This is the second book about nightingale square, Norwich and involves Poppy renting Kate’s house ( the main character in the first book)
All the peripheral characters in the first book appeared in the second bookLisa, Luke, the fabulous Heather as well as some newbies
Drawn together by the community garden Grow- Well the book also branches out into the town , to Colin’s bookshop, the greengrocers were Poppy works and Lou’s shop
The story revolves round Poppy and her grumpy neighbour Jacob and her efforts to involve him in the community garden. Add into the mix Poppy’s younger half brother Ryan (16) and the efforts by Poppy to build a relationship with him and give him some grown up values and you have an extremely interesting novel!
The characters are believable! The story line is strong with many different twists and turns. You have to keep reading! This is another fantastic book by Heidi Swain, this is a stand alone book but it is well worth reading the other book in the series”Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale square “ first to give you the insights into the residents stories and enhance the reading experience
Thank you to Netgalley, Simon and Schuster and Heidi Swain for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

I can't even tell you how much I loved this book. I started it one evening and got up early the following day, just so that I could finish it.

Poppy has a troubled family background. Her mother doesn't have a maternal bone in her body and Poppy has become distant from her younger brother Ryan. When she receives a phone call to say that her mother is going away to Spain, she feels she has to invite Ryan to stay with her in Nightingale Square.

Meanwhile, Poppy has recently met a handsome but very grumpy new neighbour. She sets out to welcome Jacob by introducing him to the community garden where residents gather to grow there own produce. At first, he refuses, but slowly he finds himself thoroughly integrated into the friendly, tight-knit community.

Poppy has a tough time getting to know Ryan but luckily teacher Jacob is eager to help to build bridges. When they finally sit down to talk a different relationship starts to develop between the siblings.

The sense of community in this book is enchanting but what stood out for me was the way that Heidi Swain portrays teenagers. I don't think young people are given a fair chance and she showed that there may be reasons behind irresponsible behaviour. With a little help and encouragement, troubled teens can bring an inspiring, fresh approach and I loved to see  Ryan's transition.

There is romance too, new relationships are slow burning and the type that turn out to last a lifetime. Break down in communications feature heavily here too and seem to be a feature of the book.

This is a perfect summer read, character driven with personalities you could meet in any village pub....honest, believable, funny and warm. It was an absolute pleasure from start to finish and I thank NetGalley for the chance to read and review Poppy's Recipe For Life.

I loved Poppy from the beginning and empathised with how her life must have been for her with a mother who is missing the maternal gene which also impacts on her relationship with her brother Ryan. In fact, I very quickly became emotionally attached with all the characters in this community. I suffered their setbacks alongside them and joined in with their happiness too. I wanted to be a part of this genuine community who looked out for each other and accepted each other for who they are. I must admit I was sad when the story ended.

Romance didn’t take centre stage for me. Yes there is attraction and conflict and secrets, but Poppy’s Recipe for Life is more about the relationships the characters have with each other and how newcomers are welcomed as well as how they work together when there’s conflict. I loved watching Poppy’s relationship develop with Ryan. It’s so easy to give teens a label especially when you take into account role models …

Poppy’s Recipe Life is a heart-warming story that will give you all the feels. The theme that came across to me is sacrifice. And how even though it may not feel right at the time, it does work out and you reap the rewards tenfold. A recommended read from me.

Poppy’s Recipe for Life is the second of Heidi Swain’s books to be set in Nightingale Square. We revisited characters from the previous book and met some new ones – there was a nice balance between the two. There were also some new settings in the book – one or two of which I wonder if we’ll see again in a future book? I’d love it if that were the case!

Not long after starting this book I was sure I had spotted a really obvious twist and I knew what was going to happen. However I kept reading and it turns out I was completely wrong – part of what I thought was going to happen did but not everything I expected and what I had seen coming was handled differently and turned out completely the opposite to what I thought was obvious. I should have known that a Heidi Swain book wouldn’t contain the boring and predictable!

Although I liked all of the characters, I really liked the character of Ryan, Poppy’s younger brother. He’s late teens and I don’t think I’ve read many books with a character like that so well handled.

As is always the case with a Heidi Swain book, Poppy’s Recipe for Life was really enjoyable and I’d recommend it for anyone who wants some escapist fun reading.

My Thoughts: this is the first time I’ve read a story by Heidi Swain and it was an absolute delight!

Poppy has plans to move into her dream home on Nightingale Square and nearly has everything packed when just one phone call from her mum derails everything. She has to give the money she’d saved up for the deposit to help with her brother.

In a surprising turn of events a couple of months later the landlord of the house she was supposed to move into tracks her down at work and tells her that the tenants she had in were a nightmare, they’ve left and she would love Poppy to move so she knows the house is being looked after.

With the house comes access to the community garden and poppy is looking forward to being able to use the spoils in her homemade chutneys and pickles.

She’s just starting to settle in when her 16 year old brother Ryan comes to stay with her and throws everything off completely, how do you look after a teenager when you’re used to living on your own?

This is a beautiful story about love, the romantic mind, the sibling kind and the friendship kind.

It shows what a community can achieve when they pull together and why you should never jump to conclusions and judge someone on their past actions.

Another complete hit from Heidi Swain! As usual, the book is beautifully written and draws you into the characters lives perfectly. I can't wait for her next book!

What shines brightly off the pages of this story is the overwhelming sense of community spirit. Nightingale Square is a beacon of hope and love for its residents, with a deep healing power that emits from each and every corner to improve the lives of all of its dwellers. The writing is warm and welcoming and the narrative pulled me into its embrace like an old friend....it certainly was a joy to behold.

Poppy is a dream of a character who is bursting to the brim with pure sunshine. Her outlook on life is something to be admired and she was the perfect creation to stand centre stage in this story. The remaining residents residing in the square were resplendent in all their eccentricities and it was an honour to spend time in their presence. Together they created a picture perfect performance in all its communal glory and it was a pure pleasure to witness the story play out on the pages before my eyes.

The narrative speaks of a small community coming together with a fierce and strong passion to grow and sustain lives in more ways than one. In working together to care and cultivate the community garden they succeed in strengthening and thriving the lives of all in the square. A strong bond bursts off the pages in an inspirational fashion to lift this story up to a level that is both special and unforgettable.

Poppy's Recipe for Life does exactly what it says on the tin.....it's a successful set of instructions on how to strive to live your best life. I loved each and every moment of my time spent in Nightingale Square and I hope that I will get to return to this gorgeous pocket of the world in the near future.

Poppy dreams of living in Nightingale Square and becoming part of the community garden there while cooking up chutneys in the kitchen. Finally Poppy has the chance to rent a house in the square but things start to get complicated, firstly with her grumpy next door neighbour and then her brother moving in with her.

A delightful heartfelt book that will have you laughing and crying as you follow the ups and downs of Poppy and the residents of Nightingale Square.

Great book for easy reading great characters who you can relate to. My only thing was I didn’t read the first book I hadn’t realised
There had been a first book and I like to read book in order. But I think it should be still ok to read the first one same as these characters where added on from first book

This is the first Heidi Swain book I have read, but it certainly will not be my last. A great story, full of community spirit, great characters, which made me want to read on. I loved Poppy and Jacob, both such strong characters, and the rest of the characters complimented them greatly. A real page-turner, I will definitely be looking for more of her books.

Oh she's a good egg this one, isn't she? Heidi Swain has delivered yet again. Never mind Poppy creating recipe cards, I think this author needs to create her own recipe cards so we all know how she does it!

I have been a huge fan of Heidi Swain's novels from the very beginning, and I can honestly say that with each new book she releases, the standard just gets higher and higher. She truly does not disappoint at all.

We are back in Nightingale Square, but this time with a new resident called Poppy. She was afraid that she wouldn't be able to move into her dream home due to her mothers selfishness. However, Poppy had her own little guardian angel who helped make her dream come true and she swiftly became the new name on the garden's rota.

Unfortunately for Poppy, her happiness was short lived. Families eh, who'd have them? I won't delve into the why's and wherefores, but let's just say that the phrase 'you can't pick your family...' is very apt in this book, that's for sure.

'Poppy's Recipe For Life' had me changing emotions like the weather. One minute I was feeling all tender and warm due to the community spirit, and then the next I was angry because of stupid choices which had a domino effect on the rest of the community. I just wanted to knock some of the characters heads together and tell them to stop being so stupid, and no, I don't mean Poppy and Mr Grizzle.....!!!!

This is such an uplifting, cosy novel which took me under its wing from the get go. In no time at all I was able to lose myself in Poppy's life, watch the community in Nightingale Square go from strength to strength, and be a part of several characters journeys to self discovery. I never knew that a garden could have so many magical powers, yet this particular garden went above and beyond with the magic, and so did the people involved. I have never read a story which enveloped me in such love and joy, all because of a garden, as 'Poppy's Recipe For Life' did.

Heidi Swain really knows how to make her characters come alive in a way that will have her readers hanging onto her every word, wishing that the story wouldn't come to an end. Another story which has been written from the authors heart, straight into the hearts of the readers in the way that only Heidi Swain can. A tender, uplifting, and huggable novel with humour that will make you add 'snorting like a pig' to your list of party tricks on Tinder.

Poppy is finally getting to live in the idyllic village of her dreams Nightingale Square, joining their community garden and pursuing her passion of chutney making out of home grown produce. But will her new found happiness be shattered by her next door neighbour who's demeanour closely resembles that of a grizzle bear or her troubled teenage brother who turns up to live with her?

I absolutely loved this novel, it's the perfect heartwarming summery read! With a sprinkle of trouble and strife along the way... After all life never is plain sailing is it? Swain's characters all have depth and their own unique personalities, their own stories you would love to know more of. This novel is the perfect escapism the fictional world and community created here is one you are instantly transported to and wish you could be part of! If you are a fan of Milly Johnson you'll love this.

You certainly don't need to have read the other books in Nightingale Square series to enjoy this one (but you would be doing yourself a disservice!). I for one can't wait for the next one!!

Thanks to Simon & Schuster UK & Netgalley for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

Poppy is new to Nightingale Square, though I have a feeling that she’s not new to the residents of the Square, that all of them know and love her. Jacob is also new, but he’d rather keep himself to himself. Poppy works at the local greengrocers and creates all kinds of yummy sounding food. When her teenage brother Ryan suddenly appears in her life as a “full – time job”, Jacob offers to help Poppy to take a calm and measured approach in helping him coming out of his shell. Poppy takes this offer, as she was desperate to coax Jacob into joining in with the community garden.

“Poppy’s Recipe for Life” was not my first book by Heidi Swain but my first journey to Nightingale Square (yep. Apologies. From the bottom of my reading sofa. I have the other book but haven’t read it yet, must have been living under the rock) and as much as I had a feeling that the characters know each other really, really well, that they share a history and background, I didn’t feel left out, as if I was missing on something, so this is already a bonus point for the author and the book, to make it so inviting and drawing me straight into the heart of the story. Have I just written the longest sentence ever?

At the beginning the book reads just like your normal book, it was a nice story but on the average level, but then there came a moment, and I’m not even sure when it has happened, that the story started to feel totally different, more eventful and somehow I found myself not being able to put it down. Poppy was such a lovely character, caring and hard working and she always wanted all the kindness in the world for other people – but it didn’t make her feel too meh, no she was determined and passionate and she never gave up. Which could also be annoying but that was the way she was, so take it or leave it. The other characters, the inhabitants of Nightingale Square, were all so friendly and welcoming and no, it also didn’t make them feel too weak, they all had their own personality and distinctive voice. They supported each other and welcomed all new people with open hands, even the troubled Ryan, they understood the reason he was like this and it was so great to see them all help him to come out of his shell.

It was a lovely, heart – warming story about families, relationships, community spirit, friendship, trust and forgiveness. And gardening – don’t forget the gardening. But no worries guys if you, just like yours truly, don’t have green thumbs (I can kill every single plant in the world. Except for my orchids. No idea how I’m doing THIS), the gardening in this book is important but not too overpowering and overwhelming. And, to be honest, I’ve always admired those who can plant something and enjoy the results. Admired and envied. So altogether, “Poppy’s Recipe for Life” was a charming, lovely and cosy read with this so difficult to grasp feel – good factor. It was a tad predictable, yes, but it didn’t bother me too much, as it was full of other benefits and quirky characters, and the author has given a brilliant insight into their lives, really bringing them all to life, and the sense of community and the friendship were simply great. Recommended!

Another summer smash from the always-brilliant Heidi Swain! Her books never fail to make me smile, laugh, shed a tear and want to start from page 1 again as soon as I’ve finished reading.

Returning to Nightingale Square for more fun with the community garden, this time the focus is on newcomer Poppy. She moves into her dream home, looking forward to making use of the home grown goodies in the garden for her chutneys and pickles.

Her new neighbour-nicknamed Mr Grumpy, but actually called Jacob-isn’t keen on gardening. Or socialising. Or people. Poppy is determined to get him to relax, open up and start enjoying life. She shoehorns her way into his life, and eventually his heart, with her kindness and caring nature.

Of course, things never go smoothly in life for anyone. Poppy takes her in brother, Ryan, after their selfish mother disappears off to Spain. He’s struggling at college and Poppy wants to keep an eye on him.

Although I’m not green fingered in the slightest, I enjoy reading about the Grow-Well community garden and how all the neighbours contribute to growing the fruit, veg and flowers there. There’s something very charming and quaint about it. People from all ages helping to create something for the community.

Finally, I was pleasantly shocked when I reached the acknowledgements at the end and found that I’m mentioned in them! No pressure to continue to bake flapjacks and brownies, then…

I am now a huge fan of Heidi Swain! I was so excited to read this book and it turned out to be such a warm and lovely read. It had everything I want from a good romance novel. A great setting, a fabulous supporting cast of characters and a loveable main character was a winning formula for me.

I've had one of Heidi Swain's Christmas novels on my e-reader for a while (Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair.) I Will be recommending Poppy's Recipe for Life to all my friends for their holiday reads this summer!

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my own request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

Oh my goodness.. Just when you think you have read Heidi's best book yet she brings out another fantastic book! From the minute I was introduced to Poppy I knew she would be a brilliant loveable character. She is so kind and caring and has a big heart. I really enjoyed reading her story.
It was so good to revisit Nightingale Square because it sounds like such a beautiful place to live, where the residents are so friendly.
This really is an amazing read, perfect for the Summer, with delicious recipes that are sure to make your mouth water and get you baking with all your fresh produce straight from your very own garden.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Another wonderful read from Heidi Swain. She always writes relatable characters who I wish I knew in real life. The characters are well developed and are just so down-to-earth. This story takes us back to the community garden and the residents of Nightingale Square. However, this could be read without having read ‘Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square’ as the story works equally well as a standalone.
I found myself hoping Poppy got her HEA from the beginning and I was firmly on her side. Her slowly improving relationship with her brother, Ryan, is handled well and I was relieved to see that it wasn’t going to be the case that everything is perfect immediately. There are several different relationship developments woven throughout the story and each is given enough time and attention to hold my interest without feeling that there is too much focus. I was intrigued by Jacob once it became apparent that there was more to him than simply being ‘Mr Grumpy’ and I really enjoyed seeing how he gradually came out of his shell and shared details of his past.
Heidi Swain writes the kind of books that I come back to time and time again because reading them feels like greeting old friends. I really hope that there will be another visit to Nightingale Square soon.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster for my copies of this book. I got a netgalley and a paperback copy of this book. I have read quite a few of Heidi's books and I love her writing style. I also loved the previous book set in Nightingale Square so I was very excited to go back.

In this book, we follow new resident Poppy as she finds her feet in the square so it would be easy to read this and not read Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square but if you can I would recommend reading it as its a beautiful book.

Poppy moves into the square and is extremely excited to join in with the community garden. Poppy works in the greengrocers and is a big lover of local produce. She decides to take in her younger brother after their mother abandons him. I really liked Poppy She has a big heart and really cares about the people in her life.

Poppy's brother Ryan added an interesting dynamic to the story. I wanted to give him a big hug and tell him he was worthy of so much more than he thought. He has been through some really difficult times that any adult would struggle with let alone a teenager.

Another new resident to the square is Jacob. Jacob is grumpy and reluctant to become involved with the other residents' of the square and the community garden. Jacob has a lot of baggage and has lot his trust of people. Once Jacob begins to open up it is very easy to fall for him.

There is a lovely slow burn relationship in this book but it's about so much more than just the build-up to their relationship. It's also about all the characters growing not just the main ones.

Heidi's easy writing and lovable characters make this such an enjoyable read. I could have spent many more hours in this community and I hope that Heidi writes another book set here. I would love to return.

This was a book about love; the love of a community, love of gardening, love of cooking, love of family and of course the obvious romance!
This was a fantastic read about a community coming together to create something amazing.
The story follows Poppy, who moves into her dream property on Nightingale Square, we are quickly introduced by moody Jacob who obviously has a secret or two. Poppy is then joined by her brother who’s not led the most conventional of childhoods and needs the love and care of others to blossom.
Loved this book and would love to see further stories to follow the lives of the character.

Another lovely read from Heidi Swain I always look forward to her books as you know it’s going to be a great read. Back to Nightingale Square with new resident Poppy. The residents and communal garden can really help heal all rifts especially if you don’t really want to get involved and keep yourself to yourself as another new resident Jacob finds out. Family and friends are there for Poppy and her troubled brother Ryan. A totally immersive read