Cover Image: Clover Cottage

Clover Cottage

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Clover Cottage is the third book in the Love Heart Lane series. It could be read as a stand alone, but much of the backstories and dynamics of the regular characters would be missed.

This story focusses on Rory and Allie. Rory is a vet in his father’s practice but feels constrained and frustrated by what he sees as his father’s old fashioned ways and reluctance to improve the quite small space. Allie, an amateur photographer, works in her parents’ pub and loves her life in the village, surrounded by those she loves.

Invited to Rory’s parents’ house, Allie and Rory are in turns dismayed, angry and elated by the news that Rory’s house in the village is being rented out and they have been gifted Clover Cottage by Rory’s parents. Allie is elated thinking that, although it needed a lot of work, the cottage would be their happy ever after home, perfect for them and with room for a larger veterinary practice. Rory isn’t convinced. He feels angry, seeing forcing a home on him as another measure of control.

Lives are turned upside down yet again when handsome Netflix TV star Zach Hudson, along with his Labrador, arrive in the village to record his new series featuring the Scottish Highlands. Zach is staying in one of Isla’s vans on the farm and is soon accepted into the gang of six friends. His proposed next trip throws up a dilemma for Rory as Zach offers him the chance to do something he has always dreamed of.

Rory and Allie are realistic and relatable characters. The confusion about the direction of their relationship is understandable and showcases the pitfalls of not talking things through properly. But it did give Allie pause to think perhaps new experiences weren’t something to be wary of and wonder what she might achieve in the future.

As with the previous books, I love the writing, the wonderfully described setting and the colourful characters that inhabit the village of Heartcross. There are a couple of side stories, one revelation and another poignant one that will affect Rory’s family. To offset the more sensitive and serious issues are scenes that bring smiles and laughter—a dog show with a surprise entrant and a day filming at the vet surgery. And as always, the emphasis is on family, friendship, community and love. I enjoyed the story very much and the ending was perfect.

Was this review helpful?

This is book #3 in the Love Heart Lane series and we are back in the Scottish Highlands and in the little village of Heartcross. This book in the series focusses on the stories of village vet, Rory and his girlfriend, Allie. When Rory has to look for a new place to live, the opportunity for them to move into ramshackle Clover Cottage comes up. Allie has grand plans – renovation, marriage and a family – but when Rory is thrown into the limelight when TV star Zach Hudson visits the village, it makes him rethink his future. Does Allie, Clover Cottage and Heartcross feature in it at all?

I’ve loved this series so far, and this next instalment had me hooked from the very beginning. We’ve already met a lot of the characters from the previous two books, but even though it is a series, everything is well explained if you’re reading this book before the others! I remembered Rory and Allie from the other books but it was lovely for their stories to be made the main focus! Allie was a lovely character and I loved her enthusiasm for wanting to settle down and plan her future with Rory in the village that she’d lived in for so long. Rory initially did have a bit of selfish streak though and this created some struggles in their relationship. I had everything crossed that they managed to get their happy ever after, as deep down they were the perfect couple! The other characters from the village also had their bit-parts throughout and complemented the storyline well. They all made Heartcross a lovely village to live in!

The storyline flowed wonderfully and I was only a few pages in before I was hooked! There were plenty of light-hearted moments which raised a smile and some more tender moments which were heart-warming and emotional. The author keeps you guessing as to where Rory and Allie’s story is going, and I loved following them along their journey. It was filled with life, love and laughter, and Rory’s parents’ stories was particularly moving. Roll on book four (please tell me there will be one?) as I’d love to meet up with all the characters again! Would definitely recommend – fab, fab, fab!!

Was this review helpful?

Loved this book, it can be a standalone or read with the series. I read it as a standalone so didn't know the characters but everything soon fell into place. Very well written but it is what you expect from Christie Barlow. Plenty of ups and downs and it makes for a great read, things have a strange way of working out . Please read and enjoy this novel as much as I have done. This is a 5 star book and I recommend it to everyone.

Was this review helpful?

Clover Cottage is a cosy, heartwarming novel of love - in all its forms.

Allie Macdonald and Rory Scott are at a crossroads in their relationship, where homebody Allie would be content to settle down in Heartcross, but Rory has ambitions of volunteering his veterinary services in an animal sanctuary in Africa. A chance meeting with a visiting celebrity sees fame and further ambition descend on the couple. Meanwhile Rory's family are struggling with a heartbreaking secret, which, when known, causes the village to rally around them.

This was a nice, cosy book, good for holiday reading.

But did I really enjoy it? Not as much as I had hoped.

I was unaware that Clover Cottage was part of a series, and while it can be read as a standalone book, the slew of supporting characters appearing in the story without any reference to their relationship to the main characters became frustrating after a while. The main characters themselves didn't communicate well, leaving the reader feeling that one was spoiled and ungrateful and the other whiny and petulant. I felt towards the end there was too much going on: too many secrets appearing out of nowhere and storylines without resolution, and the 'villain' of the story barely got a mention.

But as stated, it was a nice, light, cosy read. There were fun moments, and heartwarming moments, and poignant moments too. I just felt these people needed to communicate more!

**I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and One More Chapter in exchange for an honest review**

Was this review helpful?

I was about 3 pages in when I started to recognize the writing style, and sure enough, I’d read another of this author’s titles a couple of years back, and have several of her titles in my TBR pile. Characters that are both compelling and engaging, a story that is full of hope and change, and a few little hiccups in the road to keep everyone on their toes. And Allie and Rory have the hiccups but it is the strength of their relationship, and the friends they both have in the little village of Heartcross. Allie is a ‘one place’ kind of girl, after her early childhood of moving frequently, landing in Heartcross where her parents own the pub was the best thing ever. Roots, friends, a place to belong – she’s dug in and never thought of more. Except when it comes to Rory. Friends since childhood, they’ve been dating for a while now, and Allie is ready to start the next chapter.

But an opportunity in the form of a famous actor and documentarian have come to stay in town, and he’s using the downtime to regroup before heading to Africa for a year to film a Lion Conservancy project among other things. When his dog is hit after the town’s festival, Rory jumps into take control, as the local vet with his father, he’s managed the dog’s care, setting her leg and finding notoriety and some new opportunities in being that close to the ‘famous’ spotlight. With a short ‘day in the life’ series made at the veterinary clinic, and opportunities to travel to Africa (a lifelong dream) the relationship with Allie is, in her mind, all gone pear shaped. Rory wants to travel and experience new things, Allie is much more the country mouse and wants to be home.

We’ve got plenty of friends all adding their two cents, some revelations for Rory from his own parents and a cottage that, as Allie sees it, is perfect for the two of them to move forward in their relationship. But everything is thrown to the winds as the two need to sort out the ‘what next’ and Allie comes to terms with Rory’s dream of Africa, and her own little bit of meddling to offer him an opportunity. There are friends, family and love galore in this little village: when all comes to climax, Allie has learned to take (and look forward to) new opportunities while remaining grounded in her own little village and plans for the future with Rory. A lovely story that will make you want to trek to Heartcross simply to take in the atmosphere and meet the people, looking to befriend everyone you meet.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aEI/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Was this review helpful?

Heartcross, the village you never want to leave! Why is that, I hear you say? Well, that's very simple. The community is great. No matter which generation you are part of, whenever someone is in need, the whole village joins hands to help out.

But they do not only look after their 'own'. Once you are accepted by the villagers, you become part of their 'family' and thus making you one of their 'own'.

The author has created a heartwarming story once again. This time the spotlight is more on Allie, Rory and their family, but we still connect with old acquintances and meet new kids on the block. Some are welcomed with open arms, some not so. :)

Not all is well, though. The author manages to pull your heartstrings in more than one way. 

The last few pages really brought tears to my eyes. It was so utterly beautiful! I can't wait to see what the future has in store.

Anyway, it's a book every fan of this genre should read. On second thoughts, strike that previous sentence and replace it by this one : Anyway it's a SERIES that every fan of this genre should read. :) 5 big, bright shiny stars.

Thank you, Christie Barlow and Rachel's Random Resources

Was this review helpful?

