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Portuguese Paradise #2
New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun
Follow your yellow brick road ....
Alice Dorothy Matthews is on the road to paradise! She’s sold her house in London, got rid of her nasty ex and arranged her move to Portugal where friendship and romance awaits. All that’s left to do is find a place to call home.
But Alice’s dreams are called into question when complications with friends, work and new relationships make her Portuguese paradise feel far too much like reality.
Will Alice’s dream of a new home in the sun come true?
Alice Dorothy Matthews is on the road to paradise! She’s sold her house in London, got rid of her nasty ex and arranged her move to Portugal where friendship and romance awaits. All that’s left to do is find a place to call home.
But Alice’s dreams are called into question when complications with friends, work and new relationships make her Portuguese paradise feel far too much like reality.
Will Alice’s dream of a new home in the sun come true?
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2020
70 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Chris Penhall
11 books14 followersChris Penhall writes uplifting stories set in gorgeous places..
A lover of books, music and cats, she is also an enthusiastic salsa dancer, a keen cook, and loves to travel. She is never happier than when she is gazing at the sea.
You can find more information about her on www.chrispenhall.co.uk
or folllow her on twitter: @ChrisPenhall
Instagram: christinepenhall
Facebook: ChrisPenhallWriter
A lover of books, music and cats, she is also an enthusiastic salsa dancer, a keen cook, and loves to travel. She is never happier than when she is gazing at the sea.
You can find more information about her on www.chrispenhall.co.uk
or folllow her on twitter: @ChrisPenhall
Instagram: christinepenhall
Facebook: ChrisPenhallWriter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 7, 2024
This book was ok, not outstanding but i liked the characters. Except the male lead who was angry and moody and I felt the lead female should have dumped him and moved on independently on her own
July 27, 2021
This book was so well written I really enjoyed it and feel as if you are in Portugal and can escape and get sucked in by the great characters and plot. Full of moving forward and seeing if dreams can come true and be happy and plenty of heartbreak as well.
Alice has spilt from her partner and leave to go and start a new life in Portugal with she will find new friendship and romance but she will throw herself into work as well and will her dream scone true or are to many complications going to stop her.
Alice has spilt from her partner and leave to go and start a new life in Portugal with she will find new friendship and romance but she will throw herself into work as well and will her dream scone true or are to many complications going to stop her.
August 15, 2022
This is the second book in a series but you don't need to have read the first book to enjoy this one.
I really did like this book but what really annoyed me was her internal voice forever bringing her down and reminding her of her past failures. I know we all have doubts but her voice was just too self destructive and she even spoke out loud to it.
I also didn't like Luis's sister Cassie and would have told her to sling her hook much sooner.
However getting over those two problems I enjoyed the book, a nice gentle read, well written in a very easy to read style all written from Alice's point of view.
Can be read in one day and a great bit of escapism.
I really did like this book but what really annoyed me was her internal voice forever bringing her down and reminding her of her past failures. I know we all have doubts but her voice was just too self destructive and she even spoke out loud to it.
I also didn't like Luis's sister Cassie and would have told her to sling her hook much sooner.
However getting over those two problems I enjoyed the book, a nice gentle read, well written in a very easy to read style all written from Alice's point of view.
Can be read in one day and a great bit of escapism.
August 25, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Find a comfortable chair in the backyard, at the pool, even on the beach, anywhere you can feel the warmth of the sun as you imagine yourself back in Portugal with Alice as she begins her new, done with the jerk of an ex-husband life back in Cascais once again. This time for good – or that’s the plan, at least. Funny how plans often take on minds of their own, isn’t it?
‘New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun‘ is the sequel to ‘The House that Alice Built‘, and we’ll continue the adventure with Alice as she shakes off the dust (and the now ex-husband) of her life in London and heads for, hopefully, happier times in her new chosen home of Cascais. Yet, while it might be warmer, sunnier, and filled with promise – the grass (or the beach) isn’t always better on the other side, for far too soon the adventure, the fairy tale feel turns to reality once again.
