Starting Over at Primrose Woods

Primrose Woods #1

by Jill Steeples

Abbey Carter should be feeling on top of the world.

She has the home of her dreams – a picturesque cottage just walking distance from her beloved Primrose Woods. She has a job she loves, great friends, and most exciting of all – a wedding dress hanging in her wardrobe ready to be worn. So why does she feel so lonely…

Lizzie Baker loves her job at the Treetops café in Primrose Woods, and she loves being a grandmother even more. If only she could face her fear of flying and see her granddaughter in person rather than on a screen.

Rhianna West is head over heels for her boyfriend Jay. She just wishes he could see her more regularly. His excuses are starting to wear thin, and Rhi’s dreams for the future are beginning to fade.

Can the fun and friendships, the picture-perfect scenery and rolling seasons in Primrose Woods help the women find the happy endings they deserve? After all anything is possible if you dare to dream…

An absolute treat of a book. Let Jill Steeples whisk you away into the beautiful countryside for the perfect feel-good comfort read. Just right for fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Julie Houston.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2022

About the author

Author also writes as J.E. Steeples

Jill Steeples lives in a small market town in Bedfordshire with her husband. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, crocheting, musical theatre, baking cakes, eating them and the occasional tipple.

From an early age she fell in love with the fabulously funny romances of Jilly Cooper, and vowed, one day, she would have a go at writing one of her own.

Jill started her career writing short stories, particularly those with a twist in the tail, and her work has appeared in popular women’s magazines around the world and in a number of charity anthologies.

Now she writes feel-good, uplifting fiction for Boldwood Books and her works include The Dog & Duck series and The Primrose Woods series.

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by Jill Steeples and I'm so charmed know it won't be the last. Sweet, cozy, relaxing, this book is full of lovely countryside views and decent people (with one very notable exception) on the brink of getting a second chance at love.
The three main female characters couldn't have been more different. Abbey with her sweet and caring personality also carries a touch of vulnerability and sadness, perhaps due to missing her late mother. Deep down she knows her relationship with her fiance Jayson has seen more downs than ups recently. They are heading to the altar in just three weeks time, so should she even be listening to her heart which is telling that not everything is right? all of this despite having been together with Jason for twelve years! Confident and decisive Rhianna is so consumed with her whirlwind romance with Jay to have not time or energy to make friends in the place she moved to after graduating. There are warning bells ringing in her head too...Why is Jay being so secretive about them and when exactly will he be completely free of his nagging, petty ex? Fifty-nine-year-old Lizzy would love nothing more than to see her her daughter Katie who live in Australia. Her fear of flying is so debilitating that Lizzy's only hope to properly meet her granddaughter Rosie is to wait for her Katie's family to come over and visit her...Until she gets both good news and bad news. All three characters were charming and realistic, flawed and decent at the same time. They are a kind of people you would like to have as neighbours or even friends.
As you have already guessed the three stories are interwoven and are connected with each other through a lovely place- The Primrose Woods Park. I loved the descriptions of nature and fabulous walks..I can't help thinking that the author had a particular place in mind she based these vigniettes on.
I really enjoy second chance romances and can often see myself at a crossroads moment of my life going through similar emotions or my friends second-guessing whether they are ever going to find an honest, reliable partner who is going to love and appreciate them. I also like the inclusion of two widowed protagonists who have a different kind of challenges.
If you like books with a small-town setting, but are a bit apprehensive of their way too coomon focus on gossip, rest assured Starting Over at Primrose Woods is nothing like that. What you get instead is healing nature, a sweet and playful dog, a traditional country pub, and lots of thoughtful, kind people, genuinely caring about each others' feelings.
I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys low-angst books with clean romance in a lovely setting.


Thank you to Rachel, NetGalley, Boldwood books and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ A Feel-good, Uplifting Romance

Starting Over at Primrose Woods is a Heart-warming Romance about Second Chances, Starting Over, Friendships and Nature.

Abbey, Lizzie and Rhi are all very different, but one thing they have in common is their beautiful Friendship.
But can they find love, mend broken hearts, get over their fears and start again!