This book is part 3 in the Love Heart Lane series. It can easily be read as a standalone novel, but the previous books are lovely, so if you haven't read them yet then I would recommend that you do. I have read the previous books and I would say that this one is the best one so far. I was pleased to hear that there is going to be another book in the series later this year. I can't wait!
This book follows the relationship between Allie the barmaid and Rory the vet. Rory is unexpectedly gifted Clover Cottage by his parents. Ally thinks that it is a dream come true, but Rory has other ideas and plans.
It seemed to me that the romance was going to go in a completely different direction. I couldn't see how there could be a compromise. I was surprised, but pleased by the outcome.
There was plenty of romance in this book. It was also fun, especially the scenes with Zach and Stuart. There were sad, poignant moments too. It is a heartwarming read, and one that shows the importance of communication and compromise.
I absolutely adored this book, it was well written, and I couldn't put it down. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book, and finding out about the new characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Although Clover Cottage is part of a series, it easily stands on it's own. A charming, easy to read romance set in the village of Heartcross. Allie thinks the future is pretty well set, but Rory has a calling to follow a long held dream. Is it possible for love to bring their very different visions of the future together?

Was this review helpful?

Loved this book! Loved catching up with all the characters! Hope to see another book and seeing what happens next!

Was this review helpful?

This is a great read. It was lovely to dive back into Heartcross.

This book is the 3rd in the love heart lane series. I have read the previous 2 books.

Allie is the local barmaid, and Rory is the local vet. They have been in a relationship for about 18 months. Rory's parents offer Rory and Allie Clover Cottage, a delapidated and run down home that requires a complete refurbishment.

However the offer of the home does not go over well with Rory and their relationship starts to get very rocky.

I really enjoyed reading this, i really liked the back storys of Allie and Rory, and the new character of Zach who i hope comes back in the next book, which i hope the author writes, as i would love to see Zach settle in Heartcross.

Was this review helpful?

I just ADORE this series SO MUCH, the characters are absolute dreams and the plot always keeps me captivated enough to keep on reading with each new book.

I devoured this one in a short few hours - I'd even find myself walking down the street, kindle in hand - reading.

I particularly loved Rory and Allie, they're both fun loving characters, albeit with slightly mixed up methods of communicating which definitely left me frustrated on more than one occasion. However, this frustration only came from a place of keen anticipation to see how the story would unfold, and whether Rory and Allie would finally communicate the secrets they were so obviously keeping from each other.

This book can be read as a stand alone but I'd definitely recommend reading it from book one, just so you can fall in love with ALL characters, like I did. It'll definitely fill in a few gaps when other characters are mentioned too.

BRILLIANT SERIES - WHERE IS THE NEXT?

Was this review helpful?

So this is the third book in the Love Heart Lane series and, confession time, the first one I have read but, and this. is good news for readers, it is a book which can easily be read as a standalone. Yes - I would undoubtedly know more about the characters on the periphery of Rory and Allie's lives, but as for getting to know them in this books, I got a very clear picture of life in the village of Heartcross and fell instantly in love with all of them. Christie Barlow is one of those great authors who can pull you into a story without really trying and who creates characters you care about and this is no exception.

Clover Cottage sees Rory and Allie coming to somewhat of a crossroads in their relationship. While Allie sees her future mapped out really clearly, and Rory's mother seems to be a of a very similar opinion, Rory has started to question whether or not life in the family vet practice is enough for him. When his long held dream of spending time working in Africa has the chance of coming true, he has to decide what it more important - his. life with Allie and the chance to renovate the very dilapidated Clover Cottage, or pursuing his dreams before it is too late.

I think there are elements of this book that everyone can relate to. There aren't many people who wouldn't jump at the chance to realise their dreams, and in that respect I could very much identify with Rory and his turmoil between choosing Allie or Africa. The author has made it all feel very real, largely because Rory was so torn, so undecided. I never once doubted his strength of feelings for Allie, or her for him, but their inability to communicate, to really talk and to express their feelings, felt very true to life.

With certain scenes in this book, from the dog contest featuring a Pacapoo (baby Alpaca masquerading as a dog), to the days spent filming a day in the life of supervet Rory for a one off TV series where a confused Guinea Pig owner found out that the expected tumours were something altogether more natural, I spent as much time chuckling along as going aww at the romance. The dry humour of Rory's father Stuart really set the scenes off perfectly and the growing sense of frustration Rory felt towards him only served to feed. his determination to find something more. Funny yes, but poignant too as it turned out.

Rory and Allie are both great characters. Very down to earth, likeable and relatable, and it made reading about them a real pleasure. I could feel myself smiling when things were going well between them, laughing at the easy nature of their relationship and that which they shared with their friends, and wanting to bang their heads together when they failed to tell each other how they really felt. It felt as though you were there in the heart of the friendship with them, wanting to support and guide them through the tough parts, and wishing that all could come good in the end.

Alongside the fun, light and romantic moments, there is a kind of tragedy brewing. Not in the impending doom sense, just a little side story that will tug at the heartstrings and had me feeling a sense of emotion towards the difficulties some of the characters were going through. What happens, the changes that are brewing in Rory's home life, are quite stark, difficult but sensitively handled, and while I could see where this element of the story was leading, the fact that Rory and Allie's proximity to the problem made them blind to what was happening felt very realistic.

This a great story with brilliantly colourful characters who I loved, a kind of fun, humorous and romantic tale with a slight side order of emotion. Fans of the series are going to love it, and love the way it ends, and maybe find themselves shedding a few tears along the way. A fabulous read.

Was this review helpful?

Wondered if I was gong to enjoy a story where a loving couple go their separate ways for a few months because the husband wanted to do something different. I thought perhaps she may meet someone else and a totally different storyline would emerge. How wrong I was, a clever story of getting it right and understanding the needs of those around you.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this whole series - it was nice that the characters from previous books were still a large part of this story.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely love this book series. From the moment I first read about the wonderful Heartcross community I was hooked so it’s great to be back for another visit. A great chance to catch up with the familiar friends we have already read so much about.
This time we concentrate on Allie and Rory. Rory is a vet, working with his father and Allie works at her parents pub. Rory’s parents decide to sell the house he currently lives in and gift the couple Clover Cottage. This is the start of a very emotional journey that leaves Allie and Rory looking at the future in very different ways.
Christie has given us a community full of heart – it is one I would love to be part of. The characters are so well written, with strong personalities that leap from the page. I always get so absorbed by their lives, I feel their pain and hurt, I am sad when they are sad, and I celebrate their happiness and successes.
Clover Cottage is a story about working together, communicating and supporting those we love even if it hurts us to do so. It shows that a little bit of selflessness goes a long way and for the greater good, sometimes you need to just let go.

I cannot recommend this enough, romantic yet full of depth and emotion it is so much more than a fluffy rom-com or anything like that. You don’t have to start at the beginning but I highly recommend reading the other books too, you will love this community as much as we do.

Was this review helpful?

Back to Love Heart Lane....
Back to Love Heart Lane with the third book in the series. Vet Rory decides to follow his dream of working in Africa, Allie decides to rethink her own plans in his absence, the sleepy little village of Heartcross and its inhabitants, not to mention Clover Cottage, holding them together. A feel good cosy which will entertain and uplift and an enjoyable addition to the series.

Was this review helpful?

Well written
Entertaining
Good plot and character development.
I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

It has been such a pleasure to be taken back to the tight knit community in Heartcross. This is the third of the series and it’s been like catching up with old friends. This story concentrates on Allie McDonald and Rory Scott. Allie works at the pub with her parents and Rory is a vet who works with his father. One decision of Rory’s parents giving him and Allie Clover Cottage has the pair emotionally torn in ways you can’t imagine. Who would have thought being handed such an opportunity could create so many problems and drama!? Can Allie and Rory navigate these obstacles? Well you just have to pick up ‘Clover Cottage’ and find out.

Christie has created a community you want to live in and be part of and strong characters that you just want to go and have a cup of tea with and a slice of cake. The narrative flows so freely to the point you can just get lost in this fictional world. ‘Clover Cottage’ is about working together to try to beat obstacles and supporting each other through some tough times ❤️

I hear there’s going to be a fourth in the series so I can’t wait to get stuck back into the Love Heart Lane series 😊 it’s also a series which I would definitely read from the very beginning again. It’s another triumph from Christie and would love to know how she does it!

Thank you to One More Chapter for an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley.

Was this review helpful?

What a cute and cosy read! It was a pleasure to once again visit the village of Heartcross and Love Heart Lane. Enjoyed Rory and Allie's story as well as the introduction of Zach and a few other characters. Hopefully this series will endure and we will have many future books set in Heartcross!

Great read to curl up with a cup of tea and enjoy on a cold winter afternoon.

Was this review helpful?

This is such a lovely book to read. This is a lighthearted romance read perfect to make you smile.

i am a huge fan of this author and this hasn't disappointed.

Was this review helpful?