New Beginnings At Roseford Hall

Roseford #1

by Fay Keenan

The start of a brand new series from bestselling author Fay Keenan.
Life in London has lost its sparkle for Stella Simpson.

So when she gets the opportunity to escape to the country for a year, it seems too good a chance to miss. In the beautiful Somerset countryside, the majestic Roseford Hall has been painstakingly restored and is now ready for its grand opening. And as the writer in residence, Stella gets to see it all – from the rowdy resident peacocks, the hidden secrets of the Hall, to befriending the Lord of the Manor himself.

At the other end of Roseford, single father, Chris Charlton is facing his own refurbishment woes. Rocked by a tragedy two years previously, his plans for crumbling Victorian wreck Halstead House are as stuck as he is.

As Roseford Hall prepares to welcome a new era, and Halsted House’s future is under threat, Chris and Stella find themselves drawn to one another. Can they finally leave their pasts behind, and will Chris and Stella be able to embrace their new beginnings together – or apart…

Escape to the beautiful, idyllic English countryside with Fay Keenan. Romantic, feel-good and utterly charming, this is perfect for all fans of Julie Houston, Cathy Bramley and Holly Martin.

What authors and readers say about Fay Keenan’s novels:

'A gorgeous rural romance full of warmth and charm.' Victoria Connelly

‘Guaranteed to put a spring in your step. Feel-good, frisky and great fun with a hearty dash of romance and intrigue.' Julie Houston

'Moving, funny, thoughtful and romantic. Bring on the next one!' Jenny Kane

'This is a lovely and heart-warming story, that has a serious side hidden within the romance.' Amazon reviewer

'It was a wonderful book, guaranteed to put a smile on your face.' Amazon reviewer

‘I was so engrossed in the storyline, which is thoroughly heart-warming, that I read the entire book without stopping. I always enjoy Keenan’s books and am looking forward to the next one!’ Amazon reviewer

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Fiction

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2022

About the author

Fay Keenan lives and works in Somerset. When Fay is not chasing her children around or writing, she teaches English at a local secondary school. Fay writes ‘heart thumping romantic fiction’ and likes to cover subjects of interest in her novels, including UK Parliament, the Air Ambulance and the international cider making industry. Her novels explore relationships, country living and hopefully have a good sprinkling of escapism, too!

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the start of a new mini series from Keenan and I am really excited to have read the opening book! I enjoyed this simple, sweet story immensely and liked the main character, Stella, as she navigates a new job direction and a new home.

Like the cheerful front cover suggests, this book would make a great summer read. Leaving London behind her, Stella accepts a one-year post in a Somerset village, writing for Roseford Hall to bring in new tourists as it is refurbished. In my head, I pictured London as very dark and dreary; Roseford being the sunny, happy location that offers fresh starts for Stella. Although this is not the case (such as a heavy storm that floods Stella’s quaint gatehouse residence), I think the emphasis on Stella’s night-working hours in London to accommodate an American company and the lack of connections she has reinforced to me that her way of life was not healthy; with her mum making the application to Roseford Hall on her behalf, it was a change that Stella desperately needed.

Meeting the locals at Roseford, Stella soon feels at home in the community. I would have loved for Keenan to have expanded on the village of Roseford; instead readers are placed at either the Hall or Halsted House – where Stella moves to after the flooding. I wonder if this lack of detail is the foundation for future novels in this mini series. If this is the case, I look forward to learning more about the different characters.

The two males in this novel, Simon and Chris, are very opposing characters. Flashy, confident Simon turns out to be a great boss for Stella and makes her feel right at home in her new job. On the other hand, moody Chris earns himself a rather crude nickname at the start of the book and it takes a few meetings before Stella realises there is more to Chris than just poor manners! Occasionally the narrative switches to focus on Chris and I liked how Keenan demonstrates his vulnerabilities, particularly regarding his late wife. Indeed, the relationship that Chris has with his son is really sweet, even if it is dominated by guilt, and I was confident that Stella’s arrival would be the catalyst for change in Chris’s behaviours, however far they became involved.

The meandering narrative was really easy to follow and I liked the uncomplicated lifestyle that is presented. It is all rather idyllic and I loved seeing Stella become more at ease in her new setting. Whilst there is the predicted romance in the story, I still found I could not foresee exactly how the plot would develop, enjoying seeing Chris’s vulnerabilities adding a further dimension to the novel. I look forward to my next visit to Roseford.

