I am new to Kate Forster and I have to say this is a pretty good read. I enjoyed it and will certainly be checking out some of her other books.
The Honeystone Village Diaries by Kate Forster
Genres: Womens Fiction

A mile outside the Cotswolds, everyone knows everyone in Honeystone, and for many years the villagers have lived quiet, steady lives. But a wind of change is here...Anthea is the new owner of Spindle Hall. A renowned perfumer who lost her sense of smell, she's not interested in making new friends. Yet somehow that seems impossible in this idyllic village.Years ago, Peony left Honeystone with a broken heart, and now she has returned with it freshly bruised. Her single father, Robert, is struggling with slow business at the Hare and Thistle pub. Perhaps this time they can help each other?Izzy has never known what she wants to do in life other than be at Raspberry Hill Farm and care for her little niece, Clover. But when a new doctor shows up in town, she starts to wonder...

A story about the magic of ordinary people, no one does heartwarming stories like Kate Forster. Welcome to Honeystone, you can rest here.

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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review

From the moment I found myself laughing on the first page, I sensed potential in this book. However, I wondered if this initial charm would endure. A rare wind swept through the village, situated on the less-traveled side of the Cotswolds, often overlooked by tourists. How could I not be ready to devour this book?

The curiosity is sparked among the villagers when the long-abandoned Spindle Hall is sold. The new owner, Anthea erects fences and “keep out” signs. She appears to be rather cold and distant is a charade as she is actually in financial ruin. After a rather severe bout of COVID-19, which robbed her of her talent as a perfumer. She no longer has the ability to associate fragrance with colors and nature. I can only imagine how this must have made her feel.

Of course she is not the only person showing up in the village. Peony (love that name) has returned after her relationship Fergus ended. Rather burnt out as a social worker she comes home to help her father run the pub. Of course she also manages to reconnect with Connor, who runs Raspberry Hill Farm.

Connor’s sister, Izzy and his daughter Clover are both wonderful characters that I enjoyed so much. They certainly added to the book. I will admit to having a fondness for children in a book regardless of their age.

Then there is Dora who is married to Barry. Barry is a control freak who I would throw off the nearest cliff. Her story line could touch a nerve with some but I will say that I loved her as a character. All in all this was a great read.

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