebell Wood, she finds herself very passionately protesting that something must be done. It seems that miracles come in strange place.
Whilst the book encompass a wonderful village tale full of community spirit, Ali McNamara has taken the power of nature and used it to her advantage to add an almost ethereal tone to one of the storylines. The beauty of nature and particularly the birds that are attracted to no doubt Bluebell Wood but Ava’s bird food lead to something that will put the village on the map forever.
It seems that Ava’s solace and peace is what she has been looking for all along.
This is another wonderful book from an author who seems to be getting better with the depth of her stories and the wonderful scenes and characters she weaves into the pages of the book.
Thoroughly recommended for that feel good nature of a book bursting full of nature too!
With a rescue dog called Merlin accompanying her Ava finds herself in this little cottage on the edge of the woods, with plans to keep herself to herself. Unfortunately coming to live in a small village means you are going to be the source of much interest and it isn’t long before Ava finds herself slowly being swept into village life.
Callum, the good looking vicar, is one of the first to meet Ava and leaves a lasting impression, though it takes a while for Ava to reconcile this man of god with the vision in her imagination. Jenny in the village shop is welcoming and helpful, the local teacher Jemima encourages Ava’s gift with the children. Linnet and Robin, a single mum and an autistic boy pull not just at Ava’s heart strings but mine as well.
With any village there is always something going on whether it is the local quiz, the school jumble sale or even Easter Egg hunts and Ava despite her fears and misgivings seems to become part of it all. As the new development starts on some fields adjacent to Bluebell Wood, she finds herself very passionately protesting that something must be done. It seems that miracles come in strange place.
Whilst the book encompass a wonderful village tale full of community spirit, Ali McNamara has taken the power of nature and used it to her advantage to add an almost ethereal tone to one of the storylines. The beauty of nature and particularly the birds that are attracted to no doubt Bluebell Wood but Ava’s bird food lead to something that will put the village on the map forever.
It seems that Ava’s solace and peace is what she has been looking for all along.
This is another wonderful book from an author who seems to be getting better with the depth of her stories and the wonderful scenes and characters she weaves into the pages of the book.
Thoroughly recommended for that feel good nature of a book bursting full of nature too!
December 14, 2021
Utterly delightful! One of those books where you got lost within the pages, desperate to be in the area of Bluebell Wood and surrounded by the characters who you can easily relate to and empathise with!
Ava is looking for an escape. Her mental health is not in a good place and she needs a change of scenery so when the opportunity to move to Bluebell cottage comes up, she grabs the chance although her children aren't so sure she be alone right now.
She soon finds she's never alone in this new area - there are birds visiting the garden that she needs to feed and the locals are all too willing to offer advice and help. She has suffered badly with anxiety recently, but a furry canine companion has helped get her out and moving again and she takes baby steps in the art of socialising and doing something out of her comfort zone.
And with Merlin the dog connecting with some chidren in the area, Ava soon finds that her life starts moving in a different direction and she gets that boost of confidence that she has needed to find her feet again. In Callum she also finds someone she can open up to, and he to her, and it's just a wonderfully uplifting stories based around trust, friendship and community. Loved it!
Ava is looking for an escape. Her mental health is not in a good place and she needs a change of scenery so when the opportunity to move to Bluebell cottage comes up, she grabs the chance although her children aren't so sure she be alone right now.
She soon finds she's never alone in this new area - there are birds visiting the garden that she needs to feed and the locals are all too willing to offer advice and help. She has suffered badly with anxiety recently, but a furry canine companion has helped get her out and moving again and she takes baby steps in the art of socialising and doing something out of her comfort zone.
And with Merlin the dog connecting with some chidren in the area, Ava soon finds that her life starts moving in a different direction and she gets that boost of confidence that she has needed to find her feet again. In Callum she also finds someone she can open up to, and he to her, and it's just a wonderfully uplifting stories based around trust, friendship and community. Loved it!
July 7, 2021
With many thanks to #Netgalley and #LittleBrownBookGroupUK for an ARC of #HopeAndHappinessInBluebellWood by #AliMcNamara, in return for an honest review.
Ava is in her mid-forties and after going through an awful trauma in London, she takes the opportunity to move to Bluebell Wood, where she hopes she can avoid other people and enjoy a quiet life with her rescue dog Merlin.
Despite her best efforts, Ava finds the village and its residents creeping into her life, especially the dishy vicar Callum.
Ava feeds the birds in her garden, and they mysteriously begin to leave her small gifts on the bird table.
What do these gifts mean? And can Ava and her friends piece the clues together to discover hidden secrets from the village’s past and maybe even find a way to stop the awful housing development that threatens to ruin the beautiful tranquillity and character of Bluebell Wood?
This is a gentle tale, of friendship, love, overcoming the past and the strength of community spirit.
Ali McNamara Creates some well thought out characters, who are likeable and funny.
She creates an idyllic image of the village of Bluebell Wood, picturesque, enchanting and welcoming.
This book is well thought out and intricate with its detail.
If you like Ali’s writing, you will not be disappointed with this book. It brims with her trademark of magic and sparkle.
All in all, this book is a gentle read, full of love and a generous sprinkle of something quite special that will mesmerise and enchant you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#blindiebookgirl
#TheFriendlyBookCommunity
September 27, 2022
I enjoyed this story, as I do all Ali McNamara books, a light hearted read about a lady who finds herself, romance and happiness again in a small village. I liked the romance blossoming between Ava and Callum, and the initial fear of perceived ‘forbidden’ love. Very cute. The last few chapters dragged a little with the uncovering of the larger, underlying mystery surrounding the village, which I would have liked to have seen started earlier in the story, but nevertheless I enjoyed the story and look forward to my next book by Ali McNamara.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2025
4.5 stars.
This book is a lovely little story about faith, love and overcoming obstacles. The characters are loveable and relatable to real world troubles. Ava the main FMC experienced a traumatic experience which rocked her to the core. In this story she overcomes her anxiety to help the small village she fled to.
If you are looking for something that is easy and light hearted this is the book for you.
This book is a lovely little story about faith, love and overcoming obstacles. The characters are loveable and relatable to real world troubles. Ava the main FMC experienced a traumatic experience which rocked her to the core. In this story she overcomes her anxiety to help the small village she fled to.
If you are looking for something that is easy and light hearted this is the book for you.
January 28, 2022
I am a huge fan of Ali McNamara and have loved all of her books and Hope and Happiness in Bluebell Wood is another amazing story! I was hooked early on and wanted to know more of Ava's story. Loveable characters and a warm hearted story that meant I struggled to put this book down. I would highly recommend this book and all of Ali's other books too!
August 24, 2022
I enjoyed this book but it wasn’t my favourite of Ali’s. I loved the magical realism elements and thought the characters were great. As always, the story had a lot of heart and soul and was very cosy and comforting!
May 28, 2022
This is such a lovely book. I love how Ali McNamara always weaves some magic into her books. This time it was the birds leaving little gifts on a bird table. That's all I'm going to say as do nit want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it.
April 29, 2023
This book got me back into the swing of reading again, I had never read her books before and this was the best first one! I loved the dog merlin because it was so adorable 🥰
July 16, 2023
Lovely book, thoroughly enjoyed it
August 7, 2025
This would be ok if it’s your kind of book, but unfortunately it wasn’t my cup of tea!
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