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

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just LOVE these rom coms. Even though they have some serious subject matters in them it's all sorted by the end of the book and things turn out well. We all need a shot of feel good right about now!
Fay Keenan has a brand new book out called New Beginnings at Roseford Hall. It's the first in an exciting new series.
Stella has had it up to here with London, it has lost it's sparkle so when she gets a chance to escape to the beautiful Somerset countryside for a year with her little dog you don't have to ask her twice.
Arriving there she is yelled at by a real jerk who she then learns is unfortunately her landlord.
Things couldn't possibly get worse but then she's warned about the hermit living by himself who isn't sociable and just keeps to himself after a terrible tragedy.
When she realizes it's her landlord she's been warned about she knows something must change.
I enjoyed seeing how Chris, the landlord and Stella talked things out and he explains why he is reclusive just spending time with his son and mother in law. Yes, just like any of us that goes through a tragedy he has his bad days and good but this just makes the book more relatable.
I enjoyed this and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Pub Date 10 Mar 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most enchanting read.
Stella Simpson works and lives in London from her mothers home as she writes novels and works for Allfeed, its not how she has planned her life no place of her own or a man in her life, then walking her dog Fitz her phone pings with a message for a interview that her mother has arranged, its in a village in Somerset, a year long job and accommodation in the green valley she had nothing to loose, got the job and heads off for a new chapter in her life that has officially begun.
This book is so beautifully written, to grip you into all the chapters that I enjoyed right through, full of wholesome goodness, the author brings the characters alive, that is so touching and enjoyable I loved it and shed happy tears at the end.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stella Simpson has lived in London with her mother and worked from home writing articles on celebrities, reality stars, and such. When she gets a chance to take a job in Somerset for a year as the Writer in Residence for the Roseford Hall Restoration Project, she accepts.

Arriving with her dog, Fitz, she will be staying in a cottage by the front gate of Halstead House which is owned and occupied by Chris Charlton. He is a widower with an 11-year-old son, Gabe, who attends boarding school during the week and stays with his father on the weekends. Chris and his wife had originally bought Halstead House to fix up but now Chris is left to do what needs to be done. When Stella first meets Chris, he is crabby and rude to her. But she later learns about his wife and understands.

Stella soon settles in and finds she loves the town and enjoys her new job. Getting to know Chris’s mother-in-law who lives on the property is a real treat for her. The woman is so kind and caring and worries about Chris and Gabe.

Chris is struggling desperately with his wife’s death and trying to fix up Halstead House to make it the artist’s retreat that was his late wife’s dream. As Stella and Chris get to know one another better, she understands his pain and does what she can to help the family. But an accident brings things to a head for Chris. Will he give up on his project or allow himself to receive help and friendship from others to complete it?

This is a heartbreakingly sweet romance that blossoms from grief. I liked the characters and especially the beautiful descriptions of the Somerset area. I hope readers enjoy the story as much as I did.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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

Roseford Hall has been restored and so
Open to visitors it will soon go.
They want a writer in residence, Stella didn't know
Her Mum had applied for her, should she give it a go?

Fed up with the pressures of being an online journalist
Living in her bedroom is something that won't be missed.
A year working in such a historic house is a dream
That could come true - or so it begins to seem!

Get ready for countryside and new friendships, too,
As Stella settles into her job and what she needs to do.
Such a change in jobs, location, people and place
She soon has a huge smile on her face!

This is a story of starting anew
Of facing the past and moving on too.
A story of a family, devastated by loss
Struggling to cope and being lost.

A moving story and a great start
A read that's full of love and heart.
I'm glad it is the first in a new series, too
I can't wait to return to find out what's new!

I can never resist this author's books
And highly recommend you give them a good look!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
It is such a great read, this is my honest review.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m looking toward holiday novels, and the Christmas book that follows this one, so I thought it best to start the series with this one. Easy and fun listen, with pleasant characters and a sweet collie.