Although I found the story a little predicable to start with, once I warmed to the characters I couldn't careless what I thought I may or may not of known as I just completely fell in love with the story, and in particular Primrose Woods.
I too adore nature, it's my happy place and helps when I'm feeling low. So learning all about Primrose Woods just made me want to visit so badly! There's something quiet magical about redwood trees.

There wasn't one character I didn't like...Well except for James...I could of quiet easily slapped him! But I'll let you see if you agree with me there!!
But I have to say Lizzie is one special character, she melted my heart and I was rooting for her to find happiness the whole way through!

I'm not going to go into too much detail as I really don't want to spoil it for you.
But one thing is for sure...if you are after a Heart-warming and Uplifting Story, with a couple of side orders of Romance, Enchanting Backdrops, Loveable Characters, The most adorable, yet cheeky Fur Baby, plenty of smiles and a few giggles along the way....Then I HIGHLY Recommend reading....Starting Over at Primrose Woods by Jill Steeples
​

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources and Boldwood Books for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.





You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2022/0...

[Veda]

The main characters were of various ages, which was quite refreshing. Also, charming and picturesque settings.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeous read this story proved to be,
With not one romance but at least one, two, three!
There's betrayal, friendship, fresh starts and more
And Primrose Woods is there to explore.

Three women, their families and their friends
May not know each other at the start but will before the end!
This is a contemporary story of folks and fates
Friendships, romance and very different dates.

Get ready for a pub quiz team doing their best
Beautiful scenery with a bench to sit down and rest.
Lady, a dog who knows who she adores
And growing friendships, dreams and more.

I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful read
It really was just what I did need!
So moving and definitely feel-good, too,
A beautiful read to escape into.

If you're looking for a heartwarming romance
Where folks are starting over, taking a new chance
I highly recommend you delve into this book, too,
And discover how delightful it is all the way through.

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely setting, lovely story and lovely characters… what more could you ask for? This was a perfect piece of escapism and I loved the trio of relationships that Steeples develops.

The setting of Primrose Woods sounded so lovely, especially Abbey’s cottage. It made a change to the fast city-scapes that I have read recently and I enjoyed this slow-paced community. All the characters in this story are very much lovable, not to mention the gorgeous dog, Lady. Primrose Woods and its café seem to be the hub of the area and from the way Steeples describes it, I can easily understand why.

As the different characters are explored, readers get to see a trio of relationships develop. From Abbey’s failed engagement to Jason; Rhi’s affair destroyed and realising that perhaps a budding relationship was already in front of her; and Lizzie’s yearning to be with her daughter, each character brings something different to the story. I liked how the couples were quite contrasting and at varied points in their life. It became a surprising friendship but they all have something in common – their love for their surroundings. Becoming a team for the local pub quiz, the characters grow ever more closer and I liked seeing how supportive they were of one another.

Abbey and Sam, Luke and Rhi, Lizzie and Bill, each have their own story. They are endearing and lovable characters and even though relationships might not develop in the way they are desired, I enjoyed watching the connections develop. When Lizzie decides she simply must overcome her fear of flying to be with her daughter in Australia, the group pull together to ensure this is something that should be achieved. It added to the feel-good element of the story, especially as Lizzie is like a mother character to everyone.

This was a sweet and gentle read. Although the plot was slightly predictable, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of it. I relished in seeing all of the characters and am keen to return to Primrose Woods for a Christmas read. It is a strong start to a series and a new author for me and I am can’t wait to see more of these characters.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Jill’s work for a while now. I haven’t caught up with everything that she has written but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘Starting Over At Primrose Woods’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of book I have come to expect from Jill- a fun. light hearted, feel good sort of story. Well it was certainly all that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Starting Over At Primrose Woods’ but more about that in a bit.
I was drawn into this story from the very first word of the synopsis never mind from when I started reading the story itself. It soon became obvious that I wasn’t going to be able to put this book to one side for any length of time and to say that I became addicted to the story is a slight understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would become so wrapped up in the lives and loves of the various characters that I would still be sat there reading several chapters and an hour later. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of the story. I found ‘Starting Over At Primrose Woods’ to be a fun, feel good, light hearted and romantic read. After finishing reading the book I felt like I had had a hug from a mug of hot chocolate – in the sense that I was left feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
‘Starting Over At Primrose Woods’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Jill Steeples. Jill has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Jill’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a steady pace throughout. Jill cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. Her characters seem just as real as you and I. I find that the sign of a good book is when I find myself becoming far too involved in the story to the extent that I ‘talk’ to them as if they can hear me. I so wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to sort a couple of people out. I love the way in which Jill makes the reader feel a though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Starting Over At Primrose Woods’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Jill’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Samantha Tonge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the odds, Abbey, Lizzie and Rhi become the best of friends and support each other with the melodramas and complexities of their love lives. But is sisterly support enough to reach their happy endings or will each woman have to find a way to take control of their own destiny?

Sometimes it's difficult to navigate a novel with more than a couple of core characters, but Steeples skilfully weaves together the contrasting lives of these three likeable women. I soon found myself rooting for each of their journeys and I loved the beautiful setting of Primrose Woods.

Romantic, feel-good and heartwarming, I loved it!

[Lucy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect pick up I needed oh what a lovely read.

Excited to know it's a new series, such wonderful characters, unlikely friendships and different generations, a total joyful community where they all look out and care for each other.

Thank you Boldwood for introducing me to this fabulous author, I am now off to the Dog And Duck.

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of a 2 part series.

I am fast becoming a fan of this authors books, Jill Steeples stories are an absolute delight of a read from start to finish.

So yep I have thoroughly enjoyed this story and the setting of Primrose Woods sounds so picturesque and idyllic, just beautiful. I’d love to have enjoyed walks through those woods most days just like Abby. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the characters, all of whom were lovely and well portrayed. Obviously didn’t like the character of Jason so was more than glad when he was out of the picture so to say.

I loved seeing the chemistry between Abby and Sam grow and for them to become closer. Sam’s dog Lady sounds adorable too.

I’m so glad that there is a book 2 to this series as I’m so not ready to say goodbye to any of the characters yet. So I’m heading straight into book 2.

[Henriette · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a feel good romance story with new friends of various ages helping each other and also finding love and with a cute dog in the story… look no further!

What to expect:

✅ feel good, uplifting romance

✅ a picture perfect setting in Primrose Woods… I could completely picture how gorgeous it was and with the Treetop Cafe it sounded heavenly… I would love to spend my afternoons and weekends in a place like that!

✅ lovable characters, I had a soft spot for Bill and Lizzie, the eldest members of these new group of friends.

✅ a cute, but at times naughty Springer Spaniel named Lady

✅ new friendships and budding romances

✅ writing that just flows.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Jill Steeples for my ARC. My review is in no way affected by the fact that the book was a gift in exchange for my review.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story features three women, drawn together in friendship living in the idyllic Primrose Woods. The importance of friendship, second chances and finding the courage to overcome your fears are themes explored in this emotional story. I like the three women, and their friendship dynamic is believable. The characterisation is relatable, as are the conflicts the women face. Its vibrant characters and good use of vivid sensory imagery make this an engaging read.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Me · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author spent over a page describing the scene. That’s a little too much time in describing a park for me. DNF.

*****I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest opinion. *******

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review.

This book was wonderful and heartwarming and a lovely romance featuring friendships and second chances.
Abbey, Lizzie and Rhi are three friends who are all trying their best to start over. They are all wonderful, real characters and they made me feel for them all the way through and I just wanted them to have the best outcome possible - they deserved it!
I also fell in love with the setting of Primrose Woods. The descriptions had me wanting to go and visit there.
Starting Over At Primrose Woods was a wonderful, uplifting book that left me with a warm and happy feeling…..

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

What an absolute joy it is to lose yourself in Jill Steeples’ fun and feel-good new romantic comedy, Starting Over at Primrose Woods.

