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A Branch in Spring
A tangle of secrets, a life-changing decision and two families determined to withhold what was never theirs to keep.
304 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2022
6 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Lara Meredith
1 book16 followersThriller's- under L.A. Meredith
Contemporary Fiction - under Lara Meredith.
Lara is a Canadian writer who lives in the Greater Toronto Area with her amazing husband and a demanding pug named Charlie Brown.
When Lara is not writing, she can be found sprawled out on the wicker furniture in her gazebo with a cup of hot rhubarb tea, hiking in the Ontario Conservation Parks or crying over an old black & white movie… that she’s watched for the fifteenth time.
Contemporary Fiction - under Lara Meredith.
Lara is a Canadian writer who lives in the Greater Toronto Area with her amazing husband and a demanding pug named Charlie Brown.
When Lara is not writing, she can be found sprawled out on the wicker furniture in her gazebo with a cup of hot rhubarb tea, hiking in the Ontario Conservation Parks or crying over an old black & white movie… that she’s watched for the fifteenth time.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 22, 2022
I had this book on my list for a while and picked it accidentally just as winter was turning into spring in Australia.
This was a debut novel by @larameredith_writes and I really enjoyed it. Lara has some good writing skills and I'm looking forward to seeing what she produces next. 📑
This book has some booksta favourite tropes including found family and second chance love.
There was some really good twists in this book that I did NOT see coming!! 😲
My favourite thing about this book was how Lara handles mental health. Its not always spoken about and when it is, it isn't done well. Mental health is faced head on in this book which I think is so important. 👏🏻
Thank you @larameredith_writes for talking to me along the way about your book!!! 💜
This was a debut novel by @larameredith_writes and I really enjoyed it. Lara has some good writing skills and I'm looking forward to seeing what she produces next. 📑
This book has some booksta favourite tropes including found family and second chance love.
There was some really good twists in this book that I did NOT see coming!! 😲
My favourite thing about this book was how Lara handles mental health. Its not always spoken about and when it is, it isn't done well. Mental health is faced head on in this book which I think is so important. 👏🏻
Thank you @larameredith_writes for talking to me along the way about your book!!! 💜
November 10, 2022
I enjoyed that while this was contemporary fiction with a focus on family, relationships, and following dreams, there were some fun twists and mysteries!
Rayna's character experienced a lot of growth as she overcame her fears and decided to write her book. Since I am a writer I always love when characters pursue that dream.
I loved the relationships, especially Beaker- he was such a sweet character and I rooted for him and Rayna. I also loved the dog and the horses 🐶🐴
There were chapters from the perspective of another character Charlotte, which sometimes felt disjointed. But I appreciated getting to know this character better as some scenes will really pull at your heartstrings!
This book also touches on anxiety, as the main character learns over time that she is dealing with anxiety and panic attacks. While I love that the topic was addressed and well represented, I wished therapy was part of her recovery! The doctor mentioned the option in passing... but the only help she really got was medication. As a counselor, I always want therapy to be represented well in books so I just would have loved to see this addition.
Rayna's character experienced a lot of growth as she overcame her fears and decided to write her book. Since I am a writer I always love when characters pursue that dream.
I loved the relationships, especially Beaker- he was such a sweet character and I rooted for him and Rayna. I also loved the dog and the horses 🐶🐴
There were chapters from the perspective of another character Charlotte, which sometimes felt disjointed. But I appreciated getting to know this character better as some scenes will really pull at your heartstrings!
This book also touches on anxiety, as the main character learns over time that she is dealing with anxiety and panic attacks. While I love that the topic was addressed and well represented, I wished therapy was part of her recovery! The doctor mentioned the option in passing... but the only help she really got was medication. As a counselor, I always want therapy to be represented well in books so I just would have loved to see this addition.
December 30, 2022
This was such a wonderful and heartfelt debut novel! I don’t usually read contemporary fiction but this one just sounded like such a good read and it was!
A character driven story full of family secrets, love, loss, and a little mystery with some surprising twists. Rayna is a journalist from New York who comes home to visit after a rough article and ends up staying longer than expected to pursue a dream to write her book in her grandmothers cottage (Raspberry Cottage) and to work through the past. I love that it touches on mental health. A little romance (second chance) but mostly this was about how Rayna handles everything from her past. Such a charming and sweet book. Lara Meredith’s writing is just lovely and beautifully immersive and she gives us the small town vibes with the setting which I loved. Rayna’s growth and how she dealt with her anxiety was something to be admired as well. A well written debut novel that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys contemporary women’s fiction.
