I have just finished this delightful little box at 118 pages it packed a punch. We follow lovely Abby and Jack navigate their way through life, past trauma and the daunting future.
We see Abby’s mission to save the nature reserve really take place and Jack trying to navigate the fall out from his bad behaviour at an author event.
Whilst this book was incredible I was sad it was only 118 pages - whilst you could also read it as a stand-alone I do feel like I’ve missed out on a lot of character info from before hand. Overall 4/5 stars from me

Another gorgeous book by the wonderful Cressida! I always like to buy her books in paperback as the covers are so pretty.

This book is set in a nature reserve in Suffolk and her descriptions of the area and wildlife really make you feel like you’re in the surroundings. She clearly does thorough research to make sure every detail is correct.

The characters are a great bunch of villagers, partial to some local gossip and knowing all the ins and outs of each other lives. As always, there is a dog to fall in love with-Abby’s husky, Raffle. If you’ve read any of Cressida’s other books, her love of animals is obvious. They feature prominently and are a charming addition to the storylines.

On a personal note, reading about the kids at the reserve making Halloween bunting made me smile, as I had made some Halloween bunting for Cressida last year.

I love when an author makes you want to find out more about a certain subject just by sparking desire with their writing. I definitely need to go on more outdoor walks and get closer to nature. Watching the squirrels in your garden from the comfort of the sofa isn’t adventurous enough!

Part of the Birds and Butterflies series of books, 'The Lovebirds' picks up on the progress of the nature reserve and the struggles to keep afloat. A sweet tale with likeable characters and enough storyline to keep you reading. Enjoyable.

New Year starts off the second book in 'The House of Birds and Butterflies series. Abby's hoping for new beginnings, and when she unexpectedly spends New Years Day alone with her mother, she finds her parent wanting to build bridges.

The nature reserve is still in need of new ideas to keep it afloat, and Jack seems determined to be involved. Penelope, the owner of the reserve, is keeping secrets and Abby realises she needs to find out what if she's going to help.

Abby's fascination with Swallowtail house continues, and Jack seems to share her interest, leading to sharing and insights into both their troubled pasts. Their chequered relationship dominates 'The Lovebirds, which ends with more secrets than solutions.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Fiction, Harper Collins via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Fab second installment. The relationship between Abby and our dashing author is starting yo develop but the future of the reserve is still hanging over her. Still some elements to be continued in the next instalment- which I am waiting for impatiently.

After reading the first book in this series I couldn’t wait to read the next instalment. This didn’t disappoint and I was transported back to the Meadowsweet nature reserve. The growing friendship between Abby and Jack makes you want to keep reading. I’m now hooked on knowing what happens to Swollowtail House as I’m dreaming that it will turn into something magnificent.

Review: These books are the first two in a four-part series.

The House of Birds and Butterflies is a story which is based around a nature reserve which is not doing very well. This is due to a nature reserve near by having a TV series based there. Abby our main character has to draw new visitors but finds that a mysterious neighbour is drawn to her.

A lovely idea for a book, I have read many like this with other types of failing business such as book shops and cafe's but not one set on a nature reserve which I think is a really fresh idea.

This is very well written which has an easy feel to it. The setting is described beautifully and the character to are easy to connect to.

I can't wait for part three.

I absolutely love this series and I am always keen to read the next Instalment.Its lovely to see Meadowsweet nature reserve having success with their new events and the blossoming spark between Abby and Jack It’s really infectious reading Abby’s enthusiasm for the wildlife around the reserve. Little nuggets in this book have me imagining various scenarios and the future of the locked house. I have my fingers crossed for certain outcomes and will definitely snap up the next book in the series.

Okay, where did the time go? I swear, no sooner had I started this book than I had finished, so engrossed was I in the story. Forgetting where you are and what time it is is a sure sign of a good read.

This book is part two of the serialisation of Cressida’s latest book, The House of Birds and Butterflies which started with The Dawn Chorus which I reviewed previously. We pick up right where we left off with Abby spending New Year with her mother. Her mother is despairing of Abby’s seeming lack of romance although, of course, she doesn’t know about the mysterious novelist Jack Westcoat and I can understand Abby’s reluctance in telling her pushy mother about her tentative feelings.

To be honest, Abby doesn’t really know where she stands with Jack, she hasn’t heard from him since the winter nature walk so she is throwing herself back into her job promoting the Meadowsweet Nature Reserve with some wacky and creative events, including a fabulous evening set around a swallow murmuration (who even knew what that was before they read this book – not me!) It’s apparent from the owner, Penelope’s cryptic remarks that the Reserve is going to be in trouble if Abby can’t get the visitor numbers up. The secret about Penelope’s past and her abandonment of the beautiful Swallowtail House deepens and I am desperate to get to the bottom of that, especially after the clandestine visit that Abby pays to the building.

This instalment reveals a few more details about the brooding Jack and his bad boy escapades and we are given tantalising glimpses of the spark that could develop between Jack and Abby, if they only get the chance, whilst the local characters seem to be hell bent on getting in their way! Cressida’s writing manages to balance tension, sweetness and a subtle comedy in a way that is very seductive to the reader – it leads you gently and unconsciously on through the story until – surprise surprise – you find yourself at the end and wanting more.

I am sure there is more excitement to come, as there are a few threads that have been started but not developed yet, including the rivalry with the nearby Reston Marsh Nature Reserve, the Wild Wonders TV show and the attractive Flick Hunter. I love the descriptions of the reserve and the wildlife which continued through this book and are another of the things I am looking forward to reading more of in the next instalment.

So come on, Cress, where is Part 3? I, for one, can’t wait to find out what happens next.

Abby is still at the Meadowsweet nature reserve coordinating events to raise money to help save it. In this book though we start to see more of the newcomer to the village, Jack. Jack and Abby begin a tentative friendship and there is definitely a spark there!

Another lovely warm book, being a country person I am enjoying the nature reserve aspect and the characters are all very likeable so looking forward to the next one.

The Lovebirds is part two of The House of Birds and Butterflies series by Cressida McLaughlin. I had adored part one The Dawn Chorus but it did leave me wanting more so I was glad the wait wasn't too long until I could return to Abby's story and see how she was getting on from where I had last left her. In the opening chapter we revisit Abby as she enjoys a few well deserved days off over New Years, she is spending it with her mother Caroline who is divorced from Abby's Dad. Through general conversation, and also Caroline questioning Abby as to what has been going on in her life recently, the reader is brought right up to date as to events in part one and to the various characters that had been introduced.

I thought this was an ingenious way of recapping what had occurred previously. It provided a refresher but also avoided repetition and allowed the story to move on and start in the new year just like Abby was doing. Her mother still always puts pressure on Abby when it comes to romance wondering why isn't she involved in a relationship, surely she must get lonely? After all everybody needs to have a man or so Caroline thinks? But Abby is happy with her life and doesn't feel she has to give into the pressure from her mother with some nudges also coming from her sister Tessa. Tessa thinks Abby deserves a healthy, happy relationship and sees no reason why Abby can't find this. I sense Abby has been hurt in the past, or her experiences affect the way she thinks in the present, as she is reluctant to engage with any romance or feelings towards the opposite sex unless she knows it is for real and that the chances of getting hurt all over again are slim to none. But in life one does have to take risks and Abby needs to do this both in her personal and professional life as the nature reserve where she works is in serious trouble.

Once again the author brought Meadowsweet Nature Reserve owned by Penelope Hardinge to life through such beautiful descriptions and just genuine love for the subject matter radiating from each sentence. As this part was set in winter time one wondered what could possibly be described as to make the reserve appealing, how could Abby as events coordinator draw the people in at a time of year when all you want to do is curl up by the fire longing for longer sunny days and some sunshine? Yet Abby's enthusiasm for her job shone and through such lovely writing the reader can see that at any time of year nature and the countryside has such an awful lot to offer.

Abby was dedicated to her job and the passion she felt for all aspects of it was evident for the reader to see. At the back of her mind is the worry that she is not doing enough to bring people back time and time again. The pressure is ever increasing as Penelope has made it clear that things aren't running as smoothly as one would have hoped and unless something drastic happens the reserve may have to be closed. Abby won't let it go without a fight and together with fellow workers and friends Rosa, Marek and Stephan they will do their best to not see their beloved reserve and all its special residents gone forever.

Although saving the reserve is Abby's passion, I thought it did take more of a back seat here as her attention once gain turned to the newcomer to Peacock Cottage – Jack Westcoat. He is a thriller writer who has come looking for seclusion and peace and quiet in order to concentrate on writing his next book. Although we briefly got to know Jack in part one, I felt he was very much an enigma who blew hot and cold, we never scratched beneath the surface and got to know him better. Fair play to Abby she had tried but there was an air of mystery surrounding Jack, of things he didn't want to talk about. A reluctance to let things go and shed the barriers he had surrounded himself with. Now in part two I thought we got to know him somewhat better and Abby felt the same. I think she shared the same feelings with him of fear and loneliness but for different reasons. Abby because of what she experienced in the past and for Jack more so to do with recent events. I'm glad more was revealed about Jack, that a more softer side was beginning to emerge but at the same time he could clam up very quickly too.

I think Jack uses darkness and irritability as a cover when really underneath it all he is warm but just hurt and damaged by what has happened to him. Wallowing in self doubt and self destruct mode will only make even more miserable. Through the kind and caring nature that Abby possesses she may be able to work some magic and in doing so help herself too. I felt Abby was trying to peel back his layers, to understand everything about him. I could see she did have some feelings for him but fear and trepidation in doing anything about them was there as hurt and pain is something she can't bear. She wondered would Jack reciprocate how she felt or was she imagining everything? As things come to light about Jack, I felt I understood both his character and actions just that little bit more but still there is a lot more about both Abby and Jack that need to be brought to light.

The mystery surrounding Swallowtail House, abandoned by Penelope upon the death of her husband is still throwing up many questions. To say I am intrigued would be an understatement and I hope the revelation when it comes will live up to my expectations. There were plenty of conundrums, questions and problems remaining at the end which guarantees the reader will be back for part three Twilight Song. Abby and Jack have a found a place in my heart and I hope they can work through the issues that surround them. I also want a positive outcome for the reserve but at the moment can't see how this will be achievable? As for Swallowtail House perhaps that is the greatest mystery of all. Overall, I can safely say I enjoyed The Lovebirds, it was a quick read that moved the story along and has left me eager to know what is next in store for all the characters.

Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an advance copy of this part of the series. A lovely tale. It would be much better read after the first part. Personally, I would prefer to read the whole story at once, nevertheless I’m sure anyone would enjoy reading it as it is and certainly means each part is a short read which is a good thing if you only have a short time as it’s hard to put down.

Another fantastic read I am absolutely loving this series by Cressida McLaughlin. I read this in one sitting I like the writing of this book the description in the book feels like you are there. Love the storyline a bit of mystery and relationships and nature what can't you love about that. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next.

Another brilliant part in this new series by Cressida McLaughlin. I felt much more connected and interested in this second part - so much so I didn't put it down and finished it in one sitting! I feel like we got to know the characters so much better in this one. Although, having said that, some of the characters which were in the first part didn't make much of an appearance in this one and we got to know a lot more about Jack and Abby's blossoming friendship.

The pair meet up for coffee after Christmas and get along swimmingly, but Abby is then left confused when she goes into the pub one day and gets given the cold shoulder from Jack. Having said this, Abby didn't give up and Jack soon come out from his mood and the pair enjoy their afternoon in the pub bonding over some of the pub's famous chips!

I'm really enjoying the nature walks that Abby is doing as well. I've found myself really getting into these and loving reading about all the animals and wildlife. As well as this, Abby and Jack take a look inside the famous empty Swallowtail House and are quite taken back by what they find inside. This second part in the series is full of great storylines which will leave you hanging on for more. This is a brilliant addition to the series and not only was the book as a whole extremely interesting, the plot is well thought out and develops at a great pace.

I can't wait to see what part three brings! Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Meadowsweet worker Abby has managed to get author Jack to come out and explore the local nature around him finally and the possibility of a romance beginning hovers between them.



Jack leaves Abby another note about meeting up again for a coffee of which they do while Abby has thoughts about just what his character is in real life after Octavia talks to her about a possible plagiarism cover up by suggesting Jack paid off the reporter who's story it was. Abby feels uncomfortable with the thought and sets out to uncover the truth.



Meadowsweet however gets more visitors after word gets out the famous author went on a nature walk which helps their publicity but as he's a resident there too, it becomes a bit of an issue with privacy.



However, not to be put off, Jack and Abby explore the abandoned Swallowtail house Penelope used to live in with Al before he passed and are shocked with what they find inside.



After arranging their latest meet up, the pair share a meal and deep conversation about their pasts until an intrusion!



A great next installment in this book series so far! Cressida makes her books not only interesting in subject discussed at the heart of the book but keeps side plot lines developing along swiftly and smoothly so we don't wane in interest at all, I was hooked!

I love the couple developing and can't wait to see if Penelope thaws in her ideas about Swallowtail and Meadowsweet as well as rooting for our main couple!



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!