Everything seems to be coming up roses for Abbey Carter. She has everything she has always wanted for so long: a beautiful cottage within walking distance of her beloved Primrose Woods, a job she loves, a wonderful circle of friends and a wedding dress hanging in her wardrobe. Abbey should feel as if she’s on top of the world, so why can’t she shake off this feeling that something isn’t quite right? Why does she feel so lonely? And more importantly, does she have the courage to do something to change her situation?

Working at the Treetops Café in Primrose Woods never fails to put a spring in Lizzie Baker’s step. She loves her job and adores her customers, but beneath that friendly smile is a woman yearning to see her beloved granddaughter. Being a grandmother is all Lizzie had ever wanted, but her fear of flying is stopping her from seeing her granddaughter in the flesh. Will Lizzie find the courage to conquer her fears and finally be able to hug her granddaughter? Or will she have to resign herself to seeing her grandchild on the screen?

Rhianna West is crazy about her boyfriend, Jay. Unfortunately, Jay’s busy schedule precludes him from spending too much time with her. Rhianna has tried to be the understanding girlfriend, but her patience is wearing thin and Jay’s excuses just don’t ring true anymore. Will Rhi’s dreams for a happy future fail to materialize? Or will she realize that she can have the life she wants – but only if she listens to her heart and takes a leap of faith.

Will these three women find the happiness they seek? At Primrose Woods, anything can happen…

You cannot help but love Jill Steeples’ latest novel, Starting Over at Primrose Woods. Heartfelt, witty, brilliantly funny and so enjoyable I couldn’t stop reading it, Starting Over at Primrose Woods is an entertaining and engrossing tale about second chances, finding happiness and the power of friendship and community that made me smile and touched my heart.

Full of characters you will simply adore and with a great big dollop of humour, charm and heart, Jill Steeples’ Starting Over at Primrose Woods is a total delight!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a few weeks of reading mysteries and thrillers, I'm really glad I agreed to read Starting Over at Primrose Woods. Romance isn't really my genre, but this book strikes just the right note between a traditional women's lit romance and a slice of life piece that I couldn't help but be completely won over! I'll be adding the author, Jill Steeples to my list of comfort reads from now on!

Starting Over at Primrose Woods focuses on 3 women at different stages in their lives, and how the circumstances of their lives has brought them together and they've supported each other as each of them sets out on a new path. Lizzie is a widow in her late fifties who is terrified of flying but desperate to see her daughter and granddaughter in Australia. She works at the local cafe, one of the social centers in their small town. Abbey is in her thirties, and after dating the same man for 12 years, is only weeks away from the wedding she's dreamed of for years. Except her mind is full of doubts and stress, and the groom-to-be is never around. Rhianna is a young twenty-something, absolutely gone for her suave boyfriend but growing irritated by being his hidden secret as he extricates himself from his ex.

I'm absolutely tickled to be able to start what promises to be a great series from the beginning. I found this book to have all the great elements of a cozy series with likeable/relatable characters and rich descriptions of the scenery, fun dialogue and even a spunky canine! The romance is a theme throughout, but it is more mellow, less frenetic and more sweet without tipping into the saccharine. There is a solid theme of friendship/companionship that touches and shapes the story, especially the friendship of women who society would normally have at each other's throats. There is even the wonderful depiction of Abbey's relationship with her dad, Bill; where there is genuine care and love and support shown.

Starting Over at Primrose Woods isn't the type of romance that will set your panties on fire, but instead will warm the cockles of your heart and make you smile.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

I really enjoyed the Dog & Duke series so I was excited to read something else from this author!

It's no big mystery what is going on with Jason and I was so glad when Abbey figures it all out and gives him the boot. I also enjoyed Rhi's response when she finds out the truth for herself. The fact that this guy keeps coming around trying to get Abbey back just shows how self-centered he is. I think he is truly surprised that she refuses to forgive him and go ahead with the wedding. What makes you hate him the most is that Abbey is such a wonderful, loving person and he treated her horribly. The good news is that Jason is very quickly and thoroughly outshined by Sam (who really is Abbey is perfect match). I was glad that Abbey talked to him about what Lizzie had said about his track record rather than just cutting off contact with him - a great example of what happens when adults actually communicate with one another!