I love Alice’s resilience, her belief that things will be better… eventually. After all, she’s gotten out of a bad marriage, found a new love, a new place to live her best life, new friends so what could possibly go wrong? Well, a lot actually, kind of like life nothing is really perfect only better depending on the way we deal with it. When the house she has her heart set on is sold before she can even put in an offer, when her friend decides to sell her flat (where Alice is cat-sitting) leaving Alice without a place to stay, and when her new boyfriend begins acting a bit off it’s not unheard of to begin to have second thoughts about this move to paradise.
It didn’t take long for me to be completely caught up in Alice’s life once again. Sure, things aren’t going exactly as planned but that doesn’t mean all is lost. And watching this cast come to understand, deal with, and work through what’s being tossed their way was a delightful experience. It really is a cliche thought, but life truly is what you make it – and Alice is making this new life her own, just not exactly how she thought it would happen.
‘New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun‘ grabbed my attention and never let go until the final page. It’s fascinating to step back into the lives I knew from the first novel and go a bit deeper, understand a little more, and perhaps see more clearly past that first rush of something, someone, or someplace brand, sparkling new and settle into the comfortable, the reality, into that life that was wished for. With a touch of mystery, some funny, some emotional moments, and some suspense-filled ones as well, I had a blast back in Portugal with Alice and friends. I would suggest, if at all possible and you haven’t yet, to pick up ‘The House that Alice Built‘ first for there is a lot of background at the beginning of this grand adventure that will make the sequel all the more enjoyable… in my opinion, at least.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, ChocLit/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.*
Find a comfortable chair in the backyard, at the pool, even on the beach, anywhere you can feel the warmth of the sun as you imagine yourself back in Portugal with Alice as she begins her new, done with the jerk of an ex-husband life back in Cascais once again. This time for good – or that’s the plan, at least. Funny how plans often take on minds of their own, isn’t it?
‘New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun‘ is the sequel to ‘The House that Alice Built‘, and we’ll continue the adventure with Alice as she shakes off the dust (and the now ex-husband) of her life in London and heads for, hopefully, happier times in her new chosen home of Cascais. Yet, while it might be warmer, sunnier, and filled with promise – the grass (or the beach) isn’t always better on the other side, for far too soon the adventure, the fairy tale feel turns to reality once again.
I love Alice’s resilience, her belief that things will be better… eventually. After all, she’s gotten out of a bad marriage, found a new love, a new place to live her best life, new friends so what could possibly go wrong? Well, a lot actually, kind of like life nothing is really perfect only better depending on the way we deal with it. When the house she has her heart set on is sold before she can even put in an offer, when her friend decides to sell her flat (where Alice is cat-sitting) leaving Alice without a place to stay, and when her new boyfriend begins acting a bit off it’s not unheard of to begin to have second thoughts about this move to paradise.
It didn’t take long for me to be completely caught up in Alice’s life once again. Sure, things aren’t going exactly as planned but that doesn’t mean all is lost. And watching this cast come to understand, deal with, and work through what’s being tossed their way was a delightful experience. It really is a cliche thought, but life truly is what you make it – and Alice is making this new life her own, just not exactly how she thought it would happen.
‘New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun‘ grabbed my attention and never let go until the final page. It’s fascinating to step back into the lives I knew from the first novel and go a bit deeper, understand a little more, and perhaps see more clearly past that first rush of something, someone, or someplace brand, sparkling new and settle into the comfortable, the reality, into that life that was wished for. With a touch of mystery, some funny, some emotional moments, and some suspense-filled ones as well, I had a blast back in Portugal with Alice and friends. I would suggest, if at all possible and you haven’t yet, to pick up ‘The House that Alice Built‘ first for there is a lot of background at the beginning of this grand adventure that will make the sequel all the more enjoyable… in my opinion, at least.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, ChocLit/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.*
August 25, 2020
It’s always good to reconnect with characters that you enjoyed reading about in a previous book, so it was wonderful to go back to see how Alice is getting on with her big move to Portugal and it didn’t disappoint! It really centres around the doubts that play in her mind – yep, that inner voice that we all have in our head that tells us we’ve done the wrong thing, or we should have done things differently – and Alice is no different and there’s an awful lot for her to take on board in this book.
From finding somewhere to live and invest her money, to taking on more business wise and to dealing with new arrivals in the life of Luis, her boyfriend, life seems to be throwing a million things her way so there seems little chance of her getting the slower pace of life she always dreamed of when she was back in England. But she’s not one to turn down new business opportunities and grabs chances when they come calling!
What I love about Alice is her determination! Despite constant knockbacks and her dream properties seemingly being snatched away from her at the last minute, she never gives up hope of finding the perfect place for her new life to continue. And there’s always her mum on the end of the phone to give her the best advice and Aphrodite the cat to give her companionship!
With a million things all happening at once, you just want her to find her happy with Luis and get the stability she craves! And I’m just hoping we’ll be getting more from Alice and her Portugese life in the not too distant future! Enjoyable and heart warming!!
From finding somewhere to live and invest her money, to taking on more business wise and to dealing with new arrivals in the life of Luis, her boyfriend, life seems to be throwing a million things her way so there seems little chance of her getting the slower pace of life she always dreamed of when she was back in England. But she’s not one to turn down new business opportunities and grabs chances when they come calling!
What I love about Alice is her determination! Despite constant knockbacks and her dream properties seemingly being snatched away from her at the last minute, she never gives up hope of finding the perfect place for her new life to continue. And there’s always her mum on the end of the phone to give her the best advice and Aphrodite the cat to give her companionship!
With a million things all happening at once, you just want her to find her happy with Luis and get the stability she craves! And I’m just hoping we’ll be getting more from Alice and her Portugese life in the not too distant future! Enjoyable and heart warming!!
November 17, 2020
There is quite a lot of background information given in this book so don’t worry if you haven't read the first one - it still works however I highly recommend you read Book 1 in order to develop familiarity with the characters and their relationships.
It’s freezing, dark and grotty at the minute and this novel was a little ray of sunshine breaking through those grey clouds. Find your favourite reading spot, grab your beverage of choice and allow yourself to soak up the sun in Portugal with Alice.
Alice is finally rid of her ex-husband and is jetting off for a new life in sunny Portugal. One of my favourite things about this novel is how much Chris brings the place of Cascais to life. She paints such a beautiful picture with words and I feel as though I’ve genuinely visited there. I love the landscape, the delicate flowers and every detail of houses and buildings. The description is perfect for a real immersive experience.
After a run of bad luck, Alice deserves complete happiness in her new life and with her new love Luis but as we know, things often don’t run smooth and our beloved Alice has dilemmas to face.
This is such an excellent novel to escape with and celebrates the support and love from family and good friends – even when things get tough. I wanted Alice to have the most perfect new start but what was even better was how her true friends and companions came through when needed.
A lovely heart-warming novel set in a beautiful location.
It’s freezing, dark and grotty at the minute and this novel was a little ray of sunshine breaking through those grey clouds. Find your favourite reading spot, grab your beverage of choice and allow yourself to soak up the sun in Portugal with Alice.
Alice is finally rid of her ex-husband and is jetting off for a new life in sunny Portugal. One of my favourite things about this novel is how much Chris brings the place of Cascais to life. She paints such a beautiful picture with words and I feel as though I’ve genuinely visited there. I love the landscape, the delicate flowers and every detail of houses and buildings. The description is perfect for a real immersive experience.
After a run of bad luck, Alice deserves complete happiness in her new life and with her new love Luis but as we know, things often don’t run smooth and our beloved Alice has dilemmas to face.
This is such an excellent novel to escape with and celebrates the support and love from family and good friends – even when things get tough. I wanted Alice to have the most perfect new start but what was even better was how her true friends and companions came through when needed.
A lovely heart-warming novel set in a beautiful location.
November 19, 2020
New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun is the sequel to The House that Alice Built, which I haven’t read, but there’s enough backstory in this novel that I didn’t feel at all lost. Rather, I loved jumping into Alice’s new life in Cascais, Portugal just as she was.