[Flo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The girl-who-is-still-looking-for-her-passion in me loved this story about starting over and finding a passion and place that suit you so perfectly, that even a cross-country move cannot stop you!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Fay’s work for a while now. I love the way in which she writes such uplifting and feel good story. I haven’t read every book that she has written to date but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘New Beginnings At Roseford Hall’ and it certainly sounded like another cracking read from Fay. So without further ado, I grabbed my Kindle, grabbed a cup of tea and settled down for what proved to be a fun afternoon of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘New Beginnings At Roseford Hall’ but more about that in a bit.
I absolutely loved the character of Stella Simpson. I warmed to her from the start and it didn’t take long until I considered her to be a friend of mine. I felt all protective of her and towards her. When we first meet Stella, she seems to be a bit stuck in a rut in that she does the same thing day in and day out with no variation. She doesn’t seem to have much of a social life but she says that she is happy with things the way they are. I don’t think that Stella is being honest with herself and she knows that changes need to be made but she seems to be unwilling to step outside of her comfort zone for fear of being hurt or because she fears that she will fail. I could identify with Stella in that respect because that’s exactly where I am at. I know that changes need to be made to move forward and step outside of my comfort zone but it seems a wee bit scary. Anyway that’s enough about me and back to Stella. Stella is a lovely young woman, who really does deserve a ‘happy ever after’ ending. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more then you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
It didn’t take me long to get into ‘New Beginnings At Roseford Hall’. As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special and that I would thoroughly enjoy every single minute of the story. I think that part of the reason why I ultimately became addicted to this book was the fact that I was drawing parallels between Stella and my own life. I had to keep reading to discover how things turned out which would give me hope. I hope that makes sense. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I became so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the various characters that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘New Beginnings At Roseford Hall’ and I had to say goodbye. I found ‘New Beginnings At Roseford Hall’ to a delight to read from start to finish and I absolutely loved it.
‘New Beginnings At Roseford Hall’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Fay Keenan. Fay 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 her books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Fay clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid way in which she describes them. She describes them so well that the characters just seemed as real as you and I. I love the way in which Fay makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. This was one of those books that made me chuckle and left me feeling as though I had had a hug from a mug of hot chocolate- all fuzzy and warm inside.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘New Beginnings At Roseford Hall’ and I would recommend it to other series. It has been said that this book was the first book in a new series and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Rahel Charikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"New Beginnings at Roseford Hall" by Fay Keenan is a delightful start to a new series, showcasing the author's storytelling prowess. Stella Simpson, the protagonist, finds herself disillusioned with life in London, and the opportunity to escape to the picturesque Somerset countryside for a year becomes a chance she can't resist. The majestic Roseford Hall, meticulously restored and ready for its grand opening, serves as the perfect setting for this heartwarming tale.

Fay Keenan crafts a narrative that not only explores the beauty of the Somerset countryside but also delves into the lives of compelling characters. Stella's journey as the writer in residence at Roseford Hall allows readers to witness the charm of the countryside, from the antics of resident peacocks to the hidden secrets of the Hall. The vivid descriptions paint a vivid picture, immersing readers in the serene atmosphere of the setting.

On the other side of Roseford, Chris Charlton, a single father grappling with his own challenges, adds depth to the storyline. The tragedy that rocked Chris's life two years prior intertwines with his plans for restoring Halstead House, creating a poignant backdrop for his character development.

The gradual unfolding of the connection between Stella and Chris adds a layer of romance to the narrative. As Roseford Hall prepares for a new era and Halstead House faces an uncertain future, the characters find themselves drawn to each other. The exploration of leaving behind past traumas and embracing new beginnings is a central theme that resonates throughout the story.

The supporting cast, including the Lord of the Manor, adds flavor to the tale, and the interactions between characters feel genuine and relatable. Keenan skillfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and the prospect of starting anew. The pacing is well-maintained, allowing readers to savor both the quiet moments of self-discovery and the more dramatic turns in the plot.

"New Beginnings at Roseford Hall" is a charming and heartening read that captivates with its picturesque setting, well-drawn characters, and a storyline that balances romance and emotional depth. Fay Keenan has created a promising start to a new series, earning this book a solid four-star rating for its engaging narrative and the promise of more delightful tales to come.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Fay Keenan’s New Beginnings at Roseford Hall is a sparkling and enchanting tale full of warmth, heart and humour.

When writer Stella Simpson is offered the chance to leave London behind for the Somerset countryside, she jumps at the chance. With life in the capital having lost some of its sparkle, a year of rural bliss is just what the doctor ordered. As writer in residence at Roseford Hall, the beautiful stately home that has been lovingly restored, Stella is privy to the house’s secrets and even finds herself making friends with the Lord of the Manor himself. Stella is having the time of her life at Roseford Hall and things continue looking up when she meets single dad Chris Charlton…

The last two years have been an absolute hell for Chris. Still reeling from a tragedy that had shattered his world, Chris is now slowly rebuilding his life and trying to move on from past events, but it’s been anything but easy. With his own refurbishment woes, Chris wants to restore the crumbling Victorian wreck Halstead House, but it’s proving to be a challenge of epic proportions. Finding himself drawn to Stella, the two of them strike up a bond that could at long last help Chris to lay old ghosts to rest, however, just when the single father thinks he can forge forward, life throws yet another curveball.

