What do you think?
Rate this book
Blossom Heath #1
Always By Your Side
When school teacher Rose loses her dream job at a London primary school, her self-confidence takes a knock. Worse still, her stockbroker fiancé, Ollie, sees it as the perfect opportunity for her to join his firm, which only adds to the feelings Rose has that their relationship might be coming to an end. An unexpected phone call, and an elderly aunt who’s taken a fall, means Rose must drop everything – including Ollie - and return to Blossom Heath, the Sussex village she grew up in. With no job to rush home to, Rose decides to stay in Blossom Heath for the Summer, trading London for the idyllic countryside. Here Rose finds herself reconnecting to the village life of her childhood in more ways than one, including falling head-over-heels for local farmer, Jake. So when her London life comes calling, Rose is faced with an impossible choice… to return to the high-pressure life of her past, or embrace the joy of a new life in the country. Bursting with romance and charm, Always By Your Side is the perfect uplifting Summer read for fans of The Switch and Rescue Me, from an exciting new voice in women’s fiction.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2022
17 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 4, 2023
Always By Your Side is the perfect feel good read. I loved the relationship Rose has with Jean - reminded me so much of my aunt too and to read the character was inspired by the author’s own Aunt Jean was lovely.
The whole village of Blossom Heath sounded wonderful- so supportive to Rose - the way they rallied around in her hour of need was extremely heartwarming and the countryside available sounded idyllic too.
It seemed like the village and community was the perfect antidote to the busy life Rose was leading in London.
I thought the romance element was beautifully written - the chemistry between Rose and Jake was there from the very start and I loved seeing their friendship grow with the common interest of Scout and the two farm dogs. Oh and Scout sounded a little cutie too.
A beautiful romcom I devoured in just over a day.
The whole village of Blossom Heath sounded wonderful- so supportive to Rose - the way they rallied around in her hour of need was extremely heartwarming and the countryside available sounded idyllic too.
It seemed like the village and community was the perfect antidote to the busy life Rose was leading in London.
I thought the romance element was beautifully written - the chemistry between Rose and Jake was there from the very start and I loved seeing their friendship grow with the common interest of Scout and the two farm dogs. Oh and Scout sounded a little cutie too.
A beautiful romcom I devoured in just over a day.
December 25, 2023
I find it very hard to try and review this book as I wasn’t planning on reading it. My friend lent it to me after finishing it and I was up to reading it as well so we could chat about it. Neither of us liked it.
But it’s not a bad book by itself, it’s just not a genre I read or particularly like. I have been really into cosy mysteries, but just a cosy romance is maybe not the natural progression for me.
I guess the main character Rose was a bit too boring for me, she was very nice and all but definitely too much of a pushover, especially when her boyfriend treated her wrong. The love interest Jake is…okay I guess? He also lacks some spine, considering he had his ex coming back and showing some cleavage and he was ready to jump into bed again. Like man have more strength in your convictions??
Everyone else was also so nice and sweet, apart from the bad guys who were obviously bad and mean and dirty. The idea of moving from London to a small idyllic village is not new but always sweet, and the way Rose found what she wanted in her life was a bit heartwarming.
I guess the ending was very abrupt,
But all in all, it was an inoffensive book. It was sweet and nice and gave me very little. It was a pleasant enough time but it’s simply not what I like reading.
But it’s not a bad book by itself, it’s just not a genre I read or particularly like. I have been really into cosy mysteries, but just a cosy romance is maybe not the natural progression for me.
I guess the main character Rose was a bit too boring for me, she was very nice and all but definitely too much of a pushover, especially when her boyfriend treated her wrong. The love interest Jake is…okay I guess? He also lacks some spine, considering he had his ex coming back and showing some cleavage and he was ready to jump into bed again. Like man have more strength in your convictions??
Everyone else was also so nice and sweet, apart from the bad guys who were obviously bad and mean and dirty. The idea of moving from London to a small idyllic village is not new but always sweet, and the way Rose found what she wanted in her life was a bit heartwarming.
I guess the ending was very abrupt,
But all in all, it was an inoffensive book. It was sweet and nice and gave me very little. It was a pleasant enough time but it’s simply not what I like reading.
October 5, 2024
I read a quote recently that said, ‘Before something great happens, everything falls apart.’ Eesh, does this sum up Rose’s life at the start of our story.
I felt like I’d completed a semaphore crash course the way I was waving the red flags around trying to grab Rose’s attention where certain characters were concerned *palms face*. I don’t mind telling you, my arms were killing me *snorts*.
Like so many other readers, books are my therapy of choice and ABYS is definitely ‘A Hug in a Book’ read for me which I very much needed just now.
Also, please tell me I’m not the only one who would move to Blossom Heath in a heartbeat?! Granted *nods*, nothing would be a secret… privacy-schmivacy *wafts hand* (and my aversion to the great outdoors aside), yet if you were ever in trouble, this village would have your back like that *snaps fingers*. *sniffs* I’m not getting emotional, honest!
*sighs* What is it about animals in stories? I completely lost my heart to Scout. This little Border Collie made me more emosh than all the other characters combined!
Okay, fine… Jake made my heart flutter, however that’s another thing entirely *winks*.
Touching, life-affirming and full of warmth, ABYS will leave you with a smile on your face and a happy heart.
I’m already planning a return visit to the village. I’m just waiting on dates to be firmed up (aka Book 2 release date)!
I felt like I’d completed a semaphore crash course the way I was waving the red flags around trying to grab Rose’s attention where certain characters were concerned *palms face*. I don’t mind telling you, my arms were killing me *snorts*.
Like so many other readers, books are my therapy of choice and ABYS is definitely ‘A Hug in a Book’ read for me which I very much needed just now.
Also, please tell me I’m not the only one who would move to Blossom Heath in a heartbeat?! Granted *nods*, nothing would be a secret… privacy-schmivacy *wafts hand* (and my aversion to the great outdoors aside), yet if you were ever in trouble, this village would have your back like that *snaps fingers*. *sniffs* I’m not getting emotional, honest!
*sighs* What is it about animals in stories? I completely lost my heart to Scout. This little Border Collie made me more emosh than all the other characters combined!
Okay, fine… Jake made my heart flutter, however that’s another thing entirely *winks*.
Touching, life-affirming and full of warmth, ABYS will leave you with a smile on your face and a happy heart.
I’m already planning a return visit to the village. I’m just waiting on dates to be firmed up (aka Book 2 release date)!
August 25, 2023
Rose loves being a primary school teacher in London, so when she loses her dream job, her confidence takes a hard knock. It does not help that her stockbroker fiancé Ollie is less than supportive, seeing it as an opportunity to get her on the fast track to the highlife by joining him in his city firm.
Rose is not keen on Ollie's hints about a career change, but when she receives a call telling her that her beloved Aunt Jean has had a fall, she forgets her own troubles and heads to her childhood village of Blossom Heath, in rural Sussex, to see what she can do to help. Since Rose is at a loose end, she decides to stay in Blossom Heath for a few weeks until Aunt Jean is back on her feet, despite Ollie's obvious disapproval. Being back in the village reminds Rose of all the things about country life she has missed. She begins reflecting on how she and Ollie have grown apart - and there is no denying that local farmer, handsome Jake, has turned her head. But London life does not seem done with Rose yet. She has some decisions to make. Should she listen to her head, or her heart?
Always by your Side is a glorious debut romance from Julie Haworth, about love, friendship, following your heart... and dogs! When Rose unexpectedly finds herself with some time on her hands, the charms of Blossom Heath, and all that it offers, make her realise that she and Ollie want very different things from the future. And who can blame her when the attractions of this lovely little country village are so many - the warm welcome of old and new friends, the possibility of a new life, and all fabulous memories she has of her childhood... not to mention the chemistry between her and Jake.
I adore a rom-com with a fabulous community spirit, and the supportive bunch of residents in Blossom Heath fit the bill to perfection, coming through in times of need to get Rose through the inevitable bumps in the road that come between her and her destiny. The developing friendship, with delicious will-they-won't-they vibes, between Rose and Jake is gorgeous, and Haworth throws in just the right number of mishaps and misunderstandings required to make the heart-flipping ending one to make your eyes brim over with happy tears. And if you are a fan of adorable canine companions, you need this book in your life - I guarantee you will fall in love with Scout and her doggy pals.