Speaking of Lizzie, I enjoyed her story a lot. Everyone supporting her with her goal to overcome her fear of flying so she could visit her daughter in Australia was so sweet, especially since they didn't downplay her fear or make her feel stupid for feeling that way. And Lizzie's growing relationship with Abbey's father was more understated than Abbey and Sam, but still nice to see unfold.

I liked Rhi, but found her storyline to be the least interesting of the three. And I got a little annoyed with Luke for sending her some mixed messages (I know it was most likely a self-preservation thing, but still he should have been upfront with her).

A solid 3.5 stars!

[Deanna Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty nice book, love the countryside descriptions. I’m beginning to think though, that authors are paid by the word, or are told they need so many pages, because like so many books today, there’s an awful lot of “fill”. I don’t mind descriptions to a point, but worse are the pages of reflections and thoughts filled with doubts, over and over, and over again. There were a lot.
So Abby was due to marry Jason in June, (after 9 years living together) he cheated so it was called off.
She met Sam, and by end of August he’d basically moved in!! Rhi who Jason cheated with, tracked Abby down to explain that she had no idea he was engaged to be married! And they they become firm friends! Which was a little weird. When Rhi found out that Jason, (who she worked with) was due to be married she had it out with him in the office and left her job!
Luke who also worked at the same place, came to see her with flowers, and they became in a “friends” relationship. This was the relationship that drove me crazy. When Rhi realized that she really liked Luke, he blew hot and cold, but was always around with “a wide smile” ready to go wherever, coffee, drink etc etc, but if Rhi hinted at a more romantic relationship, he said no they were just friends, talk about mixed messages.
lot of info hashed and rehashed in other chapters. I always wonder too why every guy is a hunk, so gorgeous and totally ripped. All the women are beautiful.
So, although it was a nice enough story it could have been better if shorter, and I skipped quite a few pages of duplicated information because I wanted to find out how it all ended……… At the airport where Lizzy and Rhi left for a trip to Australia. Rhi & Luke. Guess the next book in the series will continue it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting Over At Primrose Woods is the first book of three, the third to come later this year, by Jill Steeples. She's a new author for me but this book series has been in my TBR for a long time.

However when I was offered a chance of reading the third book in the series, I just had two read the first two. I'm so glad I did as Jill writing is so engaging, that I challenge you not fall in love with the three leading ladies of these books: Abbey, Lizzie and Rihanna.

Lizzie and Abbey, at the start of the books, already know each other through Treetops Cafe set in the heart of Primrose Woods, a huge estate that Lizzie works at. The book starts with Abbey planning her wedding to Jason. I instantly took a dislike to him - the man is so full of himself.

But it's through Jason that Rihanna and Abbey meet. Out of something so horrible, something so beautiful is born and this is the back story that sets up the rest of the book for these two. Rihanna with Luke, a guy she was so horrible to when they work together so will they, finally, get together in book 2?

Through Lizzie, Abbey meets the gorgeous park ranger, Sam, and his adorable springer spaniel Lady. I admit I've got a soft spot for Lady as I love spaniels. You just hope that these two get together, if anyone deserves happiness and with a man with a heart of gold, Abbey does.

Then through Abbey, Lizzie meets her dad Bill. Lizzie is a women who has been through a lot. Widowed and with a daughter and granddaughter on the opposite side of the world, can Lizzie finds the courage with the help her new friends , the Primrose Fancies?

I promise you, you won't regret picking this book up and be wanting more!

