An entertaining read with an endearing romance at its heart. I particularly enjoyed the rural Suffolk setting and the focus on the power of nature.

Until reading this book I don't think I had given nature reserves a thought ever. I think I knew they must exist but past that I had no clue.

I am astounded by the amount of research that must have gone into the writing of this book.

I felt as thought I was on the Meadowsweet Reserve along side Abby, as we spotted assorted wildlife, and the details were easily able to paint a vivid picture.

I loved the assorted events that Abby put on over the course of the book at the reserve, as well as her slow building friendship with the lodge at Peacock Cottage.

In fact its the lodger, Jack who had the most interesting story-line, just why was he there, and what was he running from.

An entertaining story that will appeal to both fans of the author and nature lovers.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

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!

Abby Fields loves her job at Meadowsweet Nature Reserve in Suffolk, she loves her colleagues, and she loves interacting with the people who come to explore the reserve. Her life revolves around the reserve and she works hard to attract more visitors but she gets distracted when Jack Westcoat arrives on the scene. He is a famous author who left London looking for the peace and quiet of the countryside to write his new book. Even though they don’t hit it off right away, Abby and Jack start exchanging notes and what starts as a friendship soon turns into something more. But they both have to deal with a past that holds them back.
I hate to admit that this is my first Cressida McLaughlin novel. I really enjoyed her writing and her attention to detail. In this novel, she creates a cast of engaging and likable characters and a captivating and entertaining story that kept me glued to the pages. It’s a heartwarming, refreshing and immersive story and I’m definitely going to read more from this author.

This book read like a young adult to say the least. The characters were one-dimesional and the story was drawn out and cliche. Unfortunately the part I was looking forward to (the nature descriptions) were cutesy and elementary. The premise of the book was intriguing but fell flat.

I read this book in the 4 installments as couldn't wait for the book as a whole to be published. Quite like installments as long as you dont have to wait too long between each on. As a whole this is a lovely rural story - plenty of wildlife, a love interest and a spot of intrigue. What is there not to like. Love this author.

A really enjoyable read with a great set of characters.
The setting was well described and made you want to visit the reserve yourself, and the descriptions on Swallowtail house made you intrigued by the house and it's past.

It was full of drama and love finally blooming as the story comes together concluding the past parts, I enjoyed the whole book as it really kept me entertained and I found myself enjoying the nature aspect of the book so much as we don't read often about the forest and getting out there with nature.

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Abby Field works at Meadowsweet Nature Reserve in Suffolk. She is very passion for her work and puts her heart and soul into it. She organisms new events and things for the reserve, but when a handsome stranger turns up in ... cottage, she kind of gets distracted.

The handsome stranger is novelist Jack Westcoat. At first he just feels disturbed by the people and the animals, but Abby and him have a lot of chemistry from the start. The start exchanging little messages, which are so cute and just say it all. Everything is not that obvious at the beginning, but I was actually just waiting for the two of them to get together. I liked the way their relationship developed, Cressida McLaughlin really captured their connection.

Jack needed the time away, especially after a little scandal the year before. Only after a while we find out what actually happened. Abby had her dog Raffle, as well as her friends, who all added something special to the story.

The setting of this book is unique and fabulous. Cressida McLaughlin did a great job describing it and creating a wonderful atmosphere.
The characters in this book are very authentic and just unforgettable. A lot of twists and turns add some drama to the story and make it exciting.

A definite must read! Cressida Mclaughlin is such a talented author.

4.5/5

I fell in love with the cover and then I fell in love with the book.
It's heartwarming, fun to reading and moving at the same time!
I loved the characters, both human and animals, as well as the story that hooked since the first pages.
This is a real pager turner, one step above the standard chick-lit/romance and the background is very well researched.
I hope there will be more.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to HarperCollins and Netgalley for this ARC

The House of Birds and Butterflies was originally published as a four part series; I was fortunate enough to read the story in its entirety.

Abby Field loves her job. She works at Meadowsweet, a nature reserve in Suffolk. When Meadowsweet is put in jeopardy by a TV wildlife programme choosing a local rival for their show, Abby has to find a way to bring more visitors through the reserve to try to stave off closure.

Jack Westcoat has arrived at Meadowsweet from London. He is a top selling author who is fleeing a scandal and wants peace and quiet to write his new book. When Jack complains loudly about the noise the wildlife is making, Abby swiftly puts him in his place. As the months pass and Jack and Abby become friends, their feelings for each other blossom.

I loved this book! From the beautiful cover to the simmering romance between Jack and Abby - this is a great story with believable characters. With the snippet about wildlife at the beginning of each chapter it was a pleasure to read.

This was an amazing book, so entertaining and addictively good right from the very first page. I loved everything about this delightful story, which was so well written and the characters just came alive right before my very own eyes, well that's how it felt whilst reading this book. I really did feel like I was there, in Suffolk for real and experiencing the joys and wonders of the Meadowsweet Nature Reserve. I loved getting to know the characters and seeing how they developed throughout the story and how they were there for each other.

I loved learning all about the different kind of birds and other animals that were mentioned throughout the book, not to mention the elusive badger.

I also totally fell in love with the handsome husky dog Raffle, he had such a character about him and is so very loyal to his owner Abby. It literally made me want my own husky lol.

Last words, if you haven't read any of Cressida's books yet, then don't delay any more, as you are missing out. Holly is an amazing author and she has such a way with words that just makes her stories truly magical and come alive.

I read three-quarters of this lovely story as a serial, so I have reviewed the complete book in four parts:

The Dawn Chorus -I love the title and the cover, both epitomise the book's ethos perfectly. Set against the background of a nature reserve on the Suffolk coast, 'The Dawn Chorus' the first part of the book introduces the mysterious house, abandoned in heartbreak on the edge of the reserve and a cast of delightfully quirky characters whose love of nature brings them together.

Abby loves her job, which brings her into direct contact with the public and the inhabitants of the reserve on a daily basis. She is fascinated by the faded glory of the large house, belonging to the reserve's owner Penelope. No longer lived it possesses a mysterious, tragic quality that Abby longs to explore. Abby guards her heart fiercely. Let down by her father and drawn to toxic relationships she prefers to share life with Raffle her husky.

The Lovebirds- New Year starts off part two. 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 sanctuary, is keeping secrets and Abby realises she needs to find out what they are 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, and this part of the book ends with more secrets than solutions.

Twilight Song - Spring is a time of new beginnings, and while this is true for the inhabitants of the Nature Reserve, problems loom on the horizon that threatens its future.

The couple's gentle romance dominates this third part of the book. Abby and Jack's behaviour and willingness to help the other signify their deepening emotions but their pasts make them cautious.

Penelope still keeps her problems secret, but Abby sees another side to her boss, which surprises her. Abby's plans for the reserve are a success but will they be enough?

When you think this part of the story is ending on a high, someone from the past threatens Abby's happiness. The mystery of the house remains untold and with the cliffhanger ending reading the final part of this charming story is a given for me.

Birds of a Feather- The final part lives up to my expectations. Abby and Jack's relationship deepens in the face of adversity, but events force them to part to achieve their individual career goals and help the people and animals who depend on them.

New challenges for both Abby and Jack and finally we discover the answers to the secrets of Swallowtail house. The romance in this part of the story is sublime.

I will miss the characters of Meadowsweet, especially the adorable Raffle. The bird and butterfly life featured at the beginning of each chapter makes this story unique, adding depth to the authentic romantic tale.

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

Abby Field lives and works at a nature reserve in Suffolk called Meadowsweet - she's full of passion for her work, and holds it so dear to her heart. However, it's under treat and Abby's job is to bring even more visitors there to save it from closing.
Jack moves to Meadowsweet looking for peace to write his new book and - shortly - to hide from a scandal that happened in London. his and Abby's first encounter is not too promising, moreover, Jack's letters get her in troubles with her boss, Penelope Hardings.
And apropos Penelope - there is this mystery surrounding her beautiful Georgian house that's now left empty for many years and is becoming lost to nature.

I loved Abby's passion and devotion and sometimes I really couldn't understand why her boss Penelope is so unfair towards her - she really devoted a lot of her time to bring life, customers and money to the reserve and in my eyes it was just not spoken for for Penelope to treat her like that. I think she should be happy that Abby didn't pack and go - but she loved this place too much to do such a thing. Neither she, nor her co - workers wouldn't go down without a fight and I loved this spirit in them all. Nothing was impossible for them and I loved the ideas of events and walks that they organized.
All the characters worked together brilliantly, they just felt great in each other company, and even Jack turned out to be not so bad, no? I won't say more, as I don't want to spoil the reading for you, but let me just tell you, Jack, mmmm *swooning* - it was great how well Cressida tackled the whole Jack business. The characters were all enthusiastic and full of life. They were not flawless, they made mistakes but they also could admit when they were wrong, which is always a great thing and make the characters so much more true to life. The banter between them was so natural and easy and of course, as always when we dealwith such a small close - knit community, they knew everything about each other and yes, it was guaranteed they're going to see you in the morning in your last - night clothes.

The only thing that bothered me a little was the fact that sometimes I had a feeling this story is not going to end. I mean, I love Cressida's writing and the way she so brilliantly brings her characters and stories to life but there were moments that slowed the reading down too much. The characters were going on and on about their feelings, examined all the pros and cons, repeating themselves. I know this book was previously published as a four - parts series and probably it was needed but as a full - length novel it was just way too long and sidetracked me from the main plot.

I loved the setting in this book, it was so unusual! I've never before read a book set at the nature reserve, full of unusual sorts of birds, bugs and butterflies. Cressida McLaughlin brings her setting and vivid descriptions to life so effortlessly and I loved all the descriptions, the views, the ideas that were supposed to help to save the reserve. And I loved Abby's characterisations of birds at the beginning of each chapter! They made me curious and intrigued and I would love to see all those birds after reading Abby's short notes

Altogether, "The House of Birds and Butterflies" was a sweet, cosy and heart - warming novel with enough dramatic to keep me on my tenterhooks. Yes, you could see where it is heading but there were enough twists and bumps on the way to make the outcome not so obvious and predictable. It was a lovely, charming story with unusual, gorgeous setting, also bringing the importance of nature and preserving it, showing how easy it is to appreciate and enjoy it. The end seemed a little too rushed for me, especially the subplot with Penelope but I could live with it, and there were enough twists and turns throughout the whole story. The mix between the wellies and walks through the woods and the glamorous life and lights of London showed and confirmed that I am the wellies - kind.
I've read all but one Cressida McLaughlin's books and her stories and writing get only better and better. She can create the most wonderful, unforgettable and human characters, and not only those on two legs but she also has a heart for and understanding of animals, which she proved a few times already. Her settings are original and unusual and when I read her book I don't have a feeling that "I've been there, I've seen it" - they're like a breath of fresh air, and it was the same with this newest offering. Highly recommended!

The cover really brought me to this book along with the author as love her books. It's such a warm read and full of romance and heartbreak and has you hooked from the beginning and you don't want to put it down. You feel as if you are there in the beautiful countryside with all the birds. Can people move forward and be happy or not.
Abby lives and works at meadowsweet nature reserve in Suffolk and loves it she's always been touched by meadowsweet house and she just loves looking at it every day. Meadowsweet is under treat and Abby needs to pull visitors in to save it but can she do this in time. Jack moves into meadowsweet to get some peace to write his new series and get away from the public but Abby can't help but being pulled to him as he's handsome so is her mind taken off saving meadowsweet. Jack and Abby get close and he brings trouble to her door but can they work through that and they both fall in love with meadowsweet house and when trouble comes to jack and he has to go back to London can she forget him or not but can he forget her or is the pull of the meadowsweet house which they name house of birds and butterflies but can they work through the issues move forward and be happy or not.
Great read and so warm highly recommend it.

At long last with the conclusion of The House of Birds and Butterflies series - Birds of a Feather - all the questions that had been bubbling away in my mind will be provided with an answer. All the little hints and teasers that have been dropped throughout the first three parts of this series will have their resolutions and conclusions. But that's not to say everything will be smooth sailing for Abby Field. There are plenty of bumps in the road to navigate before Abby has any chance of finding long term happiness.

The most obvious of all being how can Meadowsweet Nature Reserve be saved before such a beautiful and special place will be lost forever? One thing is for sure Abby has devoted too much time, care and attention to see everything slip through her fingers with no hope of clawing things back. She and her fellow co-workers and friends are not going down without a fight and the same can be said for the feelings she has for thriller writer Jack Westcoat. Are these feelings reciprocated or is there just too much baggage and trauma standing in their way in order for Abby to find her happily ever after?

I have loved Abby right from the beginning of this series, she is passionate about her job as events manager at the reserve and at all times has proven to be hard working and loyal. No mater how many obstacles and difficulties are placed in her path she has always tried to make the best of a bad situation. She seeks solutions and just wants to make everyone happy particularly her boss Penelope. As things seem to be going from bad to worse for the reserve and the abandoned yet hauntingly beautiful Swallowtail House is in danger of having to be sold Abby has one last chance to come up with some new and exciting initiatives which might just prevent the reserve from closing. It's an awful lot of responsibility and pressure to fall on one person's shoulders but Abby has proven time and time again she has what it takes. With the help of her fellow co-workers the idea of a Summer Spectacular is launched and plans begin in earnest. Will it be a spectacular that will attract the crowds? Will all the brilliant smaller ideas Abby has combine to make the event a success? Will the long term future of the reserve be secured? Or is all too much too late?

I loved how the camaraderie, friendship and community spirit shone through as everyone worked towards one common goal. Their enthusiasm was there in spades as they were all inspired by Abby. She wanted to continue to excite and press upon people how unique the reserve was and that nature was all around them and should be appreciated and enjoyed. I loved the twists and turns that developed as we neared the end of the story. Some were surprising to say the least, although I would have loved a little bit more development of one as it seemed so much mystery had surrounded it I was under the impression that there was going to be one huge shocking reveal. Although there was a reveal of sorts I just still have that small niggling feeling that maybe more could have been done with regard to this aspect of the story.

Part three Twilight Song ended on a cliffhanger and as we returned to Abby and Jack, I was so glad that he was finally opening up with regard to his past and the predicament he finds himself in with his career in the present. Finally things were becoming much more clearer, that said when he had explained everything I was still in two minds. I really thought despite you giving your all to a friendship and making sacrifices that are more or less career damaging you kept going back for more. For Jack there was a danger that too much carnage had ensued and it was getting too late to get the truth out in the open once and for all or else he could kiss goodbye to any more of his books rocketing up the best sellers list. I loved how Abby stood by Jack and accepted what he said at face value, slowly she was starting to listen to her heart. I loved when it was mentioned that you are at Cupid's mercy, you can't help who you fall in love with and when it hits it is beyond your control. The only problem was there were so many external factors getting in the way that I began to doubt could Abby and Jack take the plunge once and for all?

Birds of a Feather was the perfect conclusion to what has been a thoroughly enjoyable series. Cressida McLaughlin goes from strength to strength with each book. She has that knack of creating characters that you warm to very easily and you always what the best possible outcome for them. Add in brilliant settings that you can picture so clearly in your mind and a cast of supporting characters both human and animal and it all makes the perfect recipe for a great book. Plus I can't fail to mention what beautiful covers this series and really all her books have had. They are bright, colourful and attractive and only support what wonderful writing and stories await you between the covers. Cressida's books provide comfort, joy and escape and The House of Birds and Butterflies has been no different.