Haworth cleverly touches on a lot of themes in this story, particularly around facing up to the truth when a relationship is not going as you hoped and being brave enough to take a different path, and she injects a sub-plot around the callous thefts of furry friends that has real emotional punch. She sums up so much about devoting yourself to a job which is a vocation too, with all the nicely written school-based scenes, and I really enjoyed how she pokes bitter-sweet fun at the pretentious city crowd that Ollie is desperate to be a part of.
This was such a joy to consume, with all the threads coming together in a splendid heart-shaped package, and it is easy to see why it was the winner of the RNA Katie Fforde Debut Novel of the Year 2023. I cannot wait to read more from Julie Haworth!
Rose is not keen on Ollie's hints about a career change, but when she receives a call telling her that her beloved Aunt Jean has had a fall, she forgets her own troubles and heads to her childhood village of Blossom Heath, in rural Sussex, to see what she can do to help. Since Rose is at a loose end, she decides to stay in Blossom Heath for a few weeks until Aunt Jean is back on her feet, despite Ollie's obvious disapproval. Being back in the village reminds Rose of all the things about country life she has missed. She begins reflecting on how she and Ollie have grown apart - and there is no denying that local farmer, handsome Jake, has turned her head. But London life does not seem done with Rose yet. She has some decisions to make. Should she listen to her head, or her heart?
Always by your Side is a glorious debut romance from Julie Haworth, about love, friendship, following your heart... and dogs! When Rose unexpectedly finds herself with some time on her hands, the charms of Blossom Heath, and all that it offers, make her realise that she and Ollie want very different things from the future. And who can blame her when the attractions of this lovely little country village are so many - the warm welcome of old and new friends, the possibility of a new life, and all fabulous memories she has of her childhood... not to mention the chemistry between her and Jake.
I adore a rom-com with a fabulous community spirit, and the supportive bunch of residents in Blossom Heath fit the bill to perfection, coming through in times of need to get Rose through the inevitable bumps in the road that come between her and her destiny. The developing friendship, with delicious will-they-won't-they vibes, between Rose and Jake is gorgeous, and Haworth throws in just the right number of mishaps and misunderstandings required to make the heart-flipping ending one to make your eyes brim over with happy tears. And if you are a fan of adorable canine companions, you need this book in your life - I guarantee you will fall in love with Scout and her doggy pals.
Haworth cleverly touches on a lot of themes in this story, particularly around facing up to the truth when a relationship is not going as you hoped and being brave enough to take a different path, and she injects a sub-plot around the callous thefts of furry friends that has real emotional punch. She sums up so much about devoting yourself to a job which is a vocation too, with all the nicely written school-based scenes, and I really enjoyed how she pokes bitter-sweet fun at the pretentious city crowd that Ollie is desperate to be a part of.
This was such a joy to consume, with all the threads coming together in a splendid heart-shaped package, and it is easy to see why it was the winner of the RNA Katie Fforde Debut Novel of the Year 2023. I cannot wait to read more from Julie Haworth!
August 8, 2022
Always By Your Side is just a lovely lovely read. I really enjoyed it. The book revolves around Rose, a lovely selfless lady who when hearing her Great Aunt is in hospital, drops everything in London to help out and stay at her Aunt's house in the delightful village of Blossom Heath, in rural Sussex. Rose is a teacher but due to an awful last Headteacher she is out of work. She leaves her boyfriend in London - I did not like Ollie one bit and when he did what he did on his first visit to see Rose in Blossom Heath, I was not happy! He is so controlling.
Rose blossoms in Blossom Heath - she used to visit her Great Aunt a lot when she was younger during the Summer holidays and absolutely loves being back. The story takes us on a journey of re-discovery, of being true to yourself and achieving your dreams. We see Rose rise to so many challenges and despite everything she goes through she makes her dreams come true. Being back in Blossom Heath has completely changed her life and future :-)
I loved the beautiful setting; I loved the characters and I loved the community and the friendship throughout Blossom Heath. I think we would all love to live in a village like Blossom Heath! I loved reading about her life as a teacher – a wonderful caring teacher who enhances her pupil’s life to help them reach their full potential. Scout was just the best dog - I was so relieved when Rose was able to keep him - they belonged together and make the best of friends! Just like Jake and Rose belong together.
