Publication Date: 31 December 2021
Publisher: One More Chapter
Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what
A second chance…
When her grandfather Marley passes away Grace Power discovers she’s been left the beautiful but crumbling estate of Heartcross Castle. As a single mum of three, Grace has no idea what she’s going to do with it – but who can say no to a roof over their kids’ heads and a chance to get away from past hurts?
And a forever home
Heartcross Castle is full of secrets – especially a lost security deposit box that holds the truth to everything… But when celebrity chef Andrew Glossop sets his eyes on the castle and, to make matters worse, mistakes Grace as the new housekeeper, Grace tells him there is absolutely NO CHANCE he is getting his hands on her home.
Devastated to have got it so wrong, Andrew will do anything to make it up to her – but is she willing to listen?
First, whilst I have read and enjoyed a number of Christie Barlow’s books, I have to confess that I have not yet read any in the Love Heart Lane series. Although, after reading the wonderful Heartcross Castle, I fully intend to.
So, my first thoughts about Heartcross Castle – what an utterly charming book!
Being a single mum to three mischievous boys (Joey, Freddy and Billy) can’t be an easy job at the best of times, yet Grace has no family to support her, merely an ex-husband whom she is keen to escape. When she receives a letter advising her of the death of her estranged grandfather and an unanticipated inheritance, this could be the fresh start that Grace needs for herself and the boys.
Grace packs their bags and heads back to her childhood home and to the local community that she unceremoniously ran away from all those years earlier. Will her former friends be willing to forgive and forget?
And, what exactly is penniless Grace going to do with the run-down castle? Will she be forced to sell to her neighbour, TV chef Andrew Glossop? Can Grace bring herself to give up the place that holds so many memories for a second time?
The author has created a wonderful setting for the story and the characters are immensely likeable, from the lovely Grace and her boisterous sons, to the imperious Andrew and the supportive and loyal Felicity and her mother Rona. It really does seem to be an idyllic village life.
There are a few secrets that are gradually revealed as the story progresses and a few surprises to pique the readers’ curiosity. This book really is quite a page turner!
Ultimately, Heartcross Castle is a wonderful, heart-warming story of family, friendship and community. It is a lovely, entertaining read and one I would be happy to recommend.
Whilst this is number 7 in the series, the book can certainly be read as a standalone novel, as I have done. Although, I enjoyed it very much and fully intend to read the earlier books in the series now.
Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the book for review purposes.
Christie Barlow is the number one international bestselling author of fifteen romantic comedies including the iconic Love Heart Lane Series, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Kitty’s Countryside Dream. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs.
Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 international bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
When Christie isn’t writing she co-presents The Book Show on Radio Northwich, enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture.
Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject alongside Patron of the charity, Emmerdale’s Bhasker Patel. They raise money and awareness for communities in Uganda.
Christie loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Twitter – @ChristieJBarlow
Facebook – Christie Barlow Author
Instagram – christie_barlow
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