Juniper Meadows, a place to have a break, a place to reconnect

Synopsis

When Sadie Bingham’s life takes an unexpected turn, her children treat her to a well-earned break at Juniper Meadows, the gorgeous Cotswolds estate owned by the Travers family.

The festive season is in full swing, and Sadie throws herself into the packed Twelve Days of Christmas programme, relishing the opportunity to make new friends and new memories.

Single father Dylan Travers hasn’t been to his childhood home of Juniper Meadows for decades. Estranged from his cantankerous father Monty, he has made a happy life for himself in the States. But now with teenage children keen to know more about their roots, Dylan has brought them back to the Cotswolds to meet his family.

As Sadie and Dylan both navigate a Christmas very different from the ones they had expected it’s soon clear that, geography apart, they have a great deal in common. And as Dylan confronts his past and Sadie contemplates her future, perhaps the miracle of this Christmas will be the happily-ever-after they both deserve.

Let Sarah Bennett whisk you away to a snowy Cotswolds for the perfect winter romance. A Sarah Bennett book is guaranteed to brighten any day, perfect for all fans of Cathy Bramley, Katie Fforde and Phillipa Ashley.

My review

Sadie Bingham didn’t expect the retirement of her husband also being the end of her marriage. As she sacrificed a lot during the marriage, her children believe it’s time for a well – earned weekend at Juniper Meadows in the Cotswolds. During the Twelve Days of Christmas programme, Sadie will have the opportunity to make new friends, but also being pampered.
The Travers family have all worked hard for the estate being as successful as it is now. So it makes sense that Dylan Travers has some trepidation returning to his childhood home, after years of estrangement. He left years ago, as living with his father was living hell. He has had a happy life in the States, even if his marriage ended (on good terms). Yet his teenage children are eager to learn more about their roots, and so Dylan takes them to meet the family.
Both Sadie and Dylan are spending a Christmas unlike what they are used to. But them being at the same time on Juniper Meadows means spending also time together as they realize they have a lot in common. But as there is a past to be dealt with and a future to think about, will there be a possibility of ‘them’, when their lives are literally worlds apart?

There are books you cannot wait to start reading, as you just love the author. And be sure of it, this book was calling my name for a long time! So when it was finally its time, I had a big smile on my face, ready to return to a place with many happy memories!

Before I start my long review filled with admiration, I also want to say that, while it’s clear that Sadie and Dylan are older than me, I never felt that as a barrier. I could easily sympathize with the main characters and in some aspects I could also easily relate to them.

Obviously we know from the very start that Sadie’s marriage isn’t going to have its happily eve rafter, otherwise she would have never have the chance to go the Juniper Meadows. Yet that doesn’t take away that it’s a terrible discovery, reading how someone that is supposed to love you, can treat you and just behave in that way.
And learning how Sadie sacrificed a lot, made even my blood boil as the Despicable Man just acts selfish, and in fact just should know better.

But it also warmed my heart to see how her adult children wanted to do something nice for their mother. The love between mother and children is so palpable, they understand each other, they want the best for each other, without any condition.

What I liked about Dylan’s past, is how, even if his marriage ended, he is still in a very good relationship with his ex. They are still friends, and they are even that close that Dylan stepped in to give her away at her wedding, when her father wasn’t able to.
I think that is truly admirable, because way too often we see the complete opposite. And it also sets a great example for their children, as there is still love between them.

Yet it saddened me to read about the reasons why he decided so many years ago to leave his family behind. At first I thought that the generally assumed reason was absolutely an overreaction. But I quickly realized that it was just an excuse as there was a complete different but more understandable reason for his escape.

His return home for sure couldn’t have been easy, so many years have passed, and so much has been left unsaid. If I were in Dylan’s shoes, I would be even more scared than him. I wouldn’t know how to act, or how everyone would react at my return!

On the other hand, we as loyal readers know how the Travers family are! And obviously they didn’t disappoint!

As the story it set around Christmas, there is no doubt that some magic is involved. Not real magic of course, but at Christmas, something special always (can) happen.
And seeing Sadie and Dylan finding each other, getting to know each other, comprehending each other, was just wonderful.
They didn’t go through exactly the same things in life, yet they understand what has happened in the past, and are ready to offer a listening ear, but also showing patience when needed.

I found it also so sweet to see how well Sadie got along with Dylan’s teenagers, as that for isn’t something to take for granted at all!
It’s easy to condemn teenagers for their behaviour, as they aren’t going through an easy time. But having Sadie understanding and supporting the teenagers, was just showing us that there can be a way to get through to them.

Of course there are several demons to face in this book, like Dylan’s relationship with his parents. None of the Travers siblings have had an easy relationship with either parent, but seeing how efforts are being made, both from the siblings and especially their mother, was so heart – warming. Because lessons can be learned at any age, and with real, honest regret, it is never too late.

And Sadie has to understand that no matter age, there can always be a chance at love. And that the insurmountable issues she thinks there are, are not that impossible at all. But of course, putting your heart there in the open, is never easy!

I truly, absolutely, completely loved reading this story. A story that not only brings me back to a lovely place and my wonderful friends, but also gives me the opportunity to meet new wonderful people!
this was once again a captivating, heartwarming story, but also one with several laughs (that ending! 😊). Just a must – read!