When you want to save your home…

Synopsis

Set sail for the idyllic island of Jersey in this gorgeous new romance, perfect for fans of Rachael Lucas and Phillipa Ashley…

When Lettie’s parents call her and her brother back to Hollyhock Farm on the island of Jersey, the last thing they expect to be told is that their childhood home is up for sale. Following a health scare, their father needs to take a step back, and the sale of the land and business to their uncle, they are told, is all but done.

Back on the island, with its rolling hills and golden sands, Lettie immediately remembers what it feels like to breath in the fresh air in the green fields, and be part of this tight-knit community – a far cry from the life of events and high fashion she leads in London.

But she surprises even herself when she suggests that she instead could take over Hollyhock farm. Humouring her, her father agrees to give her a three month trial, and Lettie is determined to prove she’s up to the task.

But the summer season is no easy feat for a new farmer, and Lettie has a huge task ahead of her. And when an old flame reappears in the form of dashing local vet Brodie, Lettie’s summer is about to get even more complicated…

My review

When Lettie and her brother are summoned by their parents to return to Hollyhock Farm on the island of Jersey, it’s Lettie’s last thing on her mind to think that her parents want to sell their home.
Even if her life in high fashion could not be more different than living on a farm, Lettie finds herself offering to run the place herself. And her father agrees to give her a three month trial.
But running a farm isn’t an easy task, not for a seasoned farmer, and for sure not for a rookie like Lettie.
Yet Lettie can count on the help of her Uncle, her brother and the whole community of Jersey, and even on the help of someone who also just recently returned to Jersey. A someone that caused Lettie her first broken heart…
Is three months enough to persuade her parents to keep the farm? Or is her plan doomed to fail?

Jersey is a place that I didn’t know before, but grew on me while reading this amazing author’s book. It feels such a lovely, warm and welcoming place, I could see myself wandering there amongst my friends.

So in that matter, I could understand how Lettie feels returning back home, after her hectic life in London. Because in Jersey, on Hollyhock Farm, it’s yes about hard work, but also about peace, fresh air and just *home*.

I know for sure that the life of a farmer is nothing for me, I don’t have that endurance or strength. Yet I admire the farmers, working so hard every day, under any circumstance.
And even if it’s a sad decision, I could comprehend Lettie’s parents, especially after their scare, how they want to enjoy life and go travelling.
It’s also clear that the decision is also a decision that pains them, because the farm has been their home and now it won’t be any longer.

It was admirable that Lettie suggested to take over the farm, but I felt that Lettie didn’t know what she had said. And Lettie quickly learns that farmer days can be long, tiring and perhaps also leaves you feeling unsatisfied as the job is just never don.

Yet Jersey and its inhabitants once again didn’t fail to make me proud, because Lettie finds herself quickly surrounded by people that want to help her, any possible way.
She even can rely on the new vet for help, even if the new vet isn’t that big stranger to her…

Oh, I immediately liked Brodie! Okay, I have a weak spot for animals, so anyone else who cares about animals, is to my liking. But Brodie went even beyond that.
He is just such a kind and gentle character. He absolutely does whatever he can for the animals, and even prioritizes them above himself. So what that his place is a mess, and he hasn’t had the time yet to unbox everything yet?
And of course he is also kind towards people, otherwise he wouldn’t be swoon – worthy, right?

It was a bit funny to see Lettie knows Brodie, yet Brodie himself doesn’t seem to recognize or recall Lettie from his past. When he finally gets it, sorry Brodie, but I had to have a huge eye-roll, because the signs were there!

Yet that didn’t take away my delight to see Lettie and Brodie growing closer, even if is a rival in the field. And even then, Brodie is there for Lettie when she needs help.

This was a delightful story, about fighting for the place you call home, but also about the struggles of running a farm. But mostly it was about family, friends and community. Because when everyone puts their heads in the same direction even the most outrageous idea can be turned into a real success! And all this in a wonderful setting, what else can you possibly want more? 😊