Reinventing yourself is never easy, and I liked that author Chris Penhall gave Alice some challenges in this story… finding a house to buy, expanding her business options, and navigating her relationship with boyfriend Luis (who starts off being very supportive and pretty much stays that way) are all things that didn’t necessarily mesh with our protagonist’s vision of her new life, but gave the story depth and made all the characters feel very real.
(I especially loved Alice’s mother. We should all have a mother like that… or perhaps not.)
Penhall’s writing style is breezy but not fluffy, and diving into this book was a lovely experience, though I might be slightly biased as I harbor fantasies of retiring to Portugal, myself.
I liked that there was no soft-pedalling of Alice’s relationship with her ex-husband.
I liked even more that, ultimately, Alice was her own hero.
This novel would be a perfect beach read, but it also works well as an escape from fall/winter doldrums.
Goes well with a bowl of caldo verde and a cold beer.
Reinventing yourself is never easy, and I liked that author Chris Penhall gave Alice some challenges in this story… finding a house to buy, expanding her business options, and navigating her relationship with boyfriend Luis (who starts off being very supportive and pretty much stays that way) are all things that didn’t necessarily mesh with our protagonist’s vision of her new life, but gave the story depth and made all the characters feel very real.
(I especially loved Alice’s mother. We should all have a mother like that… or perhaps not.)
Penhall’s writing style is breezy but not fluffy, and diving into this book was a lovely experience, though I might be slightly biased as I harbor fantasies of retiring to Portugal, myself.
I liked that there was no soft-pedalling of Alice’s relationship with her ex-husband.
I liked even more that, ultimately, Alice was her own hero.
This novel would be a perfect beach read, but it also works well as an escape from fall/winter doldrums.
Goes well with a bowl of caldo verde and a cold beer.
June 28, 2022
So great to return back to Portugal with all the characters from the previous book.
There is enough background information meaning that you don't have to have read the book prior to this, but I always like to start a series right at the beginning where possible.
Alice Dorothy Mathews has made the move to Portugal, and is now trying to find somewhere to live, but it seems as though someone is buying up all the available properties, including the apartment she is currently living in, and a gorgeous little yellow house that she really has her heart set on.
Alice tries her hardest to throw herself into everything about her new life, reconnecting with old friends, a multitude of different job opportunities and most importantly being back with Luis the man she fell in love with.
But as is often with life, Alice is finding that no matter where you are in the world, the path isn't always smooth along the way to getting where you want to be.
What I love about Alice is her determination to succeed in everything she puts her mind to, despite that inner monologue she always seems to have going on in her head, which is constantly telling her she can't/won't/shouldn't.
Such an enjoyable read, I'm looking forward to my next visit already.
There is enough background information meaning that you don't have to have read the book prior to this, but I always like to start a series right at the beginning where possible.
Alice Dorothy Mathews has made the move to Portugal, and is now trying to find somewhere to live, but it seems as though someone is buying up all the available properties, including the apartment she is currently living in, and a gorgeous little yellow house that she really has her heart set on.
Alice tries her hardest to throw herself into everything about her new life, reconnecting with old friends, a multitude of different job opportunities and most importantly being back with Luis the man she fell in love with.
But as is often with life, Alice is finding that no matter where you are in the world, the path isn't always smooth along the way to getting where you want to be.
What I love about Alice is her determination to succeed in everything she puts her mind to, despite that inner monologue she always seems to have going on in her head, which is constantly telling her she can't/won't/shouldn't.
Such an enjoyable read, I'm looking forward to my next visit already.
April 24, 2022
3.5 stars
I did not realize until I started that this is a second book in a series, so while I was expecting a second chance/new life in a new place type of story, this is actually about what happens afterwards when your new life becomes your new permanent life. I have to say I was a bit disappointed in the beginning once I realized this fact.
Alice moves from London to Portugal to live with her (new) boyfriend Luis, we know she sold her much loved house in London and is looking to settle in her new country. I have to say that initially it was not that easy to get all the characters and their relationships with Alice, though as the book progressed I started liking it more. Most of stories end at a point where „they lived happily ever after“ is kind of assumed, and in this book it is the starting point of Alice‘s journey and we get to see that life is never only rosy and sunny no matter where you may move.