[Inspiredbypmdd Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you #netgalley for letting me read this ARC, Jill Steeples is a new Author to me and I am delighted to be on the Boldwood Blog tour for this book. I found this book and it's characters refreshing and inspiring. One bad experience can lead to a world of good things. That's basically what the take away from this book is. Abbey Carter lives at Wishwell Cottage with her Fiance Jason, also known as Jay, her father Bill who is a widower also lives close by. The wedding date is drawing close but the sudden discovery of her man's infidelity sends Abbeys world crashing down. She sends him packing and builds a new life for herself. Her love for walks lead her to meet Lizzie a widower who works at the Cafe and Sam and his Springer Spaniel. She also makes friends with Rhi who curiously is the woman her ex had an affair with. Rhi realises she has a soft spot for an ex work colleague who comes to see her. They end up having quiz nights and all 6 of them bond and become really great friends. Can Abbey reopen her heart to love? Will Sam finally fall in love after guarding himself for so many years? Will Rhi carve out a path for herself ? Is there love after the loss of a spouse? Its an incredibly serendipitous story. I could identify with a number of scenarios and felt at home with the characters. Lady the Springer Spaniel is the star of the show. I recommend reading this book for its feel good inspiration.

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abbey is just weeks away from marrying her longtime boyfriend Jason. Worn out from wedding planning, worried that she no longer fits or even likes her dress, and frustrated with the lack of time she gets to spend with him after his long work hours, she spends more and more time at Primrose Woods, her favorite park around the corner.
Rhianna is in a new relationship with Jay, but she's getting sick of his excuses why they can't spend more time together. Everyone else is suspicious of him, should she be too?
Lizzie is a waitress at the park's cafe. Lonely after the death of her husband and her only daughter moving out of the country, working at the cafe is the only thing lately that makes her happy. When an unexpected pregnancy causes her daughter to cancel their summer visit, Lizzie is more depressed than ever.
After coincidence brings these women together their lives start to change.
This was a cozy, clean, laid-back romance, more a story of friendship than anything. I loved the character of park ranger Sam and his troublemaking dog Lady. I was disappointed there wasn't more of a happy ending with Rhi and Luke, but I understand where he was coming from.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[Esther Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting Over At Primrose Woods By Jill Steeples
She has the home of her dreams – a picturesque cottage just walking distance from her beloved Primrose Woods. She has a job she adores, great friends, and most exciting of all – a wedding dress hanging in her wardrobe ready to be worn. So why does she feel so lonely…
Lizzie Baker loves her job at the Treetops café in Primrose Woods, and she loves being a grandmother even more. If only she could face her fear of flying and see her granddaughter in person rather than on a screen.
Rhianna West is head over heels for her boyfriend Jay. She wishes he could see her more regularly. His excuses are starting to wear thin, and Rhi's dreams for the future are beginning to fade.
Can the fun and friendships, the picture-perfect scenery and rolling seasons in Primrose Woods help the women find the happy endings they deserve? After all anything is possible if you dare to dream…
I loved the Dog and Duck series of books by Jill Steeples, so I was looking forward to reading the first book of her latest series.
Starting Over At Primrose Woods is a well-written, light-hearted, uplifting story; this romantic novel is an easy, relaxing read with delightful characters and a perfect English countryside setting.
I look forward to seeing what happens next at Primrose Woods.
Grab yourself a copy and enjoy.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting over at primrose woods by Jill Steeples.
Abbey Carter should be feeling on top of the world. She has the home of her dreams – a picturesque cottage just walking distance from her beloved Primrose Woods. She has a job she adores, great friends, and most exciting of all – a wedding dress hanging in her wardrobe ready to be worn.  So why does she feel so lonely… 
Lizzie Baker loves her job at the Treetops café in Primrose Woods, and she loves being a grandmother even more. If only she could face her fear of flying and see her granddaughter in person rather than on a screen. Rhianna West is head over heels for her boyfriend Jay. She just wishes he could see her more regularly. His excuses are starting to wear thin, and Rhi’s dreams for the future are beginning to fade. Can the fun and friendships, the picture-perfect scenery and rolling seasons in Primrose Woods help the women find the happy endings they deserve? After all anything is possible if you dare to dream…
This was a lovely feel good read. Great story and characters. I loved the cover. 4*.

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. I loved the story line but was a slow burning start as you got to know the characters. The story switch between a slow to medium pace throughout. I really wished for a faster pace. I connected well enough with the characters to enjoy the story. I actually rated it 3.5 stars rounded up as it was better than a average rating. I really believe that if this story had better pace it would of got a much higher rating. I don't know about you but slower pace books make me lose concentration then start getting confused as I had no idea that I had switched off. It held so much promise to be that 5 star book. I have the Christmas book in this series to read and I have my fingers crossed for great things. So let's cross our fingers. If you love slow burning romance novels then give this book a try. You can always read a sample to see if this book is for you. My slightly above average rating could be your perfect fit as we all look for different things from a book..
Many thanks to the author and publishers for creating an enjoyable story.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a promising start to a new series! First of all, I loved the setting with all the nature that the Primrose Woods brings to the story. You absolutely know why Abbey loves it so much. There is a healing quality to the setting and the chance to escape from everyday troubles.You do have an inkling fairly early on how the story will pan out for Abbey but in a way that is much of its appeal.

There are several characters to follow as well as Abbey. All of them are starting anew in their own ways and looking to the future with optimism. Friendships span the generations. I am sure they will all feature in subsequent stories, especially a certain couple whose story has a long way to go, I suspect. If you are looking for a heart-warming and escapist read, you will love this one. An added bonus is Lady, Sam's dog who adds some humour and strikes a chord with any dog lovers.

In short: Family and friends, starting over
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

[Sascha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Link to review: https://saschadarlington.me/2022/01/3...

Quickie review:

Starting Over at Primrose Woods by Jill Steeples is a pleasant little book in which not much happens to perfectly lovely people who live in the English countryside. I did not know there was such a thing as a cozy romance but this would seem to be it. Filled with description (some of the detail about nature is quite nice), the reader will feel as if they’re right there. There is a dog, Lady, who needs more than a supporting role. Probably a great novel for readers looking for cozy romance but not my cup of tea.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet and gentle story. On many of the pages there was reason to smile as new friendships and romances were forged. It was lovely to read about female characters being so supportive of each other. I also liked the fact that there was romance for characters of all different age ranges. Each character voice came across clearly and enabled me to paint a clear picture of them in my mind. The setting was very charming too - the kind of town you could imagine yourself doing some shopping in and having a drink at the pub.


Overall, I thought it was a perfect afternoon reading, the sort of book to curl up with and forget about the world for a while. With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lives of three very different women are going to change forever when one event brings them all together.

Abby is planning the wedding of her dreams but she just has a niggling feeling in the back of her mind that something isn’t right.

Lizzie‘s family lives overseas and she longs to see her granddaughter. Unfortunately her fear of flying is debilitating.

Rhianna has been seeing her boyfriend for sometime now but the dates are never in public and she wishes for more.

The multigenerational storyline and the friendships that these women form, under difficult circumstances, is beautiful. I love Jill Steeples writing. This is full of love, laughter and tears.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book by Jill Steeples and I loved it, the setting Primrose Woods Country Park was a perfect choice. Abbey has been let down by her cheating boyfriend Jason and the wedding is off. Abbey feels she won’t be able to trust anyone ever again until she meets ranger Sam and his lovely springer spaniel Lady. Lizzie works at Treetops Cafe in Primrose Woods and she befriends Abbey, she is lonely as her daughter and family are living in Australia. Rhianna enters the story as someone I disliked initially but ended up loving her bubbly character. These three women end up as unlikely friends, a story of friendship and romance.

[Felicity Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm light hearted reading, gentle and feel good.
Abbey's life is about to change as she prepares for her wedding near Primrose Woods. Being able to walk and find peace in the woods is the bonus of village country life for Abbey, after she moved to her cottage.
There is a lovely sense of peace in this book. Likeable characters and familiar places. This is a treat and a real pleasure to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the opportunity to read early.

[Tausha Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Read!

I really liked this book. It's really more than one story and you get to know the characters really well through their relationships with each other, be they friendship, family, or more. It gets only 4 stars because it ended rather abruptly. I guess there will be more to read about these characters since it does say this is the start of a series. Still.... the abrupt ending was just jarring. Overall, it's a great book. You won't regret reading it.