This was a brilliant read. As soon as I started reading this book I just knew I was going to love it. Highly recommended

I did quite enjoy this story. It was a cute story. Secrets that tore families apart give you the usual bit of drama. It’s not my first outing with Christie. I do really just I do like her books and it was nice to get back to another one of her books. I find them really easy to get into and disappear, they’re very cute, and they leave you with that fuzzy feeling.

I listened to this book, and I wasn’t really a fan of the narrator her voice did grate on me a little bit, but the story is what kept me going and I am glad that I did.

So, Alice, something happened when she was younger, and she is taken away from her Grandad aka her Grandie, which I found very cute. She gets a message whilst living in New York, her Grandie isn’t very well and she makes a decision to go home back to the UK. The reunion between her and her Grandma was really cute and heartwarming.

We then follow Alice and her story of how she picks her life back up in UK, and ultimately makes a decision to stay. She wants her mum though, life wasn’t complete. What is sad, is the truth behind the secret and you see what tore the family apart all those years ago. Why it was the way it was broke my heart because not only did Alice just learn of a secret, then she had learned of another secret and I think anyone in her position would have struggled.

It was lovely to see the story come complete circle and I mean come on who doesn’t love a happy ending? Christie’s writing is so easy to get lost in. I mean, I love it. I could read a book by her any day that week. She writes stories that are so realistic, so much so they just make you want to keep changing the page and find out what’s going on. I loved and felt for Alice; I was there with Alice discovering the secrets that she had and with her discovering new love.

This was just a nice, good, gorgeous book. A nice one to read on a sunny day or listen to, which is what I did.

Unfortunately, I was unable to read this book due to a formatting issue.

My review is based on the blurb.

A Home at Honeysuckle Farm had sat on my TBR shelf for far too long so I decided to rectify that and get stuck into another story from Christie Barlow. Given the title, I went into this read with an assumption that the book would be about rescuing a family farm from closure or else bringing an abandoned farm back to life but I couldn't have been more wrong and in a surprisingly nice way. Yes Honeysuckle Farm could be classed as a focus point for the story but it is more really where Grandie lives and although there is mention of horses etc and summer days enjoyed on the farm really this book provides us with a whole lot more.

Brook Bridge village is in the Staffordshire countryside and it was all Alice ever knew until she was ten years old. She loved the area and all the people who lived there, she was happy and contented and loved living with her Mum Rose and Grandie. But one day that all changed, Alice hears Grandie and Rose arguing over something. Alice has done something that Grandie can never forgive her for.She is told to leave and never come back and she takes Alice with her.

Alice's idyllic life is shattered in an instant and it is this event that forms her and alters the way she views life when we meet her again thirteen years later. Now she is living in New York and from the outset the reader can see she is unhappy and lonely. Yes her mother lives in the city too but they are both struggling financially. They want to be independent but making it in the Big Apple is tough and Alice's dreams of performing on Broadway show no signs of ever coming to fruition. Her childhood spent dancing and learning the arts at Grandie's dance school and where her dreams came to be have all turned to nothing but misery and a struggle to make it through each day with money worries ever constant in her mind.

Alice was a very vulnerable character who when we meet her is at her lowest point. I thought she had reached rock bottom to the point where she saw no way out and really didn't know where to turn to or what her next move should be. She needed guidance and support which Rose couldn't give her. She does have a friend Molly but she can only do so much. She misses Grandie desperately and has never learned the cause of the major argument that led to the separation and as time has passed she is afraid to bring it up with her mother. Rose was very much on the periphery of the story. It was like she had shut down and closed herself off and no matter what happened she was loathe to reveal the cause of the argument.

As Alice comes to the realisation that she is not happy in New York and she doesn't fit in, she knows changes need to be made. But is she brave enough to take the next step because it really is a big one to take? Matters are taken out of her hands when she receives a message from home from Connie the mother of her best friend Grace and the woman who has helped Grandie in the absence of Rose and Alice. Grandie is not well and really Alice should come home to him and see how he is. I was delighted to see Alice take matters into her own hands for deep down I think she knew she had to be the one, the catalyst for change and to be the person who took the first steps towards possible reunification. She flies to England thinking I'll be there for a few weeks but little does she realise Brook Bridge Village has other plans in store for her.

As soon as she steps back on English soil Alice feels secure and contented and over time we can see a return to her former confidence. She became a different character and the real genuine love and affection she had for Grandie shone through. For things have changed vastly in the thirteen years since she had left and she realises whatever went on must be put firmly in the past and her family need to move on. Alice as a character really went though a transformation over the course of the story. She became more mature and not so stuck in the fact that her dreams in New York hadn't become a reality. She knew she needed to move forward and help Grandie and to try and reopen the dance school was a major step in achieving this. Of course there are hints dropped in every now and again as to what could have happened to cause such sadness, upset, anger and resentment within a family unit but I never guessed exactly what had happened and really I was left open mouthed when everything came out in the open.

I never would have thought that at all so bravo to Christie Barlow for pulling the wool over my eyes. I love being totally surprised when I am reading a book as opposed to guessing the ending far too early on. I think I was so surprised because the way the story was written I felt and believed certain things about characters. I suppose the misconceptions the villagers had about certain people transferred themselves into my thought process and I went along with what they were thinking. Which only goes to show we shouldn't always judge a book or people by a cover.

That's what made me love Alice. She returned home downtrodden, yet when she stepped on home soil there was a sense of optimism about her as if change was possible. That she would take a look at every aspect of what she was subsequently told that had happened and make up her own mind. She wasn't going to be clouded by other people's opinions. She wanted to get to the heart of the matter but in a way that wouldn't hurt others but instead allow the healing and forgiveness process to begin. It was great that at first people seemed to be keeping Alice in the dark as to what happened all those years ago as it allowed of sense of mystery to develop and it was like Alice had to break through the barriers to find the source of the actual truth. A lot of water had flowed under the break and at times I wondered could a positive solution and a happy outcome be found at all?

Of course the requisite dash of romance had to be present in a story of this nature and I did think it would be clear cut. I believed fairly on that a certain character was the one for Alice but I was proved wrong and in a very good way. Again it goes back to not believing everything that is said about someone and not judging people by first appearances and impressions.

A Home at Honeysuckle Farm really teaches us that we can't always linger in the past, that we have to move on or otherwise things will eat us up inside or otherwise we can't hope to find peace of mind or life satisfaction. Alice is searching for answers and the sense of belonging which has eluded her for so many years and to discover whether she finds this do pick up this lovely story and find out the answers for yourself. I really did love A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and the only thing that would stop me giving it five stars is that I have read Christie's newest book Love Heart Lane and it was just such an amazing and brilliant read that I don't think anything could ever beat it. But still this book was a joy to read with such lovely themes and life lessons and characters that will find a place in your heart.

I liked this - there was such mystery about the reason for leaving, and I didn’t work out what the twist was - very subtly done.

Every Christie Barlow book I read I always say it's my favourite. And I'm saying it again.
I truly loved this story. The characters, the locations, the dance school....all so fabulously described that I felt like I was there and living in the pages!
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the review copy.

Great storyline with good strong characters. Very well written. I would recommend this book to anyone.

I started this book with a hope that it would be a nice read. However I found this book a bit of a slog. It was very predictable and a bit too slow. You could have guessed the ending from the beginning.

Wanted to like it just couldnt.

Ten year old Alice loves living at Honeysuckle Farm in Brook Bridge, but after an argument between her mother and grandfather she leaves the farm and has no more contact.

They end up in New York.

She doesn't know why they left, what the argument was about and why New York?

Thirteen years later, Alice is finding New York, expensive, lonely and a difficult place to find work in. When she learns of her grandfathers failing health - she decides to return.

Alice wants to heal the family rift but she also needs to heal herself as well. Honeysuckle Farm and home is the place she knows she can do it in.

Back in Brook Bridge, Alice is reunited with her grandfather, her friends from the past and the odd heart-throb. In such a small village it is impossible to understand all that has been going on since Alice left and what long-held feuds existed before that point.

Wanting to get to the bottom of the family rift, Alice stumbles across some of the past and realises when she gets swept into community life - that is the key to her future and she is going to have to work hard at it.

This book captures so much; secrets, love, community and dancing! There are a few emotional roller coasters along the way not just with Alice but with the supporting characters to. They are all well-developed and play a part in the storyline which shows the strength of the writing.

A warm fuzzy novel that leaves you wanting more and as Christie Barlow writes more her storylines go from strength to strength. You will not be disappointed.

I love Christie Barlow books. Great characters, great story and romance with a bit of mystery. What could be better for a light summer read.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. A real feel good easy read with great characters and a good storyline.

What an opener!! Christie Barlow had me in tears by the end of the first chapter. I was heartbroken as Alice was dragged away from her childhood home, her grandie and her friends. I was bereft and I had to read on to find out why her mother did such an awful thing to her!

I cried quite a few times throughout the book, both happy and sad tears. Ms Barlow really knows how to tug at my heartstrings and play with my emotions! I have to say it’s the most emotional story she’s written that I’ve read. I have shed a tear or two in some of her other novels but not to this level.

I loved the character of Alice. She’s torn between her head and her heart. She wants to do right by her mum and her grandie but they are poles apart making Alice stuck in the proverbial middle, not knowing which way to go.

From that opening emotional chapter, I was totally intrigued by the argument between Grandie and Rose. What could cause such a rift between father and daughter to make Rose emigrate to the Big Apple?

I adored the setting, I could picture the quintessential English village. Surrounded by farmers’ fields, a quaint village with a tea shop and everything you’d expect out in the English countryside. Ms Barlow’s writing really evoked pictures in my mind along with the typical British weather!

I have got to say I devoured A Home At Honeysuckle Farm. Despite the emotional rollercoaster Ms Barlow put me on, I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter.

This is a great book and keeps you interested until the end. I really wanted to find out what the family secret was. You instantly fall in love with honeysuckle farm and the entire village. I loved the main characters and I was rooting for them.

I have read Christie Barlow books before and have enjoyed them but this is my favourite so far. I was quickly drawn into the story and was intrigued to discover the secret of why Alice and her mum moved to New York suddenly and hadn't returned home since.

I loved all of the characters and the lovely village community. This is a story of family, love, second chances, forgiveness, dreams along with a sprinkling of romance.

This is an easy heartwarming read with a fantastic storyline. I didn't see the twist coming - brilliant. Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful read by Christie Barlow. All her books have the right amount of emotions, with tears, laughs smiles, and some memories. And this book too does not disappoint.
There is family and secrets, with Alice returning to Honeysuckle Farm after 13 years. Her reunion with her Grandie had tears in my eyes.

There is a love connection
between Alice and Sam which was fun to read. And the friendship between Alice and Grace had me smiling.

This was a terrific read on a Monday afternoon. A good break from realities of life. My first Christie Barlow book, but definitely not my last. This book made me happy.

I’ve always enjoyed Christie Barlow’s books, but this one must be her best yet.

The story moves from the idyllic village of Brook Bridge to New York, and then back to Brook Bridge again.

Alice is a wonderful character, she’s caring and fun and loyal, but she’s also strong and gets things done.

She had a very special relationship with her grandad, who she calls Grandie, and was sad when she had to leave him suddenly and move to New York. When she returns to England, she is so delighted to pick things up with him again, and to settle into village life. Grandie is such a sweet character, I really liked him.

I loved the fact that the story centred around a dance school and dancing, a particular interest of mine.

The story is full of twists and turns and family secrets. There’s laughter and tears, love and heartache.

Like a hug in book form, this is a superb story, heart-warming and a joy to read. Highly recommended.

Who wouldn't want to live at Honeysuckle Farm with its animals and land? The setting for this story is idyllic, and so when our young heroine is snatched away from its welcoming arms at ten-years-old, you feel for her.

Thirteen years later, living in New York, she still doesn't understand the reasons for her sudden departure and parting from her beloved Grandie. The chance to return to her childhood home coincides with a difficult time in her life but will she find the answers to the secrets that trouble her? Alice is a lovely character, courageous and loyal but haunted by past secrets; she risks everything to reunite her family and build a future.

The plot reveals misunderstandings, tragedy and a terrible lie, which threatens to ruin Alice's second chance. The village settings and its characters are believable without being stereotypical, and the ending is worthy of this touching, heartfelt story.

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

Oh, my goodness, what a heartwarming and charming read by Christie Barlow!

As a child, Alice, adored Honeysuckle Farm. She lived there with her mother and her Grandie, her grandfather. Her childhood was idyllic even though it was just the three of them. When she is 10-years-old, her life drastically changes. She overhears an argument between her mother and Grandie. Before she knows it, her mother takes her away to New York.

Thirteen years have passed, and Alice is about ready to give up her dream of success on Broadway. The rejection letters keep piling up while her money dries up. When she discovers her grandfather is ill, she jumps at the chance to return back to England.

Alice is glad to be back in England with her grandfather, and Brook Bridge does bring her a sense of calmness. She loves reconnecting with her childhood friend, and she has met a man, Sam, that she feels a connection with. However, there are secrets just beneath the surface. When people in town don’t really like her being with Sam, she has just about had her fill. She is determined once and for all to discover what those secrets are.

I simply LOVE the way Christie Barlow writes. She has a special way of writing that transported me to Honeysuckle Farm. I could clearly see the thatched roofs, the shops, and historic pubs. I literally felt like I was there, and I love when an author is able to do that.

The characters were also very well-developed and complex, not just Alice but also her mother, Rose, and her Grandie. For a writer to create such complex secondary characters takes great talent, and Barlow has plenty of it.

Yes, there is a romance between Alice and Sam, but this is truly Alice’s story. She isn’t the same woman she was at the beginning. She grows so much and realizes exactly who she is. She discovers just as one dream may die, another, more important one is just on the horizon. She and Sam are perfect for one another!

I fell in love with Brook Bridge from the very beginning. I could very easily see everything in my mind. I definitely understood why she missed it. Thank you, Christie Barlow for giving me a wonderful way to spend my afternoon. I’m looking forward to reading more from her.

Everything in this book is delightful: the cover, the plot, the characters and the style of writing.
A book for a lazy spring afternoon when you want to relax and feel good.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to HarperImpulse and Netgalley

I was given an ecopy of this book by Rachel at Rachels Random Resources in exchange for an honest review. This is something I am more than happy to do.

I was drawn to this book by the cover, spring was on it's way and it looked like it had arrived at Honeysuckle Farm.

A home at Honeysuckle Farm is set in the delightful village of Brook Bridge. It had english, chocolate box written all over it - picture perfect. Of course the sun always shines and everyone is always happy when you live in a village which is why when I read books like this I want to up sticks and move to one.

The prologue personifies my image of village life exactly, all pretty houses and cute shops to amble in before settling down for afternoon tea in a fab cafe overlooking a babbling brook. That is until the happiness is shattered as Rose and her father, Alice's Grandie have an almighty row which sees them leaving their home, an annex attached to the farmhouse owned by Grandie and heading to New York, where after a difficult start she settled down and made friends.

Only a few pages in and what a lot of questions running round my head. What was the row about, what could Rose of done to be cut out of her fathers life? It was a very high price to pay for him, losing his grand-daughter at the same time. At first glance this was going to be a light, frothy book that did what it said on the tin but, it turned out to be much more than that - the story was intense, consuming and heart twisting.

Thirteen years after leaving for America with her mother, Alice is back in Brook Bridge having left her mother behind in America and is here because her Grandie is in hospital She is very apprehensive about meeting him again after all these years - would she ever find out the truth behind their sudden departure, she hoped so.

Once again, Christie Barlow has written a book that is full of delightful characters that are interwoven into a local community. The lows had me crying as hard as I smiled and laughed at the highs. It really was a tonic, a proper pick me up. It's the sort of book that once you pick it up and start reading you finish in no time and are left wondering how you've lost an afternoon without even blinking! This is the first of Christie's books I've read in a good while and was drawn back in as if I read the last one only yesterday! It was better than any tonic you can buy in the chemist.

If you love books that are wrapped up neatly in a classic happy ending then this is for you, it has it all, family, friendship, love, laughter, a sprinkling of sadness and a few little mysteries in the form of unanswered questions. I love how she slipped straight back into the idyll that she left as a child, the community coming together to welcome her back into their folds.

This was truly delightful - huge thx to Rachel for organising the blog tour, Christie for giving me the perfect place to escape - heads off to Rightmove to find me a chocolate box house!! I'm hoping there's one for sale.