An absolutely wonderful debut by Julie Haworth. A delight to read. I look forward to her next book and I hope we do get to back to Blossom Heath!
Thank you very much for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
Rose blossoms in Blossom Heath - she used to visit her Great Aunt a lot when she was younger during the Summer holidays and absolutely loves being back. The story takes us on a journey of re-discovery, of being true to yourself and achieving your dreams. We see Rose rise to so many challenges and despite everything she goes through she makes her dreams come true. Being back in Blossom Heath has completely changed her life and future :-)
I loved the beautiful setting; I loved the characters and I loved the community and the friendship throughout Blossom Heath. I think we would all love to live in a village like Blossom Heath! I loved reading about her life as a teacher – a wonderful caring teacher who enhances her pupil’s life to help them reach their full potential. Scout was just the best dog - I was so relieved when Rose was able to keep him - they belonged together and make the best of friends! Just like Jake and Rose belong together.
An absolutely wonderful debut by Julie Haworth. A delight to read. I look forward to her next book and I hope we do get to back to Blossom Heath!
Thank you very much for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
October 10, 2024
A very sweet tale with lots of pleasant characters. Rose Hargreaves leaves London to tend her Aunt Jean, & her aunt's cottage, when she lands in hospital for an extended stay. The village of Blossom Heath has an amazing community of supportive neighbours, an idyllic spot you could only dream of, as well as a potential new love interest in Jake. Rose is also lucky enough to find the perfect canine companion almost as soon as she arrives, a stray dog that she names Scout - a delightful critter, indeed.
Rose seems to have a lot more money than you'd expect for an out-of-work teacher, & apart for a brief mention of "savings" I can't work out where it was all coming from. Perhaps her she allowed the much-maligned fiance pay for everything: poor Ollie, he did turn out to be a bit of a rotter, but Rose didn't include him in any of her plans either, & seemed to treat him more like a flatmate. I also found the fact that Rose was exhausted by a couple of hours on the train from London to Rye a little bit weird, she's in her 20s, I think.
It is a nice book, quite unremarkable, & a bit tediously detailed. As an example, "As soon as the train driver announced their arrival at Rye, Rose gathered her belongings and hurried towards the doors as the train pulled into the platform. She knew her way around the station well, having been down to visit Aunt Jean more times than she cared to count." All perfectly correct & accounted for, no doubt, but reads more like a children's story, &, in fact, it could very nearly be one.
Rose seems to have a lot more money than you'd expect for an out-of-work teacher, & apart for a brief mention of "savings" I can't work out where it was all coming from. Perhaps her she allowed the much-maligned fiance pay for everything: poor Ollie, he did turn out to be a bit of a rotter, but Rose didn't include him in any of her plans either, & seemed to treat him more like a flatmate. I also found the fact that Rose was exhausted by a couple of hours on the train from London to Rye a little bit weird, she's in her 20s, I think.
It is a nice book, quite unremarkable, & a bit tediously detailed. As an example, "As soon as the train driver announced their arrival at Rye, Rose gathered her belongings and hurried towards the doors as the train pulled into the platform. She knew her way around the station well, having been down to visit Aunt Jean more times than she cared to count." All perfectly correct & accounted for, no doubt, but reads more like a children's story, &, in fact, it could very nearly be one.
September 3, 2023
I binged read this book in a day and I absolutely loved it and I love the country village romance so much between city girl Rose and farmer Jake and I love the whole village community of Blossom Heath and I just love the characters in the village and I love that Rose is a primary school teacher and I love her relationship with her aunt Jean and her dad and I just love this scent of community and friendship in blossom heath and I would love to go to this village and I love Julie Haworth writing and can't wait to read more of her books and I just love a really good country village romance and I love the dogs in this book and I read this book in a day and I love the front cover so much and I also liked that there was drama on the book as well but overall I absolutely loved this country village romance and I can't wait to re read this and I read this book on a lovely hot day and I love the ending when Jake and Rose get together and that Rose stays in blossom heath and that's it her home and I love that Rose has childhood memories at blossom heath with her aunt after her mum died and I like that we get to know about Jake and Rose past with there parents but I just love this so much and I just love the whole country village romance vibe and I love how everyone I'm blossom heath Village knows about everyone's business
Country Village romance
Community and friendship
Everyone coming together and helping each other out when needed
Soft romance
Summer reading vibes
Under 400 pages
Country Village romance
Community and friendship
Everyone coming together and helping each other out when needed
Soft romance
Summer reading vibes
Under 400 pages
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2022
Sometimes a book comes along at just the right time doesn’t it!
I loved everything about Always By Your Side … the characters, the setting, the pace and the storyline. It is such a feel good story (you’ll be flooded with happy hormones!)
I really identified with Rose in her teaching role. And was desperate for her to find her confidence again. It was clear from the beginning what a fabulous educator she was.
There is such a contrast between Rose’s life in London and the community at Blossom Heath. They’re worlds apart. And forgive the pun but we see Rose unfurl and blossom away from expectations of that world.
It’s not all light and sunshine though. There are a few nerve wracking moments that had my pulse racing (not caused by Jake Harper 😜 ) I loved the conflicts and held my breath waiting for the resolutions.
I read this in a couple of days, setting other things aside because I just had to keep reading.
If you enjoy stories about communities, friendships, rescue dogs, ex’s and sexy farmers, 😍 Always By Your Side should be on your radar. Julie Haworth is a genius.
I’m really hoping for more stories set in Blossom Heath! I can’t get enough! An outstanding debut.
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/revie...
I loved everything about Always By Your Side … the characters, the setting, the pace and the storyline. It is such a feel good story (you’ll be flooded with happy hormones!)
I really identified with Rose in her teaching role. And was desperate for her to find her confidence again. It was clear from the beginning what a fabulous educator she was.
There is such a contrast between Rose’s life in London and the community at Blossom Heath. They’re worlds apart. And forgive the pun but we see Rose unfurl and blossom away from expectations of that world.
It’s not all light and sunshine though. There are a few nerve wracking moments that had my pulse racing (not caused by Jake Harper 😜 ) I loved the conflicts and held my breath waiting for the resolutions.
I read this in a couple of days, setting other things aside because I just had to keep reading.
If you enjoy stories about communities, friendships, rescue dogs, ex’s and sexy farmers, 😍 Always By Your Side should be on your radar. Julie Haworth is a genius.
I’m really hoping for more stories set in Blossom Heath! I can’t get enough! An outstanding debut.
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/revie...
July 19, 2022
This was a really enjoyable read about going home to find yourself. Things weren't going right in Rose's life in London so when she has to return to Blossom Heath to care for her Great Aunt it was easy for her to take a break and go where she was needed.
We follow her journey from unhappy urbanite to happy, relaxed country based living but when she has to pick between these two lives, which way will she jump? You'll have to read to the end to find out!
I loved the way that the dogs had great personalities in this as well as the humans.
This book made me smile to myself many times during the reading of it and I look forward to reading more by this author, I'm really hoping that more will be set in Blossom Heath too so we can see what happens with all the characters we met in this one.
We follow her journey from unhappy urbanite to happy, relaxed country based living but when she has to pick between these two lives, which way will she jump? You'll have to read to the end to find out!
I loved the way that the dogs had great personalities in this as well as the humans.
This book made me smile to myself many times during the reading of it and I look forward to reading more by this author, I'm really hoping that more will be set in Blossom Heath too so we can see what happens with all the characters we met in this one.
July 26, 2022
A charming debut - if you like Miss Read, or Heidi Swain, you might like this, which has lots of country school details. Plus there's a rescue dog, and the protagonist is very likeable, and her journey from frazzled unappreciated London girlfriend of horrible banker-type to much less frazzled country-dweller etc. etc. is nicely done. She makes new friends and gets a new job and meets a handsome farmer, as one might expect. There's some dog-related jeopardy and some heartfelt relationship questions.
Always slightly hesitant about anything that suggests 'country schools' are 'nicer' than 'urban schools' without any reflection about what this might mean or why it might be the case. However, I recognise that this is very much not the point.
Always slightly hesitant about anything that suggests 'country schools' are 'nicer' than 'urban schools' without any reflection about what this might mean or why it might be the case. However, I recognise that this is very much not the point.
August 16, 2022
This was the perfect book to relax with on an extremely hot and sunny Sunday in the UK. Rose is at a crossroads in her life and finds herself heading out of London to help her great aunt Jean. Rose also finds herself helping the local community in unexpected ways and needs to decide whether she will return to London or stay in Blossom Heath.
I loved how the story of the dogs was woven into this story. As a dog adopter, I love it when a dog (or 3) become a central part of the story. Dogs quickly become part of the family and Scout helps Rose adjust to the change of pace of life and to meet new friends.
A lovely uplifting book from a debut author that I look forward to reading more from in the future. A five star read for me.
I loved how the story of the dogs was woven into this story. As a dog adopter, I love it when a dog (or 3) become a central part of the story. Dogs quickly become part of the family and Scout helps Rose adjust to the change of pace of life and to meet new friends.
A lovely uplifting book from a debut author that I look forward to reading more from in the future. A five star read for me.
June 27, 2022
Loved this book & id eagerly awaiting reading this debut after hearing Julie speak about it at the #TeamBATC2022Showcase earlier in the year.
A wonderful uplifting look into the lives of Rose,her great aunt Jean,Ollie,Jake & the residents in the village Blossom Heath where Rose spent her summers growing up. Brilliant characters - loved some,loathed some!!
Routed for Rose to be happy from the start when Ollie & his irritating work mates showed their true colours & Rose knew she needed a change of scene!
Highly recommend this read that’s due out in august 2022
A wonderful uplifting look into the lives of Rose,her great aunt Jean,Ollie,Jake & the residents in the village Blossom Heath where Rose spent her summers growing up. Brilliant characters - loved some,loathed some!!
Routed for Rose to be happy from the start when Ollie & his irritating work mates showed their true colours & Rose knew she needed a change of scene!
Highly recommend this read that’s due out in august 2022
October 4, 2023
2.5 rounded up to 3.
First of all, this book is more of a feel-good book about finding yourself. The love story is more like a side story in the back. All in all I found the whole tone and the whole cheesiness of the book just not my vibe at all. Everything was perfect, everything went perfectly .... This book just fell so flat. The relationship with the characters had no real build up and the Ollie story dragged through the whole book. I just did not like it at all.
First of all, this book is more of a feel-good book about finding yourself. The love story is more like a side story in the back. All in all I found the whole tone and the whole cheesiness of the book just not my vibe at all. Everything was perfect, everything went perfectly .... This book just fell so flat. The relationship with the characters had no real build up and the Ollie story dragged through the whole book. I just did not like it at all.
September 22, 2025
This edition is unknown to Goodreads. ISBN 978-1-39916-858-8, paperback, 2023, ISIS large print, 346 pages, with cover showing distant view of village.
Lovely story. Almost flawless punctuation. Notable expression "Emily's got the personality of an ironing board".
Some unnecessary repetition of hair colours and other things. (Are authors paid by the word count?)
About 20 proofreader quibbles; I've not left myself enough time to list them.
Lovely story. Almost flawless punctuation. Notable expression "Emily's got the personality of an ironing board".
Some unnecessary repetition of hair colours and other things. (Are authors paid by the word count?)
About 20 proofreader quibbles; I've not left myself enough time to list them.
August 2, 2022
Something in the cover and the blurb made me think about Miss Read, an author I love.
This is a good story, a classic going-back-to-root set in a village. The characters are relatable, both human and canine, and it's an entertaining read.
It's heartwarming and entertaining,
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This is a good story, a classic going-back-to-root set in a village. The characters are relatable, both human and canine, and it's an entertaining read.
It's heartwarming and entertaining,
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 20, 2023
“It turns out that I might be a little bit in love with you, and I’m kicking myself that I’ve waited so long to tell you.”
Always by your side follows Rose, a school teacher, who drops everything to look after her elderly Aunt back in Blossom Heath, where she grew up. Rose meets Jake, a local farmer, and starts to question, when London calls for her again, if that’s where she wants to be or if she’s enjoying her new life in the country.
My review:
This is a book suitable for those who love romance. The storyline is good and the characters are well thought through but it just misses the spot with me. The ending is too predictable and I wanted more from Jake.
Always by your side follows Rose, a school teacher, who drops everything to look after her elderly Aunt back in Blossom Heath, where she grew up. Rose meets Jake, a local farmer, and starts to question, when London calls for her again, if that’s where she wants to be or if she’s enjoying her new life in the country.
My review:
This is a book suitable for those who love romance. The storyline is good and the characters are well thought through but it just misses the spot with me. The ending is too predictable and I wanted more from Jake.
July 19, 2024
I received this book as a gift from Simon and Schuster UK.
A fantastic debut novel thoroughly enjoyed it.
Not a quick frippery read which can be read in one sitting.
Well written with a great story representing the different lifestyles in London and a country village.
Loved the inclusion of all the dogs!
A fantastic debut novel thoroughly enjoyed it.
Not a quick frippery read which can be read in one sitting.
Well written with a great story representing the different lifestyles in London and a country village.
Loved the inclusion of all the dogs!
December 10, 2023
Such a wonderful story that flowed brilliantly. As each chapter finished I couldn’t help but start the next one. Such an easy read that kept me wanting more. Cannot wait for Julie’s new book next year.
January 20, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I've had it on my tbr shelf for a while and wish I'd picked it up sooner. A gorgeous heartwarming book about finding where you belong. I cant wait till the next book comes out by Julie Haworth.
October 5, 2024
Everything you want from a romance
This gem got me well and truly out of my reading slump. The welcoming hug that Rose gets from Blossom Heath is extended to the reader. I loved the array of characters from the slightly eccentric Aunt Jean to the four legged friends that we are rooting for. The road bumps in the love story kept me page-turning to the last. Always By Your Side was just the prescription for this ex-teaching, experience-country girl but it should be noted, the side effect was a lapse in house work for the duration. It’s lucky I whizzed through. As a certified cat-person, I’m now excited to follow up with Julie Haworth’s’ next offering.
This gem got me well and truly out of my reading slump. The welcoming hug that Rose gets from Blossom Heath is extended to the reader. I loved the array of characters from the slightly eccentric Aunt Jean to the four legged friends that we are rooting for. The road bumps in the love story kept me page-turning to the last. Always By Your Side was just the prescription for this ex-teaching, experience-country girl but it should be noted, the side effect was a lapse in house work for the duration. It’s lucky I whizzed through. As a certified cat-person, I’m now excited to follow up with Julie Haworth’s’ next offering.
November 4, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ It was such a cute read, I loved everything about this book. I wanted to keep reading and reading. Will be reading ‘New Beginnings At The Cosy Cat Cafe’ very soon ! It’s about a character who appears briefly in ‘Always By Your Side’.
July 31, 2022
A very enjoyable romance. I’ll be looking out for more books from this author.
August 19, 2022
I just loved this book! I'm not going to give you a synopsis of the book, just read it! An excellent debut novel, Well done, Julie Haworth!
August 28, 2022
A lovely story and so easy to read and get swept along with.
October 6, 2022
Excellent, emotional, weepy, happy, really good read
August 28, 2023
Just what I needed after a full on brain aching detective novel. This entertaining, immersive romance set in Sussex with a protagonist you wanted to be friends with was ideal bank holiday reading.
February 7, 2024
Unbelievable, too emotional over a dog and who comes back from an unconscious allergic reaction like that!
February 26, 2024
It was a okay book to read, the first book I read since I started readying again in 2024
March 15, 2024
A very wholesome book. Would recommend it if you're looking for an easy read.
September 26, 2024
Absolutely delightful book ! Slightly predictable but still an easy and lovely read !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews