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

I always love Heidi's novels and I just knew that this one would be no different. The cover is beautiful in every way and is so eye-catching I couldn't wait to read it! I love the bright colours, the little row of shops and the flowers surrounding the cover. It's just so pretty! I also loved that we'd be back in Nightingale Square once again - I adore the characters in these stories, everyone seems so friendly that I'd love to live somewhere with such a feel-good community feel!

When we first met Poppy, I really felt for her, it seemed like she had been through quite a bit and I was so intrigued as to why she didn't really get on that well with her mum. However, once I read a few of their conversations, I began to get a better gist as to why! I also felt quite sorry for Jacob, who seemed to be going through quite a lot too and wondered what his story will be. Everything was so interesting I just didn't want to put my Kindle down! I just loved hearing from Kate and Lisa again, and all the other lovely characters from the other novel set in Nightingale Square.

When Ryan came to live with Poppy for a few weeks, I thought there was going to be big trouble. I was pleasantly surprised when Jacob (who was always so moody and withdrawn in previous chapters) offered to help Poppy with Ryan and was hoping this is when Jacob starts coming out of his shell more and telling us a bit more about his background! The story really picks up once Ryan arrives, there's drama, tears and romance as well! I love, love, love the community feel of the whole novel and of course, Nightingale Square. The little events and parties they throw at the garden sound so delightful and so enjoyable!

Overall, I really loved this novel. It was summery, heartwarming and just really lovely. I love Heidi Swain's novels and this one was no different. I can't wait to read more by this author in future. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Returning to Nightingale Square, I was delighted to be reunited with the characters I met the first time round.  This book follows the story of Poppy, who works in the local greengrocers and has always wanted to live in the square.

Poppy moves into the home once occupied by Kate, who now lives in Prosperous Place with Luke, his daughter and their new baby daughter.  Poppy is looking forward to being a part of the square and helping in the community garden.  She isn’t the only newcomer to the square.  Jacob is her neighbour and is moody and reclusive.  He makes it very clear to Poppy that he has no interest in the garden.

Poppy has a very strained relationship with her Mum and isn’t surprised when she finds out that she’s off to Spain, leaving her brother Ryan to fend for himself.  Poppy invites Ryan to come and stay with her.  He eventually decides to take her up on her offer and moves into Poppy’s home in the square.

Yet again, Heidi has given a wonderful insight into the lives of these characters and you can’t help but feel like you’re there with them all, enjoying a bbq in the garden at Prosperous Place or sitting in Poppy’s garden with a glass of something cold.

I adored this book and didn’t want it to end.  I really hope we get another visit to Nightingale Square as it’d be lovely to see how the new relationships that were built in this book progress.

Thank you Heidi for writing yet another glorious book.  A definite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.  Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A really good read. I loved the idea of the community garden. This story is about friendship, family, community, and love. It was lovely to sit for a few hours and be totally caught up in Poppy’s world. 

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Oh my gosh loved this book . Love how the characters interacted with each onether. Glad everything was happy in the end. Heidi swains books are amazing can't wait to actually buy this in book form  5* all the way

Since I first discovered Heidi Swain’s books last year, I’ve been more than a little vocal about the fact that I would love to live in the world that she has created. It honestly is the most idyllic, community-friendly world, and I can’t think of anything nicer than living there. When Heidi Swain wrote ‘Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square’ last year, in a move away from Wynbridge and Wynthorpe Hall, I found myself loving yet another of her locations, a beautiful square with a community garden, a fresh location but equally as wonderful.

‘Poppy’s Recipe for Life’ sees a return to Nightingale Square, and although there are two new characters living in the square, who are the focus of this book, Poppy and her grumpy neighbour Jacob, they are joined by some familiar faces from Nightingale Square. The continuity between Heidi’s stories, always seeing the odd familiar face of a previous much-loved character strengthens the overriding feeling of community that exists in her stories, which I think probably makes me love her books even more. If you have never read one of her books, don’t let that put you off, because each of her books are standalones in their own right, in spite of recurring characters.

When Poppy moves into the square she does not anticipate that she will end up inviting her half brother Ryan to live with her temporarily, and the arrival of Ryan brings complications to Poppy’s life, as they navigate the fine line between a much older sibling acting like a parent, and simply being a sibling. Add to this the additional complication of her blossoming relationship with her grumpy neighbour, and you have the perfect balance of romance, friendship, trust and community, with a few jars of chutney thrown in too.

Heidi Swain is the queen of feel good stories, and this book is no exception. It left me craving warm summer sun, and a salad, with a really good homemade chutney on the side!

Many thanks to Simon & Schuster UK, and Netgalley for allowing me to read this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review. Poppy’s Recipe for Life will be published on 30 May 2019!