A character driven story full of family secrets, love, loss, and a little mystery with some surprising twists. Rayna is a journalist from New York who comes home to visit after a rough article and ends up staying longer than expected to pursue a dream to write her book in her grandmothers cottage (Raspberry Cottage) and to work through the past. I love that it touches on mental health. A little romance (second chance) but mostly this was about how Rayna handles everything from her past. Such a charming and sweet book. Lara Meredith’s writing is just lovely and beautifully immersive and she gives us the small town vibes with the setting which I loved. Rayna’s growth and how she dealt with her anxiety was something to be admired as well. A well written debut novel that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys contemporary women’s fiction.
June 11, 2022
A very sweet book. I loved the setting.
And I fell in love with the Pug :)
An enjoyable debut novel.
Well done.
And I fell in love with the Pug :)
An enjoyable debut novel.
Well done.
June 1, 2022
This was such a sweet story! Even though it is the author's debut novel, it sure did not read like a first novel! The story was capturing enough to keep my interest held and wanting me to keep reading on.
Rayna, the main character, has to overcome a variety of struggles including figuring out her own true self, her career, how to interact with her family and others around her and figuring out what she wants long term. Even though it seems like the book has a lot going on, lots of it ties together. The ending makes you keep wondering what's next for Rayna....
Rayna, the main character, has to overcome a variety of struggles including figuring out her own true self, her career, how to interact with her family and others around her and figuring out what she wants long term. Even though it seems like the book has a lot going on, lots of it ties together. The ending makes you keep wondering what's next for Rayna....
February 15, 2025
Lara Meredith really knows how to write those details that bring a book to life and make you feel like you are present in the setting. From the first page, Rayna is on a train rushing through the autumn foliage from New York to her family’s ranch in Pennsylvania. Short chapters introduce the reader to a full cast of characters and vividly paint the landscape around Westcott Farm and Stable.
Rayna is facing a lot of changes, and the story is a slow burn, ramping up the suspense about some mysterious files from her job as an investigative journalist, a cold case involving her neighbours, bad blood between her and her ex’s new wife, and more. I started to worry that all of the answers wouldn’t be revealed, but the ending left me feeling satisfied and a little emotional.
This is not my usual genre, so I am not even sure where to classify this debut novel. I would say it’s a family drama with a side of romance and intrigue. The author joined us for a buddy read in June and it was so fun chatting with the group of readers and finding out some behind the scenes information that made reading this book a very special experience.
Rayna is facing a lot of changes, and the story is a slow burn, ramping up the suspense about some mysterious files from her job as an investigative journalist, a cold case involving her neighbours, bad blood between her and her ex’s new wife, and more. I started to worry that all of the answers wouldn’t be revealed, but the ending left me feeling satisfied and a little emotional.
This is not my usual genre, so I am not even sure where to classify this debut novel. I would say it’s a family drama with a side of romance and intrigue. The author joined us for a buddy read in June and it was so fun chatting with the group of readers and finding out some behind the scenes information that made reading this book a very special experience.
June 7, 2022
A Branch in Spring
Author, Lara Meredith
Pub date: 1.15.22
Thank you @larameredith_writes for asking me to read and review your debut novel!
~ Two families determined to withhold what was never theirs to keep ~
A Branch in Spring has all the emotions- heartbreaking, heartwarming, and memorable! This slow burn family saga will have you turning the pages and fully invested in these flawed, but relatable and complex characters. Atmospheric, insightful, and engaging. A beautifully written debut novel about family, love, loss, and of second chances.
Rayna Wescott is a crime journalist in NYC and recently she has encountered an unsettling story that has left her shaken and she therefore seeks refuge at her family's horse breeding farm for Thanksgiving. Welcomed home with open arms, Rayna decides she must overcome her anxieties, face a few traumatic and unresolved events from her past, and figure out the next step in her unfulfilling career.
Rayna is a relatable work in progress, who is observant, insightful, and filled with hope. There is a little mystery sprinkled with a just under the surface romance, and a whole lot of love in this lovely story of second chances and hope.
There were even a few unpredictable, yet perfect twists that, like I said, were filled with all the emotions. I laughed, smiled, eye- rolled (in the best way), and even shed a few tears. It's one of those stories that you hug at the end. A solid 4 star read that I absolutely recommend to wrap up your spring reading and immerse yourself in!
