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A Stitch in Time in Applewell
Gracie rescues old clothes and cast offs from Applewell’s charity shop, making them into cute and fresh outfits, which she then sells in her little shop. Turning a profit is hard at the best of times, let alone when new arrival Lucas appears… After running away from the village in his teens, Lucas has finally returned to an uncomfortable amount of fanfare and gossip. His job requires him to streamline homeless charity, UnderCover, and his plans to do so risk putting Gracie out of business. The pair of them exchange harsh words but when Lucas' niece cuts up his sister's wedding dress, there's only one person he can think to turn to. Along with repairing the dress, will Gracie patch up her relationship with Lucas? Or is that a stitch too far? A sweet and heartwarming romance full of community spirit and quirky characters, for fans of Holly Martin, Suzanne Snow and Phillipa Ashley. ‘I was in the mood for something light and uplifting , and this gave me exactly what I needed. I loved the chemistry between Gracie and Lucas , you could really feel their attraction coming off the page, and it made for very easy and enjoyable reading.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Friends, family and nosy but nice neighbours all looking out for each other, with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure – what more could you want? A definite must read .’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘ Applewell feels like home . I have genuine love for these books, the characters, and the setting... beautifully written .’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- GenresRomanceContemporary
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2022
40 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Lilac Mills
84 books234 followersLilac lives on a Welsh hillside with her very patient husband and incredibly sweet dog, where she grows veggies (if the slugs don't get them), bakes (badly) and loves making things out of glitter and glue (a mess, usually).
She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.
She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing, or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind.
She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.
She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing, or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 7, 2022
This third book in the Applewell Village series is set in a small village in the rolling Welsh hills. Nestled only two miles from the coast and surrounded by rich farmland, you can almost smell the salty tang of the Irish Sea. Lucas Grainger has returned after a 17 year absence and is welcomed with open arms by all in the village. When they learn that his assignment, and reason for his return trip, is to streamline a homeless charity, UnderCover, it causes strife in the village because it risks putting Gracie Stewart out of business…and sparks fly!
I loved this heartwarming romance. Sometimes life requires a little saccharine and this delivered. Author Lilac Mills has created the perfect village atmosphere and the sense of community pervades. It’s a quaint village filled with lovely and quirky people and a place I could imagine myself visiting and loving. In a place where everyone knows everyone else maybe a little too well, the villagers are overprotective. When the ‘newcomer’ is actually a former resident, it increases the tension for all. What I loved about the plot was that Mills chose the wayward villager as a male. So often it’s females and it was a nice perspective having a male protagonist. My heart broke when I learned of the reason he ran away, but I could understand as I knew the importance Britain puts on it. When I read admissions such as he’d “gone about escape the wrong way” and “hurt his family badly in the process,” I knew I had to keep reading. I was curious about how the ‘prodigal son’ would prevent another reason to leave the village in disgrace! This book deals with themes of reconciliation, acceptance, love, and compromise. It's the third in a series but can definitely stand alone.
I was gifted this advance copy by Lilac Mills, Canelo, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I loved this heartwarming romance. Sometimes life requires a little saccharine and this delivered. Author Lilac Mills has created the perfect village atmosphere and the sense of community pervades. It’s a quaint village filled with lovely and quirky people and a place I could imagine myself visiting and loving. In a place where everyone knows everyone else maybe a little too well, the villagers are overprotective. When the ‘newcomer’ is actually a former resident, it increases the tension for all. What I loved about the plot was that Mills chose the wayward villager as a male. So often it’s females and it was a nice perspective having a male protagonist. My heart broke when I learned of the reason he ran away, but I could understand as I knew the importance Britain puts on it. When I read admissions such as he’d “gone about escape the wrong way” and “hurt his family badly in the process,” I knew I had to keep reading. I was curious about how the ‘prodigal son’ would prevent another reason to leave the village in disgrace! This book deals with themes of reconciliation, acceptance, love, and compromise. It's the third in a series but can definitely stand alone.
I was gifted this advance copy by Lilac Mills, Canelo, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 11, 2022
A Stitch in Time in Applewell (ASITIA) fell flat for me and took me awhile (about a month) to read because of how repetitive it was. One of my least favorite tropes is miscommunication and that was one of the main themes in this novel. I very much enjoyed Gracie's character, it was Lucas' character that drove me a bit nuts with what he wanted and how he did not say outwards what he wanted and needed from his partner and family. Although it was a light romance, I do not know if I would read the others in the Applewell series.
May 8, 2023
Not bad just a little boring and cringe writing at times. Also not sure if this book had an editor because I spotted like 6 typos as I was reading lol.
May 28, 2023
Easy read love story set in the Applewell series.
September 1, 2022
Great to be back in Applewell! Fun, romantic, light hearted read. Really enjoyable. Able to read as a stand-alone book but the series is great. Wonderful to see old characters woven into the fabric of the new comers story in this burgeoning community. Perfect to be devoured in one.
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
March 22, 2023
Bought this book without reading the synopsis as was on sale in my local shop. Wasn't expecting anything of it, but this has turned out to be one of my favourite books I've read. Really enjoyed it. Definitely reccomend for a love story! Can't wait to read more of Lilacs books - another author added to my read list.
December 6, 2024
After starting the series a couple of weeks ago I know I was going to have it done by the end of the year and I am so glad I did because this book did not disappoint AT ALL! This one is definitely my favourite of the series and will now be in my top 5 Lilac picks ur truly was that good for me - the connections, the characters, the plot I loved it all I do not have a single negative thing to say!
I loved getting to see Gracie as the mfc, I really enjoyed seeing her in the others books so knowing that she would be one of the leads of this story was the best and once Lucas was brought into the mix everything has perfect! Their connection and chemistry was so natural, it made me enjoy reading about their relationship a lot more because even though they denied their feelings for each other it was so clear to say that they were made for each other in every single way.
Getting to watch Lucas bring Gracie out of her shell was also one of my favourite parts of this read because behind her introverted exterior Grace is funny, sassy and so compassionate for others so getting to watch her let her hair down was the best 🥰 I also really enjoyed seeing Lucas rekindle his relationships with his family especially Nora & Rosie because family plays such a huge part in our lives so being able to watch Nora learn to retreat Lucas and him finally getting wish to be able to babysit Ruby alone was so wholesome and it was the best watching him feel loved and accepted again!
Overall, I loved this read and i’m so sad it’s over but the way that it was ended was perfect to me and I love the way that everything was left in Applewell at the end of the book! I have also now officially read my whole (current) Lilac collection and I cannot express how excited I am for the new series and to see where we end up!
I loved getting to see Gracie as the mfc, I really enjoyed seeing her in the others books so knowing that she would be one of the leads of this story was the best and once Lucas was brought into the mix everything has perfect! Their connection and chemistry was so natural, it made me enjoy reading about their relationship a lot more because even though they denied their feelings for each other it was so clear to say that they were made for each other in every single way.
Getting to watch Lucas bring Gracie out of her shell was also one of my favourite parts of this read because behind her introverted exterior Grace is funny, sassy and so compassionate for others so getting to watch her let her hair down was the best 🥰 I also really enjoyed seeing Lucas rekindle his relationships with his family especially Nora & Rosie because family plays such a huge part in our lives so being able to watch Nora learn to retreat Lucas and him finally getting wish to be able to babysit Ruby alone was so wholesome and it was the best watching him feel loved and accepted again!
Overall, I loved this read and i’m so sad it’s over but the way that it was ended was perfect to me and I love the way that everything was left in Applewell at the end of the book! I have also now officially read my whole (current) Lilac collection and I cannot express how excited I am for the new series and to see where we end up!
April 12, 2023
It was lovely to be back in Applewell, amongst this lovely community of people that care about each other, and about the world too.
In this latest installment the recycling / upcycling type themes from the series are continued with Gracie's stop - A Stitch in Time. Gracie doesn't purchase any materials, but from scraps she is able to make the most wonderful things, that are unique, as well as supplying the local charity shop with rag dolls and more.
I enjoyed getting to know Lucas's backstory, and his passion for homeless charity UnderCover just shone through. It was admirable and I really felt for him at times.
Equally I could relate to Gracie's shyness, and was urging her on in my head to just take a chance, given her attraction to Lucas was rather obvious.
I really felt as though I was part of this community and really enjoyed getting to know Applewell and the surrounding area in Wales. It's a gorgeous sounding setting, and it's clear that so much of this book and series is a great passion for the author.
It's written with heart, and I had a great time reading this.
Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
In this latest installment the recycling / upcycling type themes from the series are continued with Gracie's stop - A Stitch in Time. Gracie doesn't purchase any materials, but from scraps she is able to make the most wonderful things, that are unique, as well as supplying the local charity shop with rag dolls and more.
I enjoyed getting to know Lucas's backstory, and his passion for homeless charity UnderCover just shone through. It was admirable and I really felt for him at times.
Equally I could relate to Gracie's shyness, and was urging her on in my head to just take a chance, given her attraction to Lucas was rather obvious.
I really felt as though I was part of this community and really enjoyed getting to know Applewell and the surrounding area in Wales. It's a gorgeous sounding setting, and it's clear that so much of this book and series is a great passion for the author.
It's written with heart, and I had a great time reading this.
Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 25, 2026
I found this book in a second-hand bookshop in Trelissick, Cornwall, wrapped in brown parchment paper with the title “Blind Date with a Book.” It cost me only £2, yet it has become one of my favourite books to date.
I am a keen sewist myself and take so much joy, contentment and purpose from my sewing projects. I also dream of living by the sea one day, hence the holiday in Cornwall. So when I began reading about a 28-year-old woman who owns a sewing business on the Welsh coast, it felt like fate.
Lilac Mills’ description of the joy Gracie takes from sewing, alongside the double-edged sword of living a life built around a craft that can be both isolating and traditional, struck a deep chord with me. Surprisingly, this is the only book in a long time that has reduced me to tears, and I say without shame that it was the final line, where she compares love to a quilt and its stitches, that did it.
If nothing else, this book has inspired me to sign up for a business course so that I might one day open my own sewing business, just like A Stitch in Time.
I am a keen sewist myself and take so much joy, contentment and purpose from my sewing projects. I also dream of living by the sea one day, hence the holiday in Cornwall. So when I began reading about a 28-year-old woman who owns a sewing business on the Welsh coast, it felt like fate.
Lilac Mills’ description of the joy Gracie takes from sewing, alongside the double-edged sword of living a life built around a craft that can be both isolating and traditional, struck a deep chord with me. Surprisingly, this is the only book in a long time that has reduced me to tears, and I say without shame that it was the final line, where she compares love to a quilt and its stitches, that did it.
If nothing else, this book has inspired me to sign up for a business course so that I might one day open my own sewing business, just like A Stitch in Time.
December 8, 2024
The third book in Applewell- Lilac Mills .
I found the books so easy to read and really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters .
Gracie rescues old clothes and cast -offs from Applewell’s charity shop, making them into cute and fresh outfits she then sells in her little shop. Turning a profit is had at the best of times, let alone when new arrival Lucas appears.
After running away from the village in his teens, Lucas has finally returned to an uncomfortable amount of fanfare and gossip. His job requires him to streamline homeless charity , but his plans to do so risk putting Gracie out of business .
The pair of them exchange harsh words , but when Lucas needs some emergency needlework there’s only one person he can turn to Can Gracie patch up her relationship with Lucas , or is that a stitch too far ?
I found the books so easy to read and really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters .
Gracie rescues old clothes and cast -offs from Applewell’s charity shop, making them into cute and fresh outfits she then sells in her little shop. Turning a profit is had at the best of times, let alone when new arrival Lucas appears.
After running away from the village in his teens, Lucas has finally returned to an uncomfortable amount of fanfare and gossip. His job requires him to streamline homeless charity , but his plans to do so risk putting Gracie out of business .
The pair of them exchange harsh words , but when Lucas needs some emergency needlework there’s only one person he can turn to Can Gracie patch up her relationship with Lucas , or is that a stitch too far ?
October 19, 2022
I Really Enjoyed This Book
I have enjoyed all three of the Applewell books but for me, this one is the best. Gracie is a fantastic needlewoman who makes and alters clothes for her customers and also refurbishes old clothes donated to the charity shop and then gives them back to the shop for them to sell, money going to the charity. Lucas left the village years ago, but now he is back with plans to streamline the same charity which could affect Gracie and her friend Catrin, manager of the UnderCover shop. Gracie is immediately attracted to Lucas but tries to fight it, after all he is only staying a few weeks, and she couldn't imagine ever leaving Applewell. This is a lovely book and I enjoyed every page!
I have enjoyed all three of the Applewell books but for me, this one is the best. Gracie is a fantastic needlewoman who makes and alters clothes for her customers and also refurbishes old clothes donated to the charity shop and then gives them back to the shop for them to sell, money going to the charity. Lucas left the village years ago, but now he is back with plans to streamline the same charity which could affect Gracie and her friend Catrin, manager of the UnderCover shop. Gracie is immediately attracted to Lucas but tries to fight it, after all he is only staying a few weeks, and she couldn't imagine ever leaving Applewell. This is a lovely book and I enjoyed every page!
November 7, 2022
After running away from Applewell in his teens Lucas has returned home to mend fences with his family and take up a new job.
Gracie runs a small business upcycling clothes she finds in the local charity shop. However, Lucas new job might put Gracie out of business.
When there is a disaster with Lucas’ sister’s wedding dress the only person he can ask for help is Gracie. But will she be willing to put aside their differences?
This is the third book in the Applewell series. It can be read as a standalone. I loved reading this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Gracie runs a small business upcycling clothes she finds in the local charity shop. However, Lucas new job might put Gracie out of business.
When there is a disaster with Lucas’ sister’s wedding dress the only person he can ask for help is Gracie. But will she be willing to put aside their differences?
This is the third book in the Applewell series. It can be read as a standalone. I loved reading this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 24, 2022
Always a treat to read a book by Lilac Mills and this one isn't any different! Very well set and topical with the re-use, recycle, repurpose theme in the background.
It was easy to like Gracie and her banter with friends from the community and trading stuff instead of buying new things. Of course there was a proper love story as the main storyline, but I can't help wonder what the mystery with the bags of classy clothing turning up at the UnderCover secondhand store was. I'm hoping to find out in the sequel!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.
It was easy to like Gracie and her banter with friends from the community and trading stuff instead of buying new things. Of course there was a proper love story as the main storyline, but I can't help wonder what the mystery with the bags of classy clothing turning up at the UnderCover secondhand store was. I'm hoping to find out in the sequel!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.
April 7, 2024
I had not realised this was book 3 in the series as passed onto me. But reading the blurb on the other 2 books I think You may be able to read them as stand alone?
Very easy pleasant read just what I needed. Flows well lovely characters and small village setting. Everyone knows everyone and what ever they are getting up to. Or if not then make up there own gossip which can feel obsessive but also a community that is there for each other.
Very easy pleasant read just what I needed. Flows well lovely characters and small village setting. Everyone knows everyone and what ever they are getting up to. Or if not then make up there own gossip which can feel obsessive but also a community that is there for each other.
August 12, 2022
Very enjoyable
Read all three of these books, one after another and really enjoyed them. Fun, entertaining with very likeable characters. Would thoroughly recommend for a very pleasant and easy read.
Read all three of these books, one after another and really enjoyed them. Fun, entertaining with very likeable characters. Would thoroughly recommend for a very pleasant and easy read.
August 23, 2022
It was a nice story a little predictable but a nice summer holiday read. The characters are likeable and well thought out. This is the second Applewell book I have read and enjoyed I hope to read more soon.
February 1, 2023
I received a digital arc of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the third in the applewell series and was another great read. This focussed on Gracie who we have come to learn more about in the previous two books. Quick and easy to read. Would recommend.
July 17, 2023
Lovely story by Lilac Mills.
Applewell is a tiny town in West Wales, where everyone knows your business.
Great story about the local charity shop & a sewing shop, lovely characters who are full of kindness & community spirit.
Applewell is a tiny town in West Wales, where everyone knows your business.
Great story about the local charity shop & a sewing shop, lovely characters who are full of kindness & community spirit.
July 24, 2023
This is the first Lilac Mills book I have read, and I quite enjoyed it. Like a lot of the romance books, you know what is going to happen in the end, but there were a few touch and go moments, and the pub scene with the men did have me giggling. All in all, it was a nice light-hearted read
March 5, 2023
Very fluffy small town romance which was a quick pace read for me
April 16, 2023
A stitch in time
I found this hard going having read books 1 and 2 you knew what was going to happen in the end, it just seemed to go on around the houses until the end.
I found this hard going having read books 1 and 2 you knew what was going to happen in the end, it just seemed to go on around the houses until the end.
April 19, 2023
Easy ready, nice story line but predictable. I found some areas repetitive like the author forgot she had said it before. I do like a happy ending though!
April 23, 2023
Good story, good narration, awful recording. Getting to approximately 15 minutes into a chapter, it kept returning to the beginning of the chapter again. Very frustrating indeed.
May 30, 2023
Good book, enjoyed it, had a feel good factor
September 15, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed, interesting with the different shops and the upcycling etc. Hope there's more to follow
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2024
A lovely, easy read.
April 15, 2024
A lovely ending to Applewell
A simple easy read that transported you to a little village called Applewell.
Having read the two previous books it was great to imagine village life.
A simple easy read that transported you to a little village called Applewell.
Having read the two previous books it was great to imagine village life.
April 17, 2024
I always love these books! The applewell series is a sweet set of “no trigger warning” love stories.
May 26, 2025
If you like romance and life changes, this book is for you. No need to be into sewing, recycling or charity shops but it is easy to relate to.
August 17, 2025
New author for me. Chosen because of the sewing theme! Just a nice story with a happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews