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Member Reviews

Everyone knows families and relationships can be challenging, the secret is how you over come the challenges..
Heidi Swain's latest novel teaches us not to make assumptions and not to automatically see the worst in people.
Another fantastic book by Heidi Swain!

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I received this book via NetGalley for a honest review.
This is my first non Christmas book by Heidi Swain and I can happily say that I throughly enjoyed it!
My first visit to Nightingale Square definitely brought some much needed sunshine into my day.
As always plenty of fabulous characters, mixed in with some twists and turns along the way.
I particularly liked seeing how Poppy’s brother Ryan settled in with his sister within this close knit community.
A real feel good book that was such a pleasure to read. I’m coming back to visit Nightingale Square again soon for more warm, happy reading from Heidi.

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I am a big fan of Heidi Swain’s novels and this new one did not disappoint. A really charming easy read. It’s the type of book that’s perfect for a lazy bank holiday weekend or a beach read. Yes, the storyline is a tad predictable - you know who will end up with who - but that’s part of its charm. It’s more about finding out how the characters are going to get to their happy ever after than wondering if they will. If you like womens fiction, Heidi Swain is an author you need in your life.

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Back to Nightingale Square and another novel that’s beautifully written and perfect for a summer’s day. The characters feel like old friends at times, testament to Heidi’s lovely writing style.

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The latest in the series set in this square, this is the story of Poppy and Jacob.

Both of them have issues with their respective families but deal with it in different ways; Poppy by helping everyone out and having lots of friends, and Jacob by shutting everyone out - until he meets Poppy.

I don't think it matters if you haven't read the other books in the series but it is nice to have the context.

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Another 5 star plus story from the wonderful Heidi Swain. Such strong, believable and lovable characters you can relate to. Family relationships are the forefront of this story, and family can be defined as a group of people with whom you mostly get on with, Heidi explores what happens when not all families grow up nurtured and respected. Poppy has a half brother and a mother that clearly is not of the maternal kind. We are back in Nightingale Square and of course once you move into this community things can only get better! Throw in a grumpy good looking neighbour, work colleagues who don’t tell each other how they really feel, a community garden and what have you got? Another bestseller that’s what.

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Book 26 of
Poppy is a kind and somewhat overly enthusiastic member of her local community. Jacob is the mysterious and grumpy next door neighbour. However, when their worlds collide and Jacob realised nobody will take no for an answer will the wall finally crumble? Poppy’s Recipe for Life sees Poppy attempting to fix numerous damaged souls and her brother is no exception when he arrives back on the scene. Another heartwarming read from @heidi_swain ❤️

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I was so incredibly lucky to receive an advanced copy of this book to read. As a huge fan of Heidi Swain, i always know i am in for a treat when i start to read her latest story. This one was an absolute pleasure and delight. We revisit
Nightingale Square to catch up with Poppy. (There is a book that was set here previously and if you haven't already, i would recommend reading it, but this new one can be read as a stand alone.) The setting of the book is so idyllic, full of wonderful warm people, community spirit and friendships. From page one, i was pulled into the story. Wonderfully written, totally engrossing and an absolute must read.

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Poppy's dream is finally coming true - she's moving into Nightingale Square. She's keen to get involved with the community garden and share her passion for preserves. Poppy is soon surrounded by friends and is determined to break the cool, grumpy exterior of her new neighbour Jacob.
The surprise arrival of Ryan, Poppy's teenage brother threatens to ruin her happy existence on Nightingale Square and, as the community gears up to win a local competition, Poppy has to decide what her priority has to be.
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I am a huge fan of Heidi Swain books. They are all so wonderfully cosy and charming, you can't help but be swept along into a world full of community, friendship, care and cake (or in this instance pickles!) I've been looking forward to Poppy's Recipe for Life as it was a welcome return to Nightingale Square. Don't worry if you haven't read anything of Heidi's before as they are all gorgeous standalones; they just include characters and places you will know and love if you have.
Poppy is a bright, confident and happy young woman. I like her a lot, she works hard and is passionate about what makes her tick, you see she hasn't a great relationship with her family but she is surrounded by wonderful friends. She sacrifices a lot for her brother, her friends and the local community - putting others needs in front of her own most of the time. I loved that in her but at the same time was just willing her to do what was good for her too - nobody needs to be completely selfless all of the time. I also admired her tenacity in trying to break down the gruff exterior of Jacob.
Jacob was clearly destined to be part of the community - no matter how much he resisted; and he certainly gave that his best shot. I found him to be quite rude although it soon became clear if anyone could make him change it would be Poppy. She seems to have a way about her. A turnaround in attitude was actually quite fast, but I'm not complaining as I enjoyed the chemistry between him and Poppy.
Ryan is your typical teenager. Sullen, moody and after years of suffering, is not really interested in much. I loved seeing how his character developed but also how Ryan helped Poppy. A great relationship and definitely the most important within the whole book I'd say.
A whole host of fun and quirky characters await you in this book, all lovely in their own way and bringing different elements to the story. It's an eclectic bunch of residents in Nightingale Square.
Heidi writes with such care for her characters and settings. You see them as friends, and Poppy is now amongst them. A firm favourite for her positive outlook on life. I love Heidi's feel good style of writing and I often wish I could live in these fictional places.
This book is pure romantic comfort. I read it in a few hours - I didn't want to put it down and yet I wanted to make it last as long as I could. Perfect to read on the beach, by the pool or snuggled up on the sofa with a cuppa and cake. I cannot recommend this book enough - a gorgeous, feel good treat.

Thank you to Netgalley, Simon and Schuster UK and the lovely Heidi Swain for the opportunity to read in exchange for a honest review.

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