Author, Lara Meredith
Pub date: 1.15.22
Thank you @larameredith_writes for asking me to read and review your debut novel!
~ Two families determined to withhold what was never theirs to keep ~
A Branch in Spring has all the emotions- heartbreaking, heartwarming, and memorable! This slow burn family saga will have you turning the pages and fully invested in these flawed, but relatable and complex characters. Atmospheric, insightful, and engaging. A beautifully written debut novel about family, love, loss, and of second chances.
Rayna Wescott is a crime journalist in NYC and recently she has encountered an unsettling story that has left her shaken and she therefore seeks refuge at her family's horse breeding farm for Thanksgiving. Welcomed home with open arms, Rayna decides she must overcome her anxieties, face a few traumatic and unresolved events from her past, and figure out the next step in her unfulfilling career.
Rayna is a relatable work in progress, who is observant, insightful, and filled with hope. There is a little mystery sprinkled with a just under the surface romance, and a whole lot of love in this lovely story of second chances and hope.
There were even a few unpredictable, yet perfect twists that, like I said, were filled with all the emotions. I laughed, smiled, eye- rolled (in the best way), and even shed a few tears. It's one of those stories that you hug at the end. A solid 4 star read that I absolutely recommend to wrap up your spring reading and immerse yourself in!
June 14, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book with the author larameredith_writes. It was fun to hear about Raspberry Cottage.
Rayna Wescott returns home to her wealthy family’s estate after she decides being a journalist isn’t for her. She decides to take residence at her family’s Raspberry Cottage, which happens to be adjacent to the home of her former boyfriend Trent and his wife Charlotte. Along with her close return, it brings back feelings between her, Trent, Charlotte and her family.
“By the time she reached the front porch, there was an unmistakable lightness in her step, yet also the added burden of figuring out just where those next steps were meant to take her.” Ch 12
“Rayna was a prisoner within her own life as her world became smaller and smaller.” Ch 19
“I love the way people always say how much character your house has when it’s obvious it has zero else going for it.” Ch 21
“Yet, somehow, that little lantern had managed to spark a flicker of interest and illuminated more than just Raspberry Cottage.” Ch 27
“It was easy for them, their lives had all moved forward. Her future waited, a mystery, while she remained stuck in the past.” Ch 35
“..you don’t want him. It’s just easier to look back than it is to look forward. It’s completely normal to long for the familiar life you knew.” Ch 37
“She was determined to live her life minimizing unnecessary pain. But in the process, her strategy left her with an entirely different kind of ache.” Ch 39
Rayna Wescott returns home to her wealthy family’s estate after she decides being a journalist isn’t for her. She decides to take residence at her family’s Raspberry Cottage, which happens to be adjacent to the home of her former boyfriend Trent and his wife Charlotte. Along with her close return, it brings back feelings between her, Trent, Charlotte and her family.
“By the time she reached the front porch, there was an unmistakable lightness in her step, yet also the added burden of figuring out just where those next steps were meant to take her.” Ch 12
“Rayna was a prisoner within her own life as her world became smaller and smaller.” Ch 19
“I love the way people always say how much character your house has when it’s obvious it has zero else going for it.” Ch 21
“Yet, somehow, that little lantern had managed to spark a flicker of interest and illuminated more than just Raspberry Cottage.” Ch 27
“It was easy for them, their lives had all moved forward. Her future waited, a mystery, while she remained stuck in the past.” Ch 35
“..you don’t want him. It’s just easier to look back than it is to look forward. It’s completely normal to long for the familiar life you knew.” Ch 37
“She was determined to live her life minimizing unnecessary pain. But in the process, her strategy left her with an entirely different kind of ache.” Ch 39
March 31, 2022
This was such a sweet and heartfelt story! It’s literally one of those novels where you need to cozy up with a blanket and a hot drink during a storm or something.
The main character is Rayna, who basically hates her job in New York and wonders if it’s the right place for her. She goes back home to her small town to visit family and remembers everything she loves about it there. I’m sure you can guess what happens next.
There’s so much more to it than that but I don’t want to say too much and give anything away. For contemporary fiction, there were actually quite a few plot twists and I loved that so much!
This was also a much sadder book than I expected going in. My heart was absolutely broken in two at one point in the story (again, I can’t say because of spoilers) and I was over here getting all emotional.
