Cover Image: Poppy's Recipe for Life

Poppy's Recipe for Life

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Member Reviews

It is another trip back to Nightingale Square where the residents share a community garden and their lives. New residents have joined since the first book but it is a book you can read as a stand alone as every character and their connections are fully explained.

It is told from the point of view of Polly who is a new resident and her grumpy neighbour and her moody younger brother, her friends Lou and Colin, her other neighbours and of course the garden.

Thought provoking as it challenges how we all judge people without thinking but shows there is someone for everyone if we are prepared to take a risk

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Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I have liked everything this authoress has written, she makes me smile and feel good. I read this from start to finish and thoroughly loved it.

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It’s always the best feeling in the world when Heidi Swain’s new novel comes out and you won’t be disappointed with Poppy’s Recipe For Life.

This beautifully written story was warm, romantic and fantastic, I loved every moment of it and I know whoever reads it, will to.

Here’s a little about the story.

Finally Poppy’s dreams are about to come true after anything but a straight forward life. She’s moving into a cottage in the beautiful Nightingale square, next to the community garden, where Poppy can indulge in her passion for making preserves and pickles. She doesn’t have the best of relationships with her family however, she is surrounded by her loving friends of Nightingale square, even her grumpy neighbour, Jacob can’t dampen her spirits.
 
But when the unexpected happens, Poppy’s troubled younger brother turns up and soon threatens her new found happiness, and as the garden team prepare to win the community space of the year award, Poppy has to decide where her priorities lie and what she’s prepared to fight for..

Just wonderful, creative and fun. A lovely heart warming story that will warm even the coldest of hearts, beautifully written as always and full of action packed entertainment. 5 out of 5. Well done Heidi.

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Wow where to start? Another amazing heartwarming story about the residents of Nightingale Square. Every book of Heidi’s that I read makes me want to move to the location, whether it be Wynbridge or Nightingale Square. I always feel like I get to know the characters and I’m among friends and when I’ve finished I feel like I’m saying see you later until the next book is published. This latest book didn’t disappoint. I loved getting to know the residents more and meeting Poppy and what her story was about and there were a couple of twists and turns that left me guessing. I even feel like I need to take up gardening. Thank you Heidi for another amazing story. I can’t wait for the next.

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I have been eagerly awaiting this book - it was one of those where I knew I would enjoy it before I started, because Heidi never lets me down!

I read "Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square" just before this as I understood it was based in the same setting and Heidi is a genius for including characters, even just in passing, throughout her novels so I did not want to feel I was missing out not knowing anyone. With that said, you could easily read this novel as a standalone but if you haven't read the former, why deny yourself more of Heidi's exquisite story-telling?!

Set approximately a year after "Sunshine and Sweet Peas...", I was pleased that a large part if this story revolved around the other residents and the community garden (Grow-Well) they shared that I fell in love with in the last book. There was an even deeper sense of friendship amongst the group and I adored how they gathered in the newcomers liking clucking hens, unwilling to take no for an answer to share their experiences and joy.

The main story here revolved around Poppy and Jacob - both new to Nightingale Square although Poppy was indeed a character we've met previously, working in the greengrocers. She uses all the produce grown on their shared allotment to make all kinds of yummy sounding foods, it was quite refreshing to read about savoury items for a change to baked goods especially because it is literal garden to plate stuff. As the title alludes, there is more to this cooking and her recipes but I'll save that for you to find out - suffice to say it was a brilliant idea!

Poppy works with the other residents in trying to coax Jacob into joining in with the community garden, however he has deep reservations about this and clearly has some trust issues. You get the impression he is hiding from something but Poppy takes a calm and measured approach to helping Jacob come out his shell. It wasn't hard to envisage what had caused this lack of trust from Jacob but it was endearing to see him open up eventually to Poppy.

Jacob also helps Poppy; she has a younger brother (Ryan who is 16) who has been left home alone by their mum and so she offers for him to stay with her especially as she thinks he is going off the rails. This aspect of the storyline was fabulous as Poppy tries to build a sibling relationship with Ryan and calm his supposedly 'boisterous' ways by teaching him independence skills and also trying to get him involved in the Grow-Well garden. Jacob steps in to help with this although I found Ryan helped himself in this regard really, when we are first introduced to him he is helping an elderly lady off the train and so I understood from the get-go he was kind-hearted, he was a welcome inclusion.

Yet another captivating story from Heidi, I have honestly run out of superlatives for her work now and simply can't wait to be whisked away to her next setting!

My many thanks to Simon & Schuster via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

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I loved this book. Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this early, Spring now cannot come quick enough. I want to get in a garden like Grow Well and breathe...

The community feel in this book is tangible and love that the people in the town and especially the square, stuck together through thick and thin, And drew even closer when an almost stranger, Ryan, arrived on the scene.

The way that the author’s books are variations on a theme are great and love that places tie in together but are also stand-alone.

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I recieved this book via Netgalley and give it my honest review.
Oh my goodness what a book!!! I loved it!!! It was like a ray of sunshine wrapped up in a beautiful cover. Heidi Swain you have done it again! Nightingale Square is a beautiful place and I felt part of it from the start, the characters were a delight to meet, Poppy has her ups and downs but surrounded by her friends her story is full of laughter, romance and friendship. I well written and enjoyable read from start to finish.

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Poppy’s dream has always been to move into Nightingale Square, so when she is given the opportunity she jumps at the chance. Poppy is looking forward to becoming part of the Square’s community and being able to use the communal gardens. However, when her teenage brother Ryan comes to stay, Poppy finds herself slightly overwhelmed. Will Ryan’s arrival put a spanner in the works?

Jacob has also moved into Nightingale Square, he is quiet, moody and has no interest in becoming part of the community. Poppy takes it upon herself to bring him out of his shell and get him to make friends with the other residents.

Poppy’s Recipe for Life is a lighthearted fun book. It was interesting to see the way Poppy and Ryan’s relationship developed. It was also good to catch up with the residents of Nightingale Square. A lovely entertaining read.

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Absolutely loved it. Such a feel good book to sit back and relax with. Such a wonderful sorry line, a book you can’t put down. Was disappointed to get to the end.

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Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
Another fabulous book by Heidi was great being back in nightingale square this time with a different slant on it Poppys brother was the main topic an excellent read can highly recommend

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A Blooming smashing read!

Heidi has knocked it out of the "garden" again!

Poppy the main character is so lovely you just want to give her a big hug, she is such a relatable and down to earth girl you can't help but love her.
Jacob on the other hand is a bit more of a slow burner, building your confidence in him with each passing chapter.

Poppy's Recipe for Life is a smashing, ideological wish for how small town life should be. With everyone knowing everyone's business and supporting each other through good times and bad!

Can't wait to return to Nightingale Square to see what happens next!

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Lucky enough to be given an early copy of Heidis latest book, and I am very greatfuk, Thankyou so much!
The story links in to previous books by Heidi, but can be read on it’s out without reading the others first,
Lovely book!!!

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Poppy’s life has been far from straightforward, but finally things are on the up! She is about to become the newest addition to Nightingale Square and have unlimited access to their wonderful community garden.

Poppy is so happy with her new surroundings that even her moody next-door neighbour can’t dampen her spirits, and what’s more she is convinced she can bring him around.

When Poppy’s younger brother, Ryan, unexpectedly needs her help his arrival brings mixed emotions and a little bit of trouble to the Square.

Can Poppy find a way to make everyone happy, as well as herself?

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times…Heidi Swain is fabulous!

This author manages to tick every box; lovable and relatable characters, idyllic settings and heaps of rom and com. But more importantly then all of that, for me, is the sense of community she creates. No matter whether it be Nightingale Square or Wynbridge, each time I pick up one of Swain’s books I want to climb in and immerse myself in the splendid scenery and be a part of the colourful and quirky cast.

This new book, due out in May, doesn’t disappoint, so pick it up, read it far too quickly, enjoy it and eagerly await the next one!

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This is the kind of heart-warming, predictable but comforting tale that I've come to expect and love from Heidi! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one and the storyline, characters and setting easily make it a 4* read for me. The tranquil setting and beautiful garden made me wish for summer evenings where I can read and relax outside! I think I would have benefited from reading some of Heidi's previous books (especially in regards to some character relations), but it works nicely as a standalone novel. I loved the messages that were woven into this tale - such as supporting independent local shops and the importance of siblings and the local community. These are resonate strongly with me!
Overall, it was a very enjoyable and easy read - I'd highly recommend picking up a copy when it comes out in May! Especially if you're looking for something heartwarming and sweet. The love story was classic, sweet and predictable, but I think I would have been upset if it wasn't! I definitely preferred the family and community story though - it has all the summery vibes of enjoying time in a lovely garden.