Will Chris and Stella manage to find the happiness that has long been denied to them? Or will they just have to resign themselves to further disappointment?

Fay Keenan’s New Beginnings at Roseford Hall is a heartfelt, emotional and uplifting tale about starting over, finding the courage to keeping moving on and life’s unexpected surprises that will strike a chord with readers everywhere and keep them riveted to the page. Fay Keenan has got a wonderful writing style that immediately draws readers in and keeps them entertained and enthralled until the very end.

With characters it is impossible not to care about, gorgeous scenery and heart-warming romance, Fay Keenan’s New Beginnings at Roseford Hall is an enjoyable tale readers won’t be able to resist.

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

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can thoroughly recommend a visit to Roseford, it was the perfect tonic for the jaded Stella, who had grown tired of her life in London, but was unable to make the break and move out of the home she shared with her mother. Like most mothers, Stella’s can’t resist trying to help, and as a result of her help, Stella is offered a 12-month position as a writer in residence at Roseford Hall. The post even comes with a gatekeeper cottage in the grounds of nearby Halstead House.
Fay Keenan’s writing is incredibly descriptive, without becoming overly wordy. It was quite easy to imagine Roseford Hall and Halstead House as I read; in particular, I was enchanted by the image of the Rogues’ Dining Room. The vast grounds of the House sounded like the ideal setting for Stella’s dog, Fitz, to run and stretch his legs.
Stella is a wonderful character, she is feisty and not afraid to make her thoughts known. I would certainly be drawn to her as Helena was. Despite her strong spirit, she has a gentleness that shows as she interacts with all the characters, but she’s especially kind to widower Chris, despite their frosty initial meeting, and his young son, Gabe.
My favourite character was Helena, her love for her son-in-law and grandson showed no failing, despite dealing with the catastrophic loss of her daughter. She has been the glue that has held this broken family together. She is also the reason that Stella feels at home and able to handle her new lifestyle.
At first, I wondered if Stella was going to field amorous overtures from a couple of men, but it soon became clear that her relationship with Simon was on a more platonic and professional footing. Of course, Stella didn’t go looking for romance and Chris had lost his wife in recent years. I saw the restoration of Halstead Hall as a metaphor for Chris’s recovery. The process was painstakingly slow and hindered by the memories of Olivia, his deceased wife.
Naturally, like all good romance stories, we are kept guessing to the end of the book, despite being confident that there’s a happy ending to be found.
I loved this escape to Somerset and can happily recommend it to you.

[Poonguzhali A · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Beginnings at Roseford Hall by Fay Keenan is a story of second-chances and finding the courage to brave life. This is the start of a new series and the first story is that of Chris and Stella. Stella is a wanna-be writer, currently in a dead-end job for an online news agency. She has started to lose interest in her current job and is contemplating trying to find something else that can excite her. But she is also settled comfortably in her current life living with her mom and doesn't want to get out of her comfort zone. However, owing to her mom's machinations, she decides to take up a job for the British Heritage Fund, which is renovating the lovely Roseford Hall in a small Somerset countryside.

She is provided accommodation at a cottage belonging to Chris, who is the owner of the crumbling Halstead Hall. Having originally bought it, to fulfill his wife's dream of crating an artist's retreat, he finds himself getting dragged down along with it, after his wife passes away unexpectedly. These two people, who are afraid of getting burnt, find themselves thrown together due to circumstances and how they conquer their fears is the crux of the story.

I actually loved the story to a great extent and enjoyed reading it a lot. But I loved the prose and narration of the author more. The structure of the story is very precise and it flows seamlessly from one point to another. At no place did the actions of the characters seem abrupt nor contrived. The author is a great story teller and I must applaud her skills.

The conflict of the story seemed believable enough and the way it resolved was also organic. I particularly liked the various phases of Chris and Stella's relationship; the progress of it was beautiful to read. I absolutely loved the first 80% of the book. However, I was not a big fan of the way the ending was arrived at; it did not provide the same emotional connect as the first half of the story. Still, I enjoyed the book immensely and can't recommend it more for people who love to read sweet, small-town romances.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Sunny Romance!