There was a small element of mystery and some slightly eerie scenes thrown in there as well, and of course because I love thrillers more than anything, I wanted more of these scenes and more detail!! But it didn’t feel like the story was missing anything because it’s not a thriller…I just have issues and always want something dark and twisted.
I could go on and on but I’ll stop there. I’d like to say that the author and I have become friends through the lovely world of Bookstagram and I was so grateful to read her novel. Looking forward to more in the future!
The main character is Rayna, who basically hates her job in New York and wonders if it’s the right place for her. She goes back home to her small town to visit family and remembers everything she loves about it there. I’m sure you can guess what happens next.
There’s so much more to it than that but I don’t want to say too much and give anything away. For contemporary fiction, there were actually quite a few plot twists and I loved that so much!
This was also a much sadder book than I expected going in. My heart was absolutely broken in two at one point in the story (again, I can’t say because of spoilers) and I was over here getting all emotional.
There was a small element of mystery and some slightly eerie scenes thrown in there as well, and of course because I love thrillers more than anything, I wanted more of these scenes and more detail!! But it didn’t feel like the story was missing anything because it’s not a thriller…I just have issues and always want something dark and twisted.
I could go on and on but I’ll stop there. I’d like to say that the author and I have become friends through the lovely world of Bookstagram and I was so grateful to read her novel. Looking forward to more in the future!
June 3, 2022
The sweet story of Rayna Westcott, a writer in New York who travels back home to her families horse breeding farm, is a beautiful written novel by @larameredith_writes that illustrates the unfolding and development of Rayna finding her way through challenges in life and the emotional and mental growth that comes along with finding her true self and purpose.
This book made me cry….multiple times. THAT for me is a sign of a great novel!!! It had a slow start, but caught up and took off into drama, heartbreak, death, secrets being shared and sooo much more until the VERY last page🥹 and it truly took my heart to Westcott Farms and I LOVED IT!
Lara says there’s going to be a sequel and IM SO EXCITED 🎉😭
•
Lara Meredith is an absolutely wonderful author and person. She made reading this book stress-free and fun. It took me months to sit down and read her book because I knew I wanted to do it in one sitting.
While reading her book I would message her my reactions, feelings, where I was and she’d take time to reply and add fun facts and tidbits which made reading HER book so much more personal and enjoyable 🥹♥️
Thank you so much Lara for entrusting me to review your book and making it such a wonderful experience 💕🌳🐴 I’m sad it’s over.
•
P.S. THIS BOOK IS CURRENTLY ON #kindleunlimited FOR FREE! 📖
This book made me cry….multiple times. THAT for me is a sign of a great novel!!! It had a slow start, but caught up and took off into drama, heartbreak, death, secrets being shared and sooo much more until the VERY last page🥹 and it truly took my heart to Westcott Farms and I LOVED IT!
Lara says there’s going to be a sequel and IM SO EXCITED 🎉😭
•
Lara Meredith is an absolutely wonderful author and person. She made reading this book stress-free and fun. It took me months to sit down and read her book because I knew I wanted to do it in one sitting.
While reading her book I would message her my reactions, feelings, where I was and she’d take time to reply and add fun facts and tidbits which made reading HER book so much more personal and enjoyable 🥹♥️
Thank you so much Lara for entrusting me to review your book and making it such a wonderful experience 💕🌳🐴 I’m sad it’s over.
•
P.S. THIS BOOK IS CURRENTLY ON #kindleunlimited FOR FREE! 📖
April 8, 2022
Nudging it up to a 4.25 because of the wonderfully immersive writing. It is the rare book that sucks you into its environment and makes you believe you are part of the setting. The main character, Rayna, is very observant and thoughtful, hence the settings are presented with her keen sense of observation and appreciation of her surroundings, whether its the description of the horse stable, a horseback ride through the property, or the interiors of houses/buildings. You always feel like you're right there, with the characters. Which is essential, because this is a character-driven novel... quiet, with a slow build up to the reveals. Lara Meredith writes beautifully about the choices we make, the ways in which we second guess ourselves, and the consequences (fallout) from our actions (big and small) and how those decisions and actions affect other people. It's a wonderful character study about a troubled young woman, quiet in tone, yet powerful and so immersive, it was a joy to read.
March 9, 2022
5stars
It is almost unfathomable that this is Lara Meredith’s debut novel. I was drawn into the story from page one. The female lead’s story of introversion comes alive on the pages as we follow her into her ancestral paths. She grows into who she was meant to be by her visit to the estate and instead of focusing on her inner thoughts and ideas, she discovers more about what is happening externally.
A beautiful story with powerful sensory imagery – the story brings you in and treats you like part of the family.
An excellent book for book clubs, we enjoyed it. I won’t give away our discussions. A must read for your next book club.
It is almost unfathomable that this is Lara Meredith’s debut novel. I was drawn into the story from page one. The female lead’s story of introversion comes alive on the pages as we follow her into her ancestral paths. She grows into who she was meant to be by her visit to the estate and instead of focusing on her inner thoughts and ideas, she discovers more about what is happening externally.
A beautiful story with powerful sensory imagery – the story brings you in and treats you like part of the family.
An excellent book for book clubs, we enjoyed it. I won’t give away our discussions. A must read for your next book club.
July 5, 2022
This is a beautiful character-driven story centring around Rayna, the prodigal daughter who returns home after an extended absence and tries to write the next chapter of both her life and her first novel!
The writing is exquisite and I felt so immersed in the setting that I felt like I was watching a film. Very quickly I became enamoured with Raspberry Cottage and wanted to move in myself.
There are so many family secrets and mysteries to unravel in this story! The first third of the book sets the stage and peaked my interest. After that, I couldn’t put it down as the secrets became exposed and surprising plot twists were revealed.
I loved how it all came together at the end and it left me wanting more! I want both a sequel to continue the story of this complicated family and also a prequel to explore the backstory of how they all ended up where they are in the present.
Fingers crossed that it won’t be too long before we can re-visit Raspberry Cottage and this family saga.
4.5/5 ⭐️
The writing is exquisite and I felt so immersed in the setting that I felt like I was watching a film. Very quickly I became enamoured with Raspberry Cottage and wanted to move in myself.
There are so many family secrets and mysteries to unravel in this story! The first third of the book sets the stage and peaked my interest. After that, I couldn’t put it down as the secrets became exposed and surprising plot twists were revealed.
I loved how it all came together at the end and it left me wanting more! I want both a sequel to continue the story of this complicated family and also a prequel to explore the backstory of how they all ended up where they are in the present.
Fingers crossed that it won’t be too long before we can re-visit Raspberry Cottage and this family saga.
4.5/5 ⭐️
September 6, 2022
This was a heartfelt story! The book is driven by the main character, Rayna. Rayna is a journalist in New York who goes back to her home farm 🌳🐴 to visit her parents. The Raspberry Cottage on the farm is portrayed beautifully! We see Rayna's character unfold throughout the story & how she deals with the ghosts and secrets from her past.
A Branch in Spring is @larameredith_writes 's debut novel. She is a fantastic author & person.Lara Meredith
A Branch in Spring is @larameredith_writes 's debut novel. She is a fantastic author & person.Lara Meredith
May 18, 2022
I appreciate Lara sharing her story with me. This was a heartwarming, sometimes gut wrenching, often smile-inducing and charming story. The characters are easy to fall for, and it has a small-town feel. It's more character driven than romance, though there is a love story woven in there.
I read this quickly and really enjoyed it!
I read this quickly and really enjoyed it!
June 8, 2022
Small town problems
This beautiful, emotional story follows Rayna, a big city writer escaping back to her parents horse breeding farm in a small town. Where things are not as they seem and family secrets are starting to unfold.
If you love:
Horses
Small town living
Complicated family dynamics
Past secrets
Then this books is for you.
This beautiful, emotional story follows Rayna, a big city writer escaping back to her parents horse breeding farm in a small town. Where things are not as they seem and family secrets are starting to unfold.
If you love:
Horses
Small town living
Complicated family dynamics
Past secrets
Then this books is for you.
July 31, 2022
A little bit of romance, a little bit of cozy mystery, a little bit of family drama makes for a lovely story by indie author Lara Meredith. This is a sweet, enjoyable story and found the writing to be particularly descriptive, creating a perfect picture in my mind as I read.
My reviews can also be seen at www.instagram.com/justonemoorebook.
My reviews can also be seen at www.instagram.com/justonemoorebook.
May 9, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! So well written!
February 16, 2025
I'll be waiting for you at Raspberry Cottage. The key is under the mat.
Lara Meredith
I am writing my own review to clarify that this book falls under the following genres: Clean Romance, Contemporary Women's Fiction, Fiction, Family Drama. I hope you enjoy reading it.
Lara Meredith
I am writing my own review to clarify that this book falls under the following genres: Clean Romance, Contemporary Women's Fiction, Fiction, Family Drama. I hope you enjoy reading it.
February 15, 2025
This is a good debut novel.
July 20, 2022
A branch in spring is a character driven story and I was here for it. The author created such an incredible story centered around family, love, hope, second chances and I truly appreciated how the author touched on some sensitive topics.
We meet Rayna Wescott, an aspiring author living in New York, but has recently went back to her home town to sort her priorities in life. The reader is treated to a fantastic atmospheric small town and all its charm. Rayna's family raises horses and we get to enjoy just how much Rayna loves being in her natural element. Not only we follow Rayna and her desire to become a renowned author, we get to know her and find out that small towns have very big secrets. Lara has created such a wonderful debut novel and I can't wait to see what she'll have instore for us next.
We meet Rayna Wescott, an aspiring author living in New York, but has recently went back to her home town to sort her priorities in life. The reader is treated to a fantastic atmospheric small town and all its charm. Rayna's family raises horses and we get to enjoy just how much Rayna loves being in her natural element. Not only we follow Rayna and her desire to become a renowned author, we get to know her and find out that small towns have very big secrets. Lara has created such a wonderful debut novel and I can't wait to see what she'll have instore for us next.
June 17, 2022
Debut novel A Branch in Spring is a beautifully written story about a woman going back to her roots, and finding herself.
Richly detailed settings, make it easy to put yourself right there on the ranch, on horseback, in the snow and in the quaint and cosy Raspberry cottage. The characters come alive and main character Rayna’s feelings become yours as she encounters friends, foes and flames from her past.
There’s a spark of mystery, a dash of romance, just the right amount of drama and the intricate writing to tie all these themes together to make for a heart warming and endearing read.
I do hope to read more of Rayna in the future.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
January 16, 2023
I liked it!
A Branch in Spring is such a sweet, charming story and is beautifully written. I enjoyed Raynas journey and would love to read more about her and Beaker someday! 💜
A Branch in Spring is such a sweet, charming story and is beautifully written. I enjoyed Raynas journey and would love to read more about her and Beaker someday! 💜
July 7, 2022
This book has it all: drama, mystery, fortune and a dabble of murder.
Rayna comes home and stays longer than expected because of ghosts from her past.
She takes refuge in her grandmother’s cottage named, Raspberry Cottage (I 100% want my own Raspberry Cottage now 😊), to work on her book but life and past relationships keep getting in the way.
Definitely recommend!
Rayna comes home and stays longer than expected because of ghosts from her past.
She takes refuge in her grandmother’s cottage named, Raspberry Cottage (I 100% want my own Raspberry Cottage now 😊), to work on her book but life and past relationships keep getting in the way.
Definitely recommend!
February 15, 2025
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book going in with no idea what I would be reading. The book is about a woman by the name of Rayna who is a journalist who decides to go back to visit her parents farm. She has been experiencing quite a bit of anxiety due to some of the articles she's been researching for work. She grew up on this lovely farm and there is a cottage there called the raspberry cottage as well as some horses that she can go riding on. We learn that Rayna’s brother has passed away and we start to learn about her past.
I like supporting independent authors especially when that someone is somewhat local. I had the opportunity to understand and learn what Lara was thinking and intending while she wrote the book. The book was essentially a six year project. I have tremendous respect for someone with that kind of dedication to put a book together. I really admire authors. I enjoyed her writing style, some may find it a bit flowery or descriptive but I enjoyed it.
A Branch in Spring, is a character driven book based on Rayna's emotional development once she returns home after working in the city. I enjoyed the writing in the book and I didn't find the book slow as I read through it over a few days and enjoyed it. The writing in this book is descriptive and there are some events that do happen in the book but it's not a plot driven book so it's not a mystery, thriller, or romance book.
I enjoyed reading this book and would rate it 7.5/10. It's a great book if you are looking to read something that isn't going to keep you on the edge of your seat and you enjoy character driven stories. I like plot driven and character driven books.
I read this book going in with no idea what I would be reading. The book is about a woman by the name of Rayna who is a journalist who decides to go back to visit her parents farm. She has been experiencing quite a bit of anxiety due to some of the articles she's been researching for work. She grew up on this lovely farm and there is a cottage there called the raspberry cottage as well as some horses that she can go riding on. We learn that Rayna’s brother has passed away and we start to learn about her past.
I like supporting independent authors especially when that someone is somewhat local. I had the opportunity to understand and learn what Lara was thinking and intending while she wrote the book. The book was essentially a six year project. I have tremendous respect for someone with that kind of dedication to put a book together. I really admire authors. I enjoyed her writing style, some may find it a bit flowery or descriptive but I enjoyed it.
A Branch in Spring, is a character driven book based on Rayna's emotional development once she returns home after working in the city. I enjoyed the writing in the book and I didn't find the book slow as I read through it over a few days and enjoyed it. The writing in this book is descriptive and there are some events that do happen in the book but it's not a plot driven book so it's not a mystery, thriller, or romance book.
I enjoyed reading this book and would rate it 7.5/10. It's a great book if you are looking to read something that isn't going to keep you on the edge of your seat and you enjoy character driven stories. I like plot driven and character driven books.
February 14, 2025
This debut novel by Canadian author Lara Meredith shines with a unique story of family, love and intrigue. The reader is dropped right into Rayna's life with vivid description and layers of mystery, experiencing her inner turmoil mixed with her joy of homecoming. Life on the family estate, a champion producing horse farm, cocoons Rayna in safety - a stark contrast to her life in the city as a crime journalist. When Rayna moves into picturesque Rasberry Cottage to write her long dreamed of novel, her journalistic heart just won't rest until all secrets of the past are revealed, in the process re-opening old anxieties and buried hurts. Lara Merideth weaves a lovely literary turn of phrase in every chapter, with a unique writing style that I can see being the signature of her future writing. There are layers of intrigue and secrets to be spilled, which will keep you guessing and puzzling it all through until the end. As an impatient reader this is frustratingly so, but in the best possible way. Be patient, all will be satisfyingly revealed. I'd love to see a follow up as I don't think Rayna's story is finished. She has big dreams, a bright future, and a handle on her apprehension, and a love interest. I need to know what happens next. There is so much more packed in this novel, but no spoilers here. I hear there IS a new book coming soon. I'll have to wait for a little while longer for an update from Raspberry Cottage as this next one is a thriller, set here in Canada! 🇨🇦. Just go read it, support an independent author!
February 16, 2025
A Branch in Spring is a beautifully written novel about love, loss, family, and second chances. This book captured my attention from the first page with its slight hint of mystery surrounding Ranya and her job as a journalist. She's on a train heading back home for Thanksgiving, and certain events make her want to stay. She eventually takes residence on her parent's estate at Raspberry Cottage. The sprinkle of mystery, drama, and regret kept the pages turning. This book even tugged on my heartstrings a few times to the point of tears. Every detail made the characters and places feel so real. I could see this book made into a movie someday. It's that good! I flew through the last quarter of the novel as all the mysteries and drama were beautifully tied up. I didn't want to put it down, but I also didn't want it to end.
Well done, Lara Meredith. I can't wait to see what you write next!
Well done, Lara Meredith. I can't wait to see what you write next!
February 14, 2025
This isn't my normal genre, but I am trying to branch out (see what I did there) and also support more indie authors so I decided to give this one a go.
I really enjoyed the setting and am pleased with how the story played out. Although not always likeable (flirting, bad-mouthing Charlotte, etc) Rayna was a believable and realistic, imperfect character. She had faults to overcome. I feel like she did end up improving herself and became a bigger person in the end.
I think it's a great book for those who enjoy women's fiction with a dash of sweet romance. The MC is a writer, working away on her novel in a cozy cottage and overcoming anxiety, family drama, and her own insecurities. Definitely a good read for a rainy day with a cup of tea and a warm blanket ☺️
I really enjoyed the setting and am pleased with how the story played out. Although not always likeable (flirting, bad-mouthing Charlotte, etc) Rayna was a believable and realistic, imperfect character. She had faults to overcome. I feel like she did end up improving herself and became a bigger person in the end.
I think it's a great book for those who enjoy women's fiction with a dash of sweet romance. The MC is a writer, working away on her novel in a cozy cottage and overcoming anxiety, family drama, and her own insecurities. Definitely a good read for a rainy day with a cup of tea and a warm blanket ☺️
February 19, 2025
I read this book as part of a Buddy Read, and it was a pleasure to meet and discuss the book with the author. The characters, dialogue, and main plotline are beautifully written, but some subplots were not entirely fleshed out and could have been stand-alone books. I'm excited to read more from this author.
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