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Wow, what can I say about this lovely book? Thoroughly enjoyed every word! I feel like the new characters of Nightingale Square are family. I couldn’t put it down. Another fabulous book from #Heidi Swain, #Poppy’s Recipe for Life, I’m so sad I’ve finished it! I want to live in Nightingale Square! A must read for anyone who needs to escape to a wonderful place, filled with loveable characters. Brilliant! #Netgalley

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Poppy’s recipe for life - Heidi swain. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Once again I am left lost for words! Heidi’s books have always had a special place in my heart and always seem to come out at a time when I need a bit of a pick me up. Heidi’s writing style is perfect and really draws a picture of where they are set and leaves you feeling like you are in the story, the perfect escape from reality and now I really want to visit nightingale square and the grow - well gardens. I really enjoyed following Poppy’s story as she moved into nightingale square, which was not an easy journey for her, I really loved her character, with whatever life threw at her she would always try and find a way to make it work even if that meant putting others before her self. This book was full of highs, lows, love , anger, heartbreak and happy endings! 🌻This book is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day and a Perfect summery read ☀️. AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW!! OUT MAY 2019

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Another brilliant read, keeping you guessing the whole time and wondering what is going to happen, when you think things can’t get any better they do. It’s great how the other places visited in the other stories mange to be visited within the book.
Really looking forward to visiting nightingale square again in the future to see what happens to poppy and Ryan

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I had a jolly good time in Nightingale Square with Poppy and her friends.

There was enough drama paired with some great friendships to make this a pleasurable read.

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It’s fabulous returning to Nightingale Square with its heart-warming quirky residents. This time we are treated to newcomer Poppy’s story and learn how she adapts to living in the Square and its close knit community. There is no doubt that her passion and commitment to the communal garden is dominant as is her determination to get everyone involved, even those who have no interest at all!

When her teenage brother Ryan turns up out of the blue Poppy not only has to be his sister but also set ground rules along with building his confidence, as it has taken a dent due to their unreliable Mother. A new love interest in the form of her neighbour Jacob has to take a back seat as Poppy and Ryan settle and bond together.

I always enjoy Heidi Swain’s books as I know I am in for a lovely, cosy read with likeable characters.

My thanks to NetGalley for the digital copy in return for my own review of Poppy’s Receipe For Life.

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As if I wasn’t already excited about being part of the cover reveal for ‘Poppy’s Recipe for Life’ it was then added to Netgalley and I was one of the very lucky people to read this beautifully written story.

We meet Poppy and at the beginning it is unclear of her intentions to move her life to the lovely Nightingale Square. She is given an opportunity to move there again and grabs it with both hands. I absolutely loved how Poppy was so eager to move to Nightingale Square to be part of such a special community.

This isn’t our first visit to Nightingale Square however what makes Heidi’s books so great is that they can all be read as stand alone novels. It was refreshing to see Poppy and Jacob’s friendship develop throughout the story, put it this way he was more so called Mr Grumpy at the beginning of the story! I wasn’t expecting Poppy to have to not only deal with moving into Nightingale Square but for her younger brother Ryan to end up living with her. I will let you find out how these particular events unfolded. I love how Heidi packs so much drama into her stories you just don’t know what’s going to happen or how the story will finish. I was engrossed in this amazing story from the first page till the last and finished it in a few days! 😊

All of the characters in this story had their own unique personality however my favourite has to be Poppy. She is caring, hard working and determined to help the Nightingale Square community to the best of her abilities. To me ‘Poppy’s Recipe for Life’ screamed community, friendship, family and love.

I am such a huge fan of Heidi’s writing and I know I will never be disappointed by her imaginative beautifully written stories. I give ‘Poppy’s Recipe for Life’ a 5*/5* ❤️

Thank you to Simon & Schuster UK Fiction and Heidi Swain for an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley.

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