Set in the beautiful countryside Stella is starting a new adventure away from London and her never ending to do list. Fitz her trusty Collie joins her for the adventure and adores idyllic setting. Stella can't get over her new title Writer in Residence. As she gets to know Roseford Hall and Befriends Simon the Lord of the Manor she soon becomes settled in her soon home.

In the not so idyllic but more dilapidated Halstead House single dad Chris is trying start his new beginning with his son Gabe and mother in law Helena. Chris is in a constant battle between grief, anger and guilt at moving on. When Stella arrives he is less than friendly and earns himself quite the endearment.

I was thrilled to learn this story was the first in a series. It is warm and funny. Really funny where you find yourself laughing out loud and anyone within earshot giving you a funny look. I loved the relationships within the book and the dynamics of the characters.

The book focuses on new beginnings, grief and of course relationships, all kinds romantic, family and friends. I love that there is deeper levels to the story, real problems that require work and patience. From only a few pages in I knew I was set to love this story and I literally couldn't put it down until it was finished.

A Fantastic read and a lovely glimpse into the somerset countryside. Best enjoyed with a large cup of tea or coffee and a stash of biscuits.

I was kindle gifted an advanced digital copy via Boldwood Books on NetGalley for my honest review.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although anxious about leaving London, journalist, Stella Simspon is excited to take up an appointment as writer in residence at the newly renovated Roseford Hall. Meanwhile her new landlord, Chris Charlton is facing a few difficulties of his own as he seeks to bring Halstead House, his crumbling Victorian residence, into some semblance of order. Initially, Stella and Chris don’t see the best in each other but as the story progresses we start to see their relationship evolve.

The author has a lovely way of making the characters so believable that they seem like people you could easily meet and enjoy spending time with. The story flows beautifully, with a lovely light touch and a fine eye for bringing both place, and people, to life. I was just as comfortable spending time at Roseford Hall, as I was in the gatehouse where Stella lives, or alongside Chris as he struggles with the size of the renovation project at Halstead House. I found this to be a really lovely story as not only do we see Stella increase in confidence but we also get to spend time in the beautiful Somerset countryside. I especially enjoyed reading of the beautiful Roseford Hall and the way in which Stella, in her role as writer in residence, brings the ambiance of the house alive.

Over the past couple of days, reading New Beginnings at Roseford Hall has been the ideal place to escape to when the world has seemed a very grey place.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Beginnings at Roseford Hall by Fay Keenan

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The start of a brand new series from bestselling author Fay Keenan.

Life in London has lost its sparkle for Stella Simpson.

So when she gets the opportunity to escape to the country for a year, it seems too good a chance to miss. In the beautiful Somerset countryside, the majestic Roseford Hall has been painstakingly restored and is now ready for its grand opening. And as the writer in residence, Stella gets to see it all – from the rowdy resident peacocks, the hidden secrets of the Hall, to befriending the Lord of the Manor himself.

This is the start of a new series and having reading the opening book in the series I am excited to see where it will lead. This is a simple and sweet story. This would make a lovely summer read as Stella escapes London for a Somerset village. Roseford's locals are all welcoming, so as a reader you will feel like you are returning home.

As the title suggests, this book focuses on new beginnings, grief and a multitude of relationships. Fay has created a fantastic tale that is emotional with complex characters but is still very easy to read.

Rating: 4/5

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very promising start to a new series. The rural setting has a community feel and in Roseford Hall, you have a ready -made hub for community events. You see the village through the eyes of a newcomer, Stella, which is a good way to introduce it. Stella is making a new start as the Writer in Residence and settles into the demands of that role quite quickly.

Chris Charlton has a tragic event to get over and is struggling to renovate Halsted House and to come to terms with how he is going to bring up his own son. Much of the story centres around the barriers he has put up against his friends and family and his desire to punish himself for past events. Stella understands loss from her own family and has to reevaluate her first impression of him. Making your own family and starting over are major themes in the story. I can see the potential for future books and am looking forward to wnat happens next.

In short: New beginnings and starting over.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella, in her late twenties, is an online journalist living and working in her family home in London. Unexpectedly she is shortlisted for a writer in residence role at Roseford Hall in Somerset. Is this the change she needs to find herself?

Stella and her lovable dog Fitz's first meeting with Chris is anything but a cute meet. Intuitive Stella soon realises that Chris is hurting, and when she finds out why she wants to help. Chris and Stella are attracted, but they face many conflicts, primarily within themselves to their happiness together.

I love the setting integral to this emotional story and the complex characters who immersed me in their lives. Explores themes of grief and loss sensitively through the characters making this poignant but ultimately uplifting to read.

The romance develops realistically and is lovely to read. The supporting characters are believable, and this is an enjoyable book.

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

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book. Good characters and lovely countryside.

Amazon synopsis:
So when she gets the opportunity to escape to the country for a year, it seems too good a chance to miss. In the beautiful Somerset countryside, the majestic Roseford Hall has been painstakingly restored and is now ready for its grand opening. And as the writer in residence, Stella gets to see it all – from the rowdy resident peacocks, the hidden secrets of the Hall, to befriending the Lord of the Manor himself.

At the other end of Roseford, single father, Chris Charlton is facing his own refurbishment woes. Rocked by a tragedy two years previously, his plans for crumbling Victorian wreck Halstead House are as stuck as he is.

As Roseford Hall prepares to welcome a new era, and Halstead House’s future is under threat, Chris and Stella find themselves drawn to one another. Can they finally leave their pasts behind, and will Chris and Stella be able to embrace their new beginnings together – or apart…

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and sweet story about a writer who writes about gossip and the best 10 things has a chance to do something different after her mother apply for her in a job . She gets the job but she has to live from London and stay for the 1 year job in the county . With her trusted collie Fitz she starts her new chapter in life . The first person she meets outside her gatehouse is a very angry man who happens to be her landlord . With time they become friends and she is trying to be supportive after he lost his wife 2 years ago suddenly . He is blaming himself for his wife death and refuses to live . Will she be able to destroy the wall he had built around his heart ?
I received this book from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Pamela Darling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A weekend or holiday read.

New Beginnings by Fay Keenan is a predictable love story, it has all the ingredients for the Romance genre to enjoy and relish settling down with a drink, and possibly a box of chocolates, as the story unfolds. Stella the main character doesn't appear to have a bad bone in her body whilst Chris is the opposite. He has suffered the loss of his beloved wife and mother of his son Gabe and is racked with guilt and self-loathing which spills out onto others and pushes them further away from him. It takes a lot of mishaps for him to want to get out of this constant going around in circles that is unhealthy and the cause of much unhappiness.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Really enjoyed this and delighted that it is the first in a new series so now looking forward to the next books.

This one centres on Stella and finding herself disillusioned with her job writing about z list celebrities finds herself with a new job as the first writer in residence at Roseford Hall.

[Federica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a delightful way to start a new series, I can't wait to read the next instalment!

In this first book we follow Stella and Chris. She wants to be a writer and moves to Somerset to start a new job. He is her landlord, a single father and is going through a rough patch.

A feel-good, charming read that will lift your spirits in this hard times.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was able to find this title as an audiobook on my library app. The narrator did a great job. I love the cover. A very simple cozy romance novel. I really enjoyed it as it didn't have major issues with the characters. The main male had some sad issues but I love how it came together at the end. Highly recommend if you are looking for a light hearted romance read

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Fay Keenan's stories and loved this one. It's escapism at highest level and it was what i needed in this bleak time.
It made me wish I was in the lovely Somerset countryside, rooting for the characters, and have a good times.
It's poignant, heartwarming, and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Della Galton · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Beginnings at Roseford Hall by Fay Keenan

This novel has such a gorgeous setting. I really liked the fact that Stella becomes a writer in residence in a village in Somerset and Chris was a brilliantly flawed hero. A lovely light read and the perfect book to pack in your suitcase and take on holiday. Recommended.

[Sue de Boeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another new author for me and one I will read again. This is the meeting of a widower, Chris, drowning in grief and struggling to accept help and Stella, a writer relocating from London to become a writer in residence at the local Manor House recently taken over by a heritage trust. A long journey for them both through friendship to love is woven into this charming story.

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely story by this author. Stella and Chris are great characters and so you are rooting for them to get together and sort out their problems along with the lovely setting in Somerset and beautiful old house you are definitely left with a real feelgood feeling

[Jules K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicely written story

This is a lovely tale of two people coming together, not too cheesy but with a real depth of romanticism with what reads like a really wonderful setting. I really enjoyed it.

[toni chappell]

A great love story

The characters and storyline line were great and we'll thought out. The location it was set in appealed to me immensely. A lovely read for a new Author i found. Thank you!

[Denise Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your average romance

I really enjoyed the complicated relationships that each character had with one another. The story was realistic with a bit of drama and a beautifully budding romance.