It turned out to be a nice read, though I am still more interested to learn about the beginning of Alice‘s journey in Portugal, thus, off to search for book #1.
I did not realize until I started that this is a second book in a series, so while I was expecting a second chance/new life in a new place type of story, this is actually about what happens afterwards when your new life becomes your new permanent life. I have to say I was a bit disappointed in the beginning once I realized this fact.
Alice moves from London to Portugal to live with her (new) boyfriend Luis, we know she sold her much loved house in London and is looking to settle in her new country. I have to say that initially it was not that easy to get all the characters and their relationships with Alice, though as the book progressed I started liking it more. Most of stories end at a point where „they lived happily ever after“ is kind of assumed, and in this book it is the starting point of Alice‘s journey and we get to see that life is never only rosy and sunny no matter where you may move.
It turned out to be a nice read, though I am still more interested to learn about the beginning of Alice‘s journey in Portugal, thus, off to search for book #1.
August 22, 2020
The reader will be transported to a small town on the coast of sunny Portugal where newly divorced Alice has moved to begin her fresh life. After selling up and cutting ties in London, she's now temporarily cat-sitting for a friend while searching for a house to buy. Alice happily settles into Portuguese life, supplying local galleries with her handmade jewellery and enjoying her small circle of good friends. She finds her ideal property but someone snatches it up before she's able to make an offer. All further houses become unavailable and are sold before she can even view them. When the friend she's cat-sitting for announces she intends to sell her flat, Alice will soon become homeless. Life no longer seems so perfect.
A relaxing and uncomplicated read of romance and mystery, ending with a farce of a car chase.
The pages conveyed sunshine, the dusty smell of a hot summer with a more leisurely pace of life.
Ideal deck chair reading material.
A relaxing and uncomplicated read of romance and mystery, ending with a farce of a car chase.
The pages conveyed sunshine, the dusty smell of a hot summer with a more leisurely pace of life.
Ideal deck chair reading material.
August 25, 2020
We are very very briefly in London but soon we arrive in sunny Portugal together with Alice and her boyfriend.
Although last time she came for a holiday, this time she can call the village home. It feel good because all her troubles are behind her and she can see her bright sunny future. Unfortunately this is about to go awry…
Alice has changed in the first book, but she is going to need the new Alice in order to deal with everything that is thrown her way. It’s nice to have friends that support you, but in the end it’s all up to you.
The author has also added funny situations and what is a feel good book without a good dose of love either between family, friends or partners?
Alice really goes for what she want and can you blame her?
A lovely, sunny summer story that I liked a lot. 4 stars.
Thank you, Chris Penhall and Ruby Fiction
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
Although last time she came for a holiday, this time she can call the village home. It feel good because all her troubles are behind her and she can see her bright sunny future. Unfortunately this is about to go awry…
Alice has changed in the first book, but she is going to need the new Alice in order to deal with everything that is thrown her way. It’s nice to have friends that support you, but in the end it’s all up to you.
The author has also added funny situations and what is a feel good book without a good dose of love either between family, friends or partners?
Alice really goes for what she want and can you blame her?
A lovely, sunny summer story that I liked a lot. 4 stars.
Thank you, Chris Penhall and Ruby Fiction
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
November 17, 2020
This is the sequel to The House that Alice Built and continues Alice's adventures as she endeavours to find a home in Portugal, reconnecting with the friends she made there, including the man she loves. She's exploring the possibilities of work there, discovering that someone else seems to be buying up local properties - including the one she's currently staying in.
There are surprise revelations, new opportunities, family dramas, arguments and even a car chase in this story which is set in a delightful small community. It is a heartwarming story filled with trials and tribulations as you just know nothing will go as smoothly as Alice has hoped. It is a relaxing read even though there are plenty of disagreements and worries revealed as the story progresses, just to keep you uncertain of the final outcome! There are also some herbal teas which I'll definitely avoid trying!
Thank you for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
There are surprise revelations, new opportunities, family dramas, arguments and even a car chase in this story which is set in a delightful small community. It is a heartwarming story filled with trials and tribulations as you just know nothing will go as smoothly as Alice has hoped. It is a relaxing read even though there are plenty of disagreements and worries revealed as the story progresses, just to keep you uncertain of the final outcome! There are also some herbal teas which I'll definitely avoid trying!
Thank you for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
August 26, 2020
At a time when armchair tourism is all most of us have been able to do, this book will certainly give you a vivid experience. I could feel the sun and hear the sounds of the square. The author obviously knows what she is writing about as the characters are able to move seamlessly though the area as they work and play, giving the story authority. So, to Alice, the main character. After sad goodbyes to her much loved English home she flies off to a sunny future. Various clouds cross the sky and dark shadows fall on her carefully laid plans. Does it actually rain?
You'll have to read to find out. Along the way, explore Portuguese tiles with Alice, they are lovely !
You'll have to read to find out. Along the way, explore Portuguese tiles with Alice, they are lovely !
August 27, 2020
Alice is finally free, her house is sold so no need for contact with her horrible controlling ex and she is on the way to her new life in Portugal with Luis. With her jewellery business taking off and some interior design work business is looking good but when a face from the past for Luis appears things start to go wrong..... and definitely not helped by Luis's sister Cassie!
Great to follow up on Alice's story, although the book can easily be read as a stand alone, and I love the way she always has the inner voice talking to her. Plenty of fun and angst and I especially love the teas!
Great to follow up on Alice's story, although the book can easily be read as a stand alone, and I love the way she always has the inner voice talking to her. Plenty of fun and angst and I especially love the teas!
February 25, 2024
“You’re allowed to have feelings, even if you don’t think they are the right ones.”
Alice’s inner voice in this book is a whole character and boy do I relate to it. Which is probably why I also found myself getting annoyed with Alice often during this book.
This is the second book in the Portuguese Paradise series.
This starts where the last book left off with Alice having sold her house with her toxic ex and now beginning to start her new life in Portugal without the drama of the past.
But of course it couldn’t be that easy could it? 🤣
Another cute, easy to read closed door romance book that really has me wanting to visit Portugal even more than I already wanted to.
August 25, 2020
I really liked the novel. It’s the follow up to The House That Alice Built but can be read as a standalone book without having to have read the first book.
Alice is moving to Portugal after selling her house in London (co-owned with her controlling & manipulative ex-boyfriend Adam). Despite getting rid of her ex and finding love with Luis, she still has a lot of doubts in her head which could ruin her dream life in the sun. I identified with Alice as she overthinks things too much & can be too self-critical at times.
Will Alice finally get her happy-ever-after?
Alice is moving to Portugal after selling her house in London (co-owned with her controlling & manipulative ex-boyfriend Adam). Despite getting rid of her ex and finding love with Luis, she still has a lot of doubts in her head which could ruin her dream life in the sun. I identified with Alice as she overthinks things too much & can be too self-critical at times.
Will Alice finally get her happy-ever-after?
August 26, 2020
This is a lovely, summer romance. Alice has moved to Portugal following the breakdown of her marriage and the sale of her house. This story sees her starting her new life and the problems she encounters. Her relationship with new man Luis is fraught with history from both sides, but you are really rooting for it to come good as they are such a perfect couple. The characters who form the background are so real I felt I knew them. The description of life in Portugal are spot on. Enjoy with a glass of wine and feel the sun!
May 17, 2025
A Lovely Return To Portugal
After all my recent crime reading, it was so nice to return to sunny Portugal and get involved with Alice's continuing story.
Alice's paradise is shattered by the revelation that Luis, the love of her life, has a 10 year old son he was unaware existed.
As Alice and Luis try to cope, both their pasts encroach on their present life, driving a wedge between them.
As always, Chris Penhall's plotting is faultless, and her characters are a delight to read. Highly recommended reading!
After all my recent crime reading, it was so nice to return to sunny Portugal and get involved with Alice's continuing story.
Alice's paradise is shattered by the revelation that Luis, the love of her life, has a 10 year old son he was unaware existed.
As Alice and Luis try to cope, both their pasts encroach on their present life, driving a wedge between them.
As always, Chris Penhall's plotting is faultless, and her characters are a delight to read. Highly recommended reading!
June 16, 2022
New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun
Definitely a perfect holiday read. The writing draws you in and you can feel the warmth, the colour and the vibrancy of Portugal. The warmth and affection of the characters wraps round you. I laughed, cried, got exasperated, and became fully involved. I read it in one day ignoring everything else I should be doing. Light frivolous and wonderful.
Definitely a perfect holiday read. The writing draws you in and you can feel the warmth, the colour and the vibrancy of Portugal. The warmth and affection of the characters wraps round you. I laughed, cried, got exasperated, and became fully involved. I read it in one day ignoring everything else I should be doing. Light frivolous and wonderful.
February 12, 2024
3.5 stars. A good light read. I had not read the previous book in the series but was quickly introduced to the main characters. Alice has sold her London home and moves to Portugal to be with friends and her partner Luis. She is house hunting but that proves difficult when properties are being snapped up. She is working hard to make a life for herself. But there are complications with friends, work etc, will she make a go of it?
January 1, 2021
I enjoyed the story of Alice and her friends in Portugal. I bought the book as I was meant to go to Lisbon this year - of course Covid wrecked all that. It was nice to see the place through different eyes. I only realised half way through that the book was a sequel - I dont think that mattered though. Good lockdown fun and vicarious travel.
March 18, 2023
This was a present and I gave it a go because I didn't want to disappoint the person I had it from. It started off ok and actually improved part way through. I began to enjoy it more and looked forward to the rest of the story. I enjoyed it and am glad it all came to happy endings. Quite nicely written and somewhere I have never been, but could visualise as I read.
August 25, 2020
Although this is a sequel, it won’t matter if you haven’t read the previous novel, as you will quickly be sucked into Alice’s turbulent new life in Portugal. Perfect read for all of us who are thinking of escaping the British weather and starting a new life abroad!
July 10, 2024
New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun
This is the second book by Chris Penhall that I have completed and I am looking forward to reading the next one. It was so entertaining to read all of the drama of everyone in the town and how everything got solved.
This is the second book by Chris Penhall that I have completed and I am looking forward to reading the next one. It was so entertaining to read all of the drama of everyone in the town and how everything got solved.
August 16, 2024
I agree with a previous review describing the characters' communication skills as lacking and hard to believe/relate to.
Some aspects of the plot would have been interesting to develop more, however the focus seemed to be on problems that were overdramatised.
Some aspects of the plot would have been interesting to develop more, however the focus seemed to be on problems that were overdramatised.
February 21, 2025
perfect escapism
As perfect as the 1st book in the series! Yet again has kept me company through more broken nights. Quite likely I’ll be moving straight on to the 3rd book now. Thank you. I’ll also be looking for other books by Chris Penhall. Happy days. Dreaming of sunshine.
As perfect as the 1st book in the series! Yet again has kept me company through more broken nights. Quite likely I’ll be moving straight on to the 3rd book now. Thank you. I’ll also be looking for other books by Chris Penhall. Happy days. Dreaming of sunshine.
July 22, 2025
A lovely little romance with some twists and turns! Felt real and just really enjoyed the story and connected with all the characters! Had a good amount of humour, emotion, shock and light hearted energy! Would recommend for a light hearted easy summer read 😊
August 13, 2021
It’s actually a decent book like the romance and drama was there I just didn’t like the way it was written in third person and it kept confusing me about who or what was said about people !
August 5, 2023
The constant conflict due to adults with middle-school-age communication skills drove me a little crazy, and a lot of it was implausible. But despite that, I liked the story anyway.
August 18, 2023
Love the insights into the characters lives. They come alive as the story u nfolds.
Really pleased to have discovered this talented author.
look forward to more Wonderful books from Chris.
Really pleased to have discovered this talented author.
look forward to more Wonderful books from Chris.
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