a lovely story to read with tears happiness and brilliant receipes for chocolate with different tastings too them told in scotland with plenty of snow around in a village were everbody helps each other including homeless and a mystic martha thrown in for good measure

This is the first book I have read in the Love Heart Lane series but that didn’t dampen my experience! There is a lot you will gain from reading this book. Christie Barlow tentatively navigates grief, loss, abandonment, forgiveness, and family. The characters are well developed and the story is engaging and addicting!

Winter in the Highlands is never easy, and when Molly meets a 16-year old living rough she wants to help. But Cam is reluctant to get involved. What is he hiding and why does Bree seem so familiar to them all?

New Beginnings at the Old Bakehouse is another in Christie Barlow’s Love Heart Lane series. A pleasant enough story, with many entertaining moments and likeable characters. Slightly predictable at times, but overall an enjoyable read.

I've raced through these (finally - sorry) after managing to get the first six in the series read. Doing fairly short reviews, as each book does follow on from events in either the one before or one a couple before: there are lovely characters, descriptions of houses and