Bluebell Season at The Potting Shed

The Potting Shed #2

by Jenny Kane

Spring has arrived at The Potting Shed and things seem to finally be going Maddie's way. Her relationship with lovable lawyer Ed is going well and the business is thriving with the help of her new friend Jo and his bright orange coffee van.

But troubles are just around the corner... the upgrade of The Potting Shed from a nursery to a garden centre is at a critical point, turning part of Maddie's business into a building site. And just as she has to temporarily move out of her home, a major garden centre announces its grand opening only twenty miles away.

With money running out Maddie and her sister Sabi must think fast – they only have until the end of bluebell season to save The Potting Shed.

Genres: Audiobook

387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2023

About the author

Usually to be found within range of plate of hot buttered toast, a huge mug of black coffee, and a with a bar of emergency chocolate tucked in her jacket pocket, Jenny Kane spends her days in her local cafe typing away…

Inspired by everything and anything, Jenny combines her past experiences as an archaeologist, university tutor, cheese seller, newsagent, hat maker, and data clerk, with the sights and sounds of everyday life, to weave tales of relaxingly relatable romance.

When Jenny isn’t writing romance, she is exploring her historical side as Jennifer Ash or her darker side as Kay Jaybee (the erotica world’s Queen of Kink!!).

Jenny Kane I the author of the romcom's Another Cup of Coffee, Another Cup of Christmas, Christmas in the Cotswolds, Christmas at the Castle, Another Glass of Champagne, Abi's House, Abi's Neighbour and Romancing Robin Hood.

Jenny Kane is currently awaiting the publication of her 9th book. Watch this space...

Reviews

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t as good as the first one, it seemed to follow the same story lines as the first one and I found it a little boring which is a shame as I loved the first book. If there is going to be another one I hope the story goes further than the characters angst in this one. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Bluebell Season at The Potting Shed, by Jenny Kane, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Maddie was having a great time with her Potting Shed, but now everything is a mess, with a big box nursery wanting to open, among other things. Everything is going well with her boyfriend Ed, until he is offered a promotion in Bristol. Can Maddie work out the situation with The Potting Shed, and Ed? A nice relaxing read, I really enjoyed reading about, Maddie, Ed, Jo, Sabi, and the others.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect to read for Spring and Easter! I really enjoyed the first book of the series and was delighted to continue reading more about The Potting Shed, but think the coincidental timing meant I felt even more ready for spring and my own gardening adventure.

As this continues immediately after the first book, I think you need to have read this series in order. Once again, it’s a case of knowing character backgrounds and, even though I have read the first book, as so much time has passed between instalments, it did take me a few chapters to remember who was who.

However, I loved returning to The Potting Shed and seeing how determined Maddie and Sabi are with making their business a success. Yet, the reality is hard to ignore: with big plans comes big bills and the business needs to start making some serious profit for their dreams to become real. I really sympathised with Maddie in this sense: money pressures are something we all experience and I couldn’t begin to imagine how much was resting on this dream and Maddie’s livelihood, not to mention her loyalty to her late father.

In this book, we see Maddie determinedly moving forwards with expansion plans. There is also a subplot featuring Sabi and Jo, which helped bring in new characters to the story. I loved how the characters are like a family to one another; all are willing to volunteer and throw extra hours at The Potting Shed and have a vested interest in seeing it succeed.

However, I do think the narrative felt rather disjointed, thanks to the frequent breaks. No sooner had a scene got started, then it would end on a mini cliff-hanger and readers would switch to another set of characters. Sometimes this felt incredibly unnecessary and ruined the flow of the story. I would have preferred these breaks to have been removed so I could continue in one swoop, rather than jumping all over the place.

Overall, this was a lovely read and an example of how hard work can make big things happen. Maddie still has concerns about the bigger garden centre nearby, so I hope the next book sees her gaining confidence as The Potting Shed takes off. Her relationship with Ed has reached a new milestone and I hope this means there are wedding bells in the future.

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

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bluebell Season at the Potting Shed by Jenny Kane

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Aria and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Spring has arrived at The Potting Shed and things seem to finally be going Maddie's way. Her relationship with lovable lawyer Ed is going well and the business is thriving with the help of her new friend Jo and his bright orange coffee van.

But troubles are just around the corner... the upgrade of The Potting Shed from a nursery to a garden centre is at a critical point, turning part of Maddie's business into a building site. And just as she has to temporarily move out of her home, a major garden centre announces its grand opening only twenty miles away.

With money running out Maddie and her sister Sabi must think fast – they only have until the end of bluebell season to save The Potting Shed.

My Opinion

Following the death of her father, Maddie is still working hard to save The Potting Shed. This is the second book in the series and whilst it could be read as a standalone I would highly recommend reading the books in order. This was a heart-warming, feel-good book ideal for reading when the weather is miserable. This one didn't hook me as much as the first book in the series but it was still a delightful read. I know I am behind reading this series but it is charming and definitely worth the read.

Rating 4/5

[Sarah Kingsnorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenny Kane - Bluebell Season At The Potting Shed.

This is book 2 in The Potting Shed series.
I read as a standalone, and it was fine, but I do think you always get far more out of a book if you read a series in publication order.

This is a lovely, gentle read.
Maddie and her sister are striving to fulfil their father’s dream of expanding their plant nursery
There are problems along the way and some unexpected competition.
Will the Potting Shed make it?
With all this going on, Maddie and her boyfriend Ed, have their own issues to deal with.

I genuinely enjoyed this book. It’s not to heavy and was really rather sweet and charming.

A pleasant easy read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly decent but muddled read. Maddie is really confusing for an adult character. She acts like a shy teenager around her boyfriend, throwing tantrums about staying with him in his flat. Honestly I don’t see why Ed stays with her. Maddie’s sister was right, Ed puts everything into that relationship and Maddie just worries about her own problems.

The story with Jo was a bit of a letdown, not really a climax that was being built up by the Hazel drama.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the Potting Shed season and another heartwarming read from Jenny Kane.
It was wonderful seeing how far Maddie and Sabi had come in working on and developing their lives at the nursery. As in the first book, each of the characters introduced are warm and relatable and I loved the introduction of Sara. With little hints again of the local area, I’ve loved being back at The Potting Shed and can’t wait to see what comes next.

[Judy Christiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant second book in The Potting Shed Series. Unlike some series that have the stories taken place in the same location but are not a continuation of the plot, this is a story with the many of the same characters from book one and the reader gets to see more of their lives. I adored the main character, Maddie, from book one, and was thrilled to see her taking a major role in book two. I am similar to her in the way that she “speaks” to her deceased father (in her mind) and he still gives her advice (since she knows what he would tell her). I also talk to my plants as Maddie does. Truly delightful to find a kindred soul. I am fond of so many of the other characters also, from the sweet dogs to the people of various ages that support the potting shed. A story is truly well rounded when many age groups are represented in it.

The main focus of the plot is the moving forward to change the Potting Shed into a gardening center, but there is a very important second theme throughout the book. The question of whether a person can change from who they were as a child/young adult. Are you always stuck in the mold of the person you were, or is change possible?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I do believe that is because I read book one. I also think a reader can read this book independently, and fully understand it. Having the background of prior books in a series is always beneficial!

A huge thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

I loved the first book in the series and was so happy to get back into the world at the Potting Shed. If you haven't read the first book you can still enjoy this (but you might want to go back and read it to get some more backstory and context for what is going on in this book). I liked that everything wasn't all sunshine and rainbows and that we got to see everything that has to go into developing a business like the Potting Shed. Although things worked out in the end (otherwise this would have been quite a downer of a book) there were a lot of ups and downs in getting there. I always loved Maddie but Sabi took me a little longer (if you have read book 1 you understand why) - in this book got to learn more about Sabi and came to like her even more. One thing she and Maddie definitely have in common is that they have partners that are pretty much saints. Both Henry and Ed are unconditionally supportive of their partners, but also let them know when they are being too much. All of the supporting characters are wonderful. It was nice to see what Petra and Jake have been up to and to see Jake continue to come out of his shell. The side story involving Jo added a little drama to keep the book from being too much about renovations and business expansions. I liked the addition of Sara as a character and look forward to seeing her in future books. This book (much like the first) inspires me to get out in my yard and start doing some planting!

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story. Ed is amazing. The successful lawyer who loves doing just about anything at The Potting Shed. He’s a dream character. Maddie, his total opposite, doubts, worries, is all focused on The Potting Shed and full of guilt half the time.
Jo… I missed a bit in his story. There’s been an operation. I can’t quite follow what’s actually wrong with him. Anyway it’s great that he hasn’t taken advantage of Sara. That’s a lovely friendship. Hazel 🙄 talk about disturbing- she’s so messed up, and ruining everyone’s lives as she encounters them.
Harry is a very understanding husband and brother in law. The dead boyfriend of the wife is an odd twist. Sara is a lovely inclusion into the story.

I’m almost finished- at chapter 45.
I’m hoping Ed doesn’t take the partnership in Boston. It’s lovely to have been offered. He needs to be the local country solicitor even though people have relationships with FIFO works, Military aren’t always around, & your travelling salesman, all work away from home donut can be done, however for the sake of a happy ending, I hope Ed stays. Loser to his new home.
Jo needs to sort himself out and if he can’t, he needs professional help! Something isn’t right with him!
I’m loving the bluebell planting and the meadow that is in the other side of the fence. I’d love to visit for a picnic! The setting is fantastic.


Just finished- ok now we get the full exposure on Jo’s odd ways, what a mess!
A great outcome for The Potting Shed. Winning on all fronts. Love the forget me not cafe name . That must feature in book 3

[Readsandeats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bluebell Season at the Potting Shed by Jenny Hale.
I would like to thank Aria publishing for the E ARC of this book.
It was really nice being back at the potting shed to catch up with Maddie, her sister Sabi and all there family and friends.
Maddie and Sabi are working hard to make the potting shed a success and they have decided to go ahead with the changes that their late father wanted. This is putting them under financial pressure and they decide to give themselves a deadline to make money or they cut back on the development. This puts Maddie under more pressure but she is helped by her boyfriend Ed, Sabi, her husband and daughter plus all their friends.
However, things do not go smoothly. Henry (Sabi’s Husband) puts his new assistant on the job of overseeing the builders, who are turning the house that Maddie lives in into a flat above and a shop and café below. She is making mistakes and getting on everyone’s nerves. Is she doing this deliberately so that the potting shed fails? Also what has she against Jo, the friendly coffee van owner who comes to the shed every weekend to sell coffee? Why does Jo take off when she appears?
I loved the way that everyone pulls together and does all they can to make the potting shed a success, but do they manage to open the extension on time to save it or was it all a waste of time and effort?
A really good read, good characters and plot line.

[Kims.reading.nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of the Potting Shed continues in book 2 of Jenny Kane's series. Sisters Maddie and Sabi are back as they continue working towards their late fathers dream of turning the Potting Shed into a full blown nursery, along with a conversion of the old family home into a large gardening store.

But nothing is easy and with a large gardening store (called BIG) opening only 20 miles away, they will need to call on their family and friends to help them pull off a grand opening with enough sales to pay off their business loan.

I enjoyed the story, but did find Maddie's character a bit difficult to enjoy. Similarly with Jo, there were times when I got frustrated at how the storyline dragged in an unrealistic way. I did enjoy Jemma's character development but found that Sara's storyline was unusual. With so many characters, it was hard to keep track of all of the different events, whilst simultaneously taking too long at times.

Thank you to author Jenny Kane, Aria & Aries and Netgalley for providing this book as an ARC in return for an honest review. This story is publishing on the 30th of March 2023!

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming and feel-good, but not as great as the first!

This is the second book in the Potting Shed series, I think that they could be read as sand-alone's, but my opinion is to read them in order that way you will have a full idea of the background of the Potting Shed and the stories.

I loved, loved, loved the first book in the series, and was looking forward to the next (this one) unfortunately it doesn't have the same magic as the previous which is a real shame, but saying that I did enjoy my second visit to the Potting Shed.

I liked the story, a little drama and a few misunderstandings plus adults who can't seem to actually have an adult conversation are always good fun watching as they battle through something which turns out to be pretty easy. It is a pretty simple plot which did tend to drag a little halfway through, but not enough to make me want to stop reading, I wanted to know what would happen, plus is was great to revisit loved characters from the previous book again.

Overall, sweetly charming, not my favourite of the two, but I still loved this series!

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spring has arrived at The Potting Shed and things seem to finally be going Maddie's way. Her relationship with lovable lawyer Ed is going well and the business is thriving with the help of her new friend Jo and his bright orange coffee van.

But troubles are just around the corner... the upgrade of The Potting Shed from a nursery to a garden centre is at a critical point, turning part of Maddie's business into a building site. And just as she has to temporarily move out of her home, a major garden centre announces its grand opening only twenty miles away.

With money running out Maddie and her sister Sabi must think fast – they only have until the end of bluebell season to save The Potting Shed.

A sweet story of two sisters trying to bring their late father's dream to life. The pacing was a little slow in places, but overall a nice read.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

[Maggie's Book Collection · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful read. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the Potting Shed and I thought this second book in the series was even better than the first. This was a really enjoyable read and I quickly reconnected with the characters, enjoying seeing them grow and the story progress. The storyline is very good and deals with issues in a very thoughtful and sensitive way.

The story continues from book one with Maddie and her sister Sabi trying to cultivate their business (excuse the pun) from a nursery to a garden centre. I loved seeing how Maddie dealt with everything that came along and how all the other characters are getting on, as well as meeting a few new ones. They are such a nice group.

This is a really good, easy read, the sort of book you want to pick up when you need a break and just sit back and enjoy the story. I do hope there are more books to come in this series as it is very enjoyable.
#Netgalley

[Kirsty Hoggons · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately I have to say that this book was pretty average. It was far too long for everything that happened. A whole lot happened and yet at the same time, not much did. There were so many different storylines and honestly I don't think that they were all necessary. As a main character, Maddie was exhausting. Her constant need to apologise and the negativity was too much. While it was understandable at times, I found myself annoyed every time she had a new challenge to overcome, purely because of the way that she dealt with it. Ed was a wonderful character and I'm shocked at how patient he was with her. Also, I felt as though Jo's storyline was a bit of an afterthought to add more dimension to the story. I felt it just made the story longer without adding to the core of the book.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! It was so great to be back at The Potting Shed with Maddie and Ed. I love how they compliment each other and how Ed loves and supports her, he certainly does enjoy the nursery as much as she does, I hope we get to see more of them in later books to see how they manage with his new job promotion.

The story line with Jo was really interesting, I’ve never read a book with a trans gender story and it was interesting to see not only how he thought of himself and what he deserved but also what others thought of him, both negative and positive. Jemima is a fantastic kid and I loved her innocence and advice that was spot on.

A brilliant book from start to finish, it can be read as a stand alone but so much better if you’ve read the previous book as you understand the dynamics better.

[SophsBookishBubbl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

Another delightful book in this series, not as good as the first but still warming and lovely to follow.

I love the continued character developments, as well as the relationship development between Ed and Maddie. This book is proof that you reap what you sew. My favourite character is Maddie and she’s the gift that keeps on giving, a courageous individual with perseverance to keep the potting shed open despite what BIG has in the diary.

I did find there a bit too much angst with some characters and a bit strung on but I totally understand why as it broadens the book and the relationships I’m sure too, for the next book. But it really didn’t stray me off course. This book is wonderful and Jenny is such an amazing author. The descriptions were beautiful as always and I cannot wait to read the next. Highly recommended 💞

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maddie and sister Sabi inherited The Potting Shed nursery when their father passed away. They have plans to grow and extend their business, but can they compete with the new local garden centre opening nearby? Follow their stories, along with side characters of Jo, Hazel and Jake.

This is the second book in the series, although it works as a standalone - I have not read the first, and it didn't affect my enjoyment of this book. I liked the characters on the whole, although I would have liked to have seen more development of the Jo and Hazel story, and did often wonder if the author had forgotten that Jem was only supposed to be 11! Definitely left open for a third instalment, which I will look out for.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddie and Sabi are moving forward with their plans for the Potting Shed. They are determined to keep their Dad’s dream alive by making the Potting Shed a regular nursery store. They also have plans to make the old family home into a gardening store. The know they are going to have to have enough in their sales to pay back the loan they have out.
This is going to be hard with a new gardening store open very close to where they are at the Potting Shed.
Reading how the sisters are forging ahead with their fathers dreams was very fun to read. I enjoyed all the characters in this story.
Thank you NetGalley, Jenny Kane and Aria & Aries for the Arc of Bluebell Season at The Potting Shed. This is my personal review.

[Tarri · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much going on on this touching story of two sisters who are updating and expanding their father's dreams for his garden center, after his death. Maddie and Sabi are very different. Maddie wants the Potting Shed to beat the big box garden store 60 miles away and Sabi doesn't want to waste their money.

This book was really good. There were so much that goes on when starting a new business and each step forward seems to come with two steps back. Even with the help of all their friends, the reader doesn't know if they will make.it in time.


#NetGalley #flowershop #ThePottingShed #JennyKane #HeadOfZeusLtd #BloomsburyPublishingPlc #BluebellSeasonAtThePottingShed Book2ofseries

[Chrissie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading more about the Potting Shed and its owners after reading the first book, Frost Falls at the Potting shed.

The book follows on from the first, where we learn more about the future of the Potting Shed, and the characters and we meet new characters too. The story was lovely, and I loved being there with Maddie and Sabi in their journey I loved the direction that the story took. Knowing the area where this book is set and the garden centre it's loosely based on, it was totally believable and I can't wait to see what happens next! A perfect book to read at springtime!

[Sarah the reading addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the continuation of this story. I finished the first book in the series yesterday and today I jumped on this one. I listened to it on my kindle.

I really enjoyed seeing where the situation with saving the Potting Shed was up to and whether Maddie and Sabi had finally made a decision.

I loved the various building relationships and the connection to bullying which is a difficult topic to address but Jenny deals with it with sensitivity and absolutely on point. I have had a few of the people who bullied me at school tried to become 'friends' and this is not something that could happen. Like for the character who this situation is related to.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good story, although not quite as good as the first one in my opinion. I missed Jake, as he isn't in this one as much, as well as Petra. I hope they return more often in the future books. Maddie is an interesting character - I like her a lot but she really does need to pay more attention to Ed and not get so obsessed with her struggles. I'm really glad The Potting Shed has managed to survive! I still dislike Sabi although she has redeemed herself somewhat since the first book. Jo's ongoing issues with having a relationship make no sense to me but that's fine, he does it his way.

My favourite parts are the dogs, the nursery/garden centre, and the bluebell woods!

[Sall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little confused as I'm fairly sure in the previous book Jo was involved in something to do with money disappearing from the council only in this book it was bullying. Whilst the theme suited the book it did make it confusing as to what actually happened in the past.

Sabi is still as annoying as ever, Jem is the wise one and Ed and Henry appear to be the only people with common sense.

It was good to see so many local places mentioned but most of all I enjoyed seeing the progress of the garden centre whilst keeping it people friendly. Not something I've yet to see in real life sadly.

[Darci Kester · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the follow-up book to Frost Falls at the Potting Shed, we continue the story of Maddie and Ed. I probably wouldn’t call this a romcom, as the rom part of the story really happened in book 1. This just expands on their story and the stories of their friends and family. Off the top of my head, I can think of five different storylines happening in the book… but not in an overwhelming way! The author expertly blends them together.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Bluebell Season at the Potting Shed to come out March 30, 2023!

[Lauralee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m grateful I was chosen to be able to read an advanced copy of Bluebell Season At The Potting Shed because I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Frost Falls At The Potting Shed; however, I was slightly disappointed by the sequel. It just couldn’t capture or hold my attention the way the first book did. I would still recommend this series, especially if you’re a fan of Jenny Colgan’s books - they have a similar vibe!

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle relaxing read - a lovely story about family and friendships
I hadn’t read the first book in the series and although it’s a stand alone book, struggled to gel with main characters Maddie and her sister Sabi and their long suffering partners Henry & Ed
I personally felt the book dragged a bit and there were too many story lines
However I admired the sisters for trying to turn their late father’s dream of getting the potting shed into an up and running Garden Centre
Thanks #ariafiction #netgalley #jennykane for the advanced preview copy

[Christine Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely visit to The Potting Shed. Maddie & Sabi have inherited their dad's nursery & this story follows their journey into turning the business into a garden centre. So many ups & downs to go through before they hope to succeed. Lots of friends & families bring their own problems to the Potting Shed & nothing is straight forward!
I loved the first book & this just continued with great characters & feel good stories of their lives.
An easy read & that's because of the great writing by Jenny Kane. Look forward to the next!

[Esha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two devoted sisters embark on a touching journey to fulfil their late father's cherished dream. Despite occasional pacing lulls, the narrative unfolds with a sweetness that captivates readers. The sisters' determination to honour their father's legacy creates a poignant storyline, weaving familial bonds and aspirations into a compelling narrative.

Overall, a delightful read that beautifully captures the essence of love, dreams, and the enduring spirit of familial connection.

Gratitude to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.