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The Little Shop of Hidden Treasures #1
Starting Over
**PART ONE in the brand new series from Holly Hepburn, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley and Katie Fforde**
When Hope loses her husband, she fears her happiest days are behind her. With her only connection to London broken, she moves home to York to be near her family and to begin to build a new life.
Taking a job at the antique shop she has always admired, she finds herself crossing paths with two very different men. Will, who has recently become the guardian to his niece after the tragic death of her parents. And Ciaran, who she enlists to help solve the mystery of an Egyptian antique. Two men who represent two different happy endings.
But can she trust herself to choose the right man? And will that bring her everything she really needs?
The brand new series from Holly Hepburn, author of Coming Home to Brightwater Bay.
When Hope loses her husband, she fears her happiest days are behind her. With her only connection to London broken, she moves home to York to be near her family and to begin to build a new life.
Taking a job at the antique shop she has always admired, she finds herself crossing paths with two very different men. Will, who has recently become the guardian to his niece after the tragic death of her parents. And Ciaran, who she enlists to help solve the mystery of an Egyptian antique. Two men who represent two different happy endings.
But can she trust herself to choose the right man? And will that bring her everything she really needs?
The brand new series from Holly Hepburn, author of Coming Home to Brightwater Bay.
81 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2021
83 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
Holly Hepburn
99 books414 followersI’ve wanted to write books for adults for as long as I can remember but I was too scared to try. One day I decided to be brave and dipped a toe into the bubble bath of romantic comedy with my first novella, Cupidity, and I’ve never looked back. I often try to be funny to be funny, except for when faced with traffic wardens and border control staff. My favourite thing is making people smile.
I’ve tried many jobs over the years, from barmaid to market researcher and I even had a brief flirtation with modelling. These days I am mostly found writing.
I live near London with my grey tabby cat, Portia. We both have an unhealthy obsession with Marmite.
I’ve tried many jobs over the years, from barmaid to market researcher and I even had a brief flirtation with modelling. These days I am mostly found writing.
I live near London with my grey tabby cat, Portia. We both have an unhealthy obsession with Marmite.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 6, 2021
I don't know why but I had totally forgotten that this new series is set in and around York and I was so excited when I started reading about a city and streets I am so familiar with. I could feel these characters walking around the uneven pavements and drinking in bars and restaurants I can totally pictures. If you are in need of travel somewhere right now and missing actually physically going there then this new series will totally allow you to travel, and for me that was to travel home!
We meet Hope at the start of this series and she is quite literally starting over. Why she is starting over is slowly revealed but that need for something new and that need for a refresh makes up instantly be on her side and totally empathize with her as a character. We also get to meet a whole host of new characters which is always so exciting, meeting the people you're going to be spending a series with and picking out your favourites. All are fully formed people who I could vividly imagine finding inside the Little Shop Of Hidden Treasures.
The shop itself is truly a character in its own right. Hope mentions opening the wardrobe and finding Narnia at the other side at one point and I really feel like when you step into the shop you really do enter another world, I wouldn't be surprised to find Aslan hidden in the book section at all. I am so intrigued to find out what else the shop has in store over the next few parts of the series because I know we are onto something really special here.
Of course the first part in a series is going to end on a cliffhanger and of course all those questions you need answering are of a romantic natures-I loved it! This new series has romance, Egyptian artifacts, belly dancing and its all served with a big dollop of Yorkshire-what more could you be looking for?
We meet Hope at the start of this series and she is quite literally starting over. Why she is starting over is slowly revealed but that need for something new and that need for a refresh makes up instantly be on her side and totally empathize with her as a character. We also get to meet a whole host of new characters which is always so exciting, meeting the people you're going to be spending a series with and picking out your favourites. All are fully formed people who I could vividly imagine finding inside the Little Shop Of Hidden Treasures.
The shop itself is truly a character in its own right. Hope mentions opening the wardrobe and finding Narnia at the other side at one point and I really feel like when you step into the shop you really do enter another world, I wouldn't be surprised to find Aslan hidden in the book section at all. I am so intrigued to find out what else the shop has in store over the next few parts of the series because I know we are onto something really special here.
Of course the first part in a series is going to end on a cliffhanger and of course all those questions you need answering are of a romantic natures-I loved it! This new series has romance, Egyptian artifacts, belly dancing and its all served with a big dollop of Yorkshire-what more could you be looking for?
January 19, 2022
Holly Hepburn is one of my favourite go to readers for an easy, addictive, heartfelt read. Set in one of my favourite cities York
August 11, 2022
i love the place haha. btw i hope her endgame was will bcs ciaran is sus and he's too old.
May 13, 2021
Fabulously Intriguing.
What a fabulous start to a new series totally pulled in from the first page there is love in the air new beginnings all round can't wait for the 2nd book in the series
What a fabulous start to a new series totally pulled in from the first page there is love in the air new beginnings all round can't wait for the 2nd book in the series
October 20, 2022
A sweet start to a four part cozy romance. Youllenjoy this if you like clean romance, cozy reads, books set in England.
January 13, 2022
This was my
First book by this author and won’t be my last as this was a beautiful poignant read. I absolutely loved the story being set in York a place I am very familiar with I could picture the descriptions of the city exactly. This was a perfect cosy escapism read.
Hope has come to York to make a fresh start after the death of her husband and this book follows her journey to find herself and to also find happiness along the way. It also has a side story going on alongside it documenting the hidden treasure that is found in the emporium and the history surrounding it which adds to the magical beauty of
This story. This book would make a lovely hallmark film on TV.
I can’t wait to read the next instalment to see where hopes life takes her and to also delve further into the lives of the other characters.
First book by this author and won’t be my last as this was a beautiful poignant read. I absolutely loved the story being set in York a place I am very familiar with I could picture the descriptions of the city exactly. This was a perfect cosy escapism read.
Hope has come to York to make a fresh start after the death of her husband and this book follows her journey to find herself and to also find happiness along the way. It also has a side story going on alongside it documenting the hidden treasure that is found in the emporium and the history surrounding it which adds to the magical beauty of
This story. This book would make a lovely hallmark film on TV.
I can’t wait to read the next instalment to see where hopes life takes her and to also delve further into the lives of the other characters.
May 20, 2021
Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes
Unfortunately, I'm no longer a regular on Twitter, so I just happened to learn recently that Holly Hepburn is releasing a brand new series this year and the first installment is out now on Amazon. I've already read Holly Hepburn's Star and Sixpence series and Last Order at the Star and Sixpence series and was quite enchanted by these books. That's why I didn't have to think long and bought the first part of the new series and read it within a very short time.
The title of the first part is "Starting Over." For Hope, it is indeed a new beginning in York. When she loses her husband Rob, she moves back to York, after spending many years on London, to be near her family and to begin to build a new life. One day she passes the antique shop "The Ever After Emporium" she has always admired. She spotted a sign that the owner is looking for part time staff. Hope took the chance and applied for the job and is now part of the shop. That's the place she always ment to be. The Emporium and Hope are taking us on a journey of revealing an egyptian mystery, finding new love and to have the courage to live again.
I was captivated from the first to the last page. I was even a little bit disappointed that the first part was over so quickly. Holly Hepburn has come up with a clever story centered around Hope Henderson and her hometown of York. The author really creates a sence of place and genuine warmth among her characters, which are beautifully formed. The Little Shop of Hidden Treasures is the kind of story once you start reading you can not put it down.
In the first part we are introduced to a lot of characters I am looking forward to learning more about. Characters such as Iris, Will and especially Brodie. I loved how Hope came up with the story of Narnia while she was applying for the job and was therefore able to convince Mr. Young that she is the right one for the job. In the end Hope surprised me with her choice of men. She didnt follow the path I expexted her to but I am sure this is not the end yet.
As is often the case, the first part of a 4-part series ends with a cliffhanger. I am very curious how the story continues and look forward to the next part. July 1, 2021 can not come fast enough 😊
Unfortunately, I'm no longer a regular on Twitter, so I just happened to learn recently that Holly Hepburn is releasing a brand new series this year and the first installment is out now on Amazon. I've already read Holly Hepburn's Star and Sixpence series and Last Order at the Star and Sixpence series and was quite enchanted by these books. That's why I didn't have to think long and bought the first part of the new series and read it within a very short time.
The title of the first part is "Starting Over." For Hope, it is indeed a new beginning in York. When she loses her husband Rob, she moves back to York, after spending many years on London, to be near her family and to begin to build a new life. One day she passes the antique shop "The Ever After Emporium" she has always admired. She spotted a sign that the owner is looking for part time staff. Hope took the chance and applied for the job and is now part of the shop. That's the place she always ment to be. The Emporium and Hope are taking us on a journey of revealing an egyptian mystery, finding new love and to have the courage to live again.
I was captivated from the first to the last page. I was even a little bit disappointed that the first part was over so quickly. Holly Hepburn has come up with a clever story centered around Hope Henderson and her hometown of York. The author really creates a sence of place and genuine warmth among her characters, which are beautifully formed. The Little Shop of Hidden Treasures is the kind of story once you start reading you can not put it down.
In the first part we are introduced to a lot of characters I am looking forward to learning more about. Characters such as Iris, Will and especially Brodie. I loved how Hope came up with the story of Narnia while she was applying for the job and was therefore able to convince Mr. Young that she is the right one for the job. In the end Hope surprised me with her choice of men. She didnt follow the path I expexted her to but I am sure this is not the end yet.
As is often the case, the first part of a 4-part series ends with a cliffhanger. I am very curious how the story continues and look forward to the next part. July 1, 2021 can not come fast enough 😊
May 6, 2021
I was so excited to start this when it hit my Kindle at midnight!
Holly's books never disappoint & are always an absolute delight to read.
Easy reading, perfect to devour in one sitting. I love Holly's writing style, they have that feel good factor about them & the characters like old friends.
The Ever after Emporium is set in York, which I have been told is one of those places you need to experience at least once in your lifetime.
The Shambles, the Emporium & it's treasures all sound so magical (I have visions of somewhere like Harry Potter's Diagon Alley in mind).
Young widow Hope is looking to start over after the loss of her husband & has come home to York after spending more than a decade in London. Having never been allowed into the Emporium as a child, she's delighted when she is offered the chance to work there.
When young Brodie opens the ancient puzzle box & a ring is found along with a note from a lady called Elenor Lovelace, Professor of Egyptology Ciaran McCormack is called upon to take a look.
I loved that this wasn't just all romance, I adore history, so the storyline made a refreshing change.
Holly's books never disappoint & are always an absolute delight to read.
Easy reading, perfect to devour in one sitting. I love Holly's writing style, they have that feel good factor about them & the characters like old friends.
The Ever after Emporium is set in York, which I have been told is one of those places you need to experience at least once in your lifetime.
The Shambles, the Emporium & it's treasures all sound so magical (I have visions of somewhere like Harry Potter's Diagon Alley in mind).
Young widow Hope is looking to start over after the loss of her husband & has come home to York after spending more than a decade in London. Having never been allowed into the Emporium as a child, she's delighted when she is offered the chance to work there.
When young Brodie opens the ancient puzzle box & a ring is found along with a note from a lady called Elenor Lovelace, Professor of Egyptology Ciaran McCormack is called upon to take a look.
I loved that this wasn't just all romance, I adore history, so the storyline made a refreshing change.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2023
In dit boek volgen we Hope Henderson die van Londen naar York verhuisd om opnieuw te beginnen.
Ze gaat daar werken bij een antiekwinkeltje “The Everafter Emporium”, wat een geweldige naam! Dan ontmoet ze 2 hele verschillende mannen. Will, die onlangs de zorg over zijn nichtje Brody kreeg, en Ciaran, die haar helpt bij het onderzoeken van een mysterieus Egyptisch voorwerp.
Deze beide mannen staan allebei voor een heel verschillende soort toekomst. Kan Hope erop vertrouwen dat ze de juiste keuze maakt? En zal haar dat dan alles brengen waar de naar verlangt?
Ik heb dit boek als audioboek beluisterd en het was heerlijk om naar te luisteren! Hartstikke leuk gedaan om de antiek en de geschiedenis hierin mee te lezen.
Hope’s verhaal was goed te volgen, en alles wat daarom heen gebeurde, met alle andere personages ook. Will’s nichtje Brody is wel mijn favoriet, ze heeft mijn hart wel gestolen!
Het is een echt feelgood roman met liefde, goed uitgeschreven personages, vriendschap, gebroken harten en intriges uit het verleden!
Ik ga dan ook zeker de volgende delen in de serie beluisteren!
Dit deel krijgt 4⭐en van mij!
Ze gaat daar werken bij een antiekwinkeltje “The Everafter Emporium”, wat een geweldige naam! Dan ontmoet ze 2 hele verschillende mannen. Will, die onlangs de zorg over zijn nichtje Brody kreeg, en Ciaran, die haar helpt bij het onderzoeken van een mysterieus Egyptisch voorwerp.
Deze beide mannen staan allebei voor een heel verschillende soort toekomst. Kan Hope erop vertrouwen dat ze de juiste keuze maakt? En zal haar dat dan alles brengen waar de naar verlangt?
Ik heb dit boek als audioboek beluisterd en het was heerlijk om naar te luisteren! Hartstikke leuk gedaan om de antiek en de geschiedenis hierin mee te lezen.
Hope’s verhaal was goed te volgen, en alles wat daarom heen gebeurde, met alle andere personages ook. Will’s nichtje Brody is wel mijn favoriet, ze heeft mijn hart wel gestolen!
Het is een echt feelgood roman met liefde, goed uitgeschreven personages, vriendschap, gebroken harten en intriges uit het verleden!
Ik ga dan ook zeker de volgende delen in de serie beluisteren!
Dit deel krijgt 4⭐en van mij!
January 20, 2025
En virkelig sød fortælling. Du bliver ikke inviteret ind i bogen. Du bliver hevet ind, og det nydes!
April 29, 2023
Book 1 of a 4 part book series. Note to readers, you can either read this as a 4 part book series like I’m going to or there is a full length novel which includes all of the 4 parts should you prefer to read it in that format.
So great start to the series in my opinion, getting to know the characters, get a feel for them and there’s even an exciting historical mystery to solve involving a letter and an antique ring. What I’m also loving is that this series is set in York, such a lovely place indeed, makes me want to go there.
Very well written, story has pulled me right in straight away, plenty going on and lots to look forward too I’m sure which is why I’m heading straight into part 2 of the series.
So great start to the series in my opinion, getting to know the characters, get a feel for them and there’s even an exciting historical mystery to solve involving a letter and an antique ring. What I’m also loving is that this series is set in York, such a lovely place indeed, makes me want to go there.
Very well written, story has pulled me right in straight away, plenty going on and lots to look forward too I’m sure which is why I’m heading straight into part 2 of the series.
August 14, 2025
I guess it follows the genre, but to me it was very predictable.
I was not really caught by the story of elenor and Khalid, bc it was barely described, except through what the main character thinks and feels about it.
And feel like the author wanted to cover to many subjects like the loss of a husband, brother, parents. But also how to chose a good man over a charming bad man.
Working in a store and devrloping the main characters worklife.
So in the end it felt like it nothing really got beneath the surface.
I was not really caught by the story of elenor and Khalid, bc it was barely described, except through what the main character thinks and feels about it.
And feel like the author wanted to cover to many subjects like the loss of a husband, brother, parents. But also how to chose a good man over a charming bad man.
Working in a store and devrloping the main characters worklife.
So in the end it felt like it nothing really got beneath the surface.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2022
I couldn't even get halfway through this book. It was incredibly boring with very unrealistic characters. WHO EVEN SPEAKS LIKE THAT?? It was like a terrible, cringe movie that felt like a waste of time after you watched it. I rarely give up on a book, however, with this book, I couldn't bring myself to go on. I'm sure its target audience wasn't the likes of me, but still, it's a bad book.
That's all I have to say.
That's all I have to say.
May 13, 2021
Little book of hidden treasures
This was a great story which was unpredictable. I thought Holly would be more suited to one guy but she chose another . It didn’t follow the path I expected, and the series of events also had a different twist to the story. I can’t wait to read the next book.
This was a great story which was unpredictable. I thought Holly would be more suited to one guy but she chose another . It didn’t follow the path I expected, and the series of events also had a different twist to the story. I can’t wait to read the next book.
May 14, 2021
What a fabulous book! The Little Shop of Hidden Treasures is a story about Hope, who is healing from the huge loss of her husband dying. As she learns to live again she begins to unravel a mystery held within a puzzle box stored in the Ever After Emporium. A delightful story that leaves you dying to find out more. Can't wait for the second part of the book!!
August 20, 2021
A mystery romance!
I love Holly! She writes such great stories. Part one of this series introduced us to a new heroine. She seems to be a bit older than her other heroines which appeals to me. Her heroine has to solve a romantic mystery that reaches out to her from the 1920s. I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
I love Holly! She writes such great stories. Part one of this series introduced us to a new heroine. She seems to be a bit older than her other heroines which appeals to me. Her heroine has to solve a romantic mystery that reaches out to her from the 1920s. I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
June 19, 2022
A really enjoyable book. The only 'gripe' I had is that it was obviously written in four separate parts that were put together to form one book, and because of this each part had a reminder of what had come before. This obviously works in separate stories, but not so much when you're reading it as a complete book. Lovely story though, I really enjoyed it.
July 26, 2023
Hope is a woman struggling with the past and trying to start again back where she came from. Her family love her but do not know how to help her other than by being nearby. It was the start of her coming to terms with her new path and life as well as making new friendships. It is an interesting look at someone who had her life so tied with another and her heart broken so completely she has lost all faith in romance. I could empathise with her and love that it was set in the midlands rather than a forced perspective of the south west for once.
May 13, 2021
An Egyptian Puzzle of a tale.
Only a quarter of a book really but it already has me hooked. Antiques, Egyptology, heartbreak and romance, what's not to love? I can't wait for part two to be released. Lots of intrigue to keep me interested while waiting till it's release date
Only a quarter of a book really but it already has me hooked. Antiques, Egyptology, heartbreak and romance, what's not to love? I can't wait for part two to be released. Lots of intrigue to keep me interested while waiting till it's release date
November 16, 2021
Good start
This is a good start to this 4 part serial. I loved the descriptions of the shop and of York itself. The characters are good and little Brodie is adorable. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next!
This is a good start to this 4 part serial. I loved the descriptions of the shop and of York itself. The characters are good and little Brodie is adorable. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next!
May 26, 2022
Easy reading and relaxing book to read.
Part 1 - Mystery around a box, letter and emerald ring likely to be from Egypt. How did it get to the shop and whom does it belong. Along side is lovely characters and romance. Looking forward to part 2.
Part 1 - Mystery around a box, letter and emerald ring likely to be from Egypt. How did it get to the shop and whom does it belong. Along side is lovely characters and romance. Looking forward to part 2.
October 2, 2023
Lovely
This is an interesting solve a mystery fall in love book.
It is very short but packs a punch, but also leaves you wanting more.
I like Ciaran but is he really the best person for Hope?
This is an interesting solve a mystery fall in love book.
It is very short but packs a punch, but also leaves you wanting more.
I like Ciaran but is he really the best person for Hope?
July 2, 2021
Excellent read
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next book in the series 😀😊😄 . I wonder whst happens next .......
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next book in the series 😀😊😄 . I wonder whst happens next .......
September 14, 2021
Loved it. Looking forward to reading part two of the series
October 26, 2021
enjoyed
February 7, 2022
The only criticism I have is when you read the whole book in one the repeating of information in each part is a bit frustrating. The shop and little Brodie were enchanting and made the story for me
February 12, 2022
Couldn't put it down another amazing bok by holly
April 11, 2022
Loved the story very enjoyable 🙂
April 15, 2022
Not my usual genre, given as a gift. Pleasantly surprised by how readable it was. Lots of twists and turns. Historical fiction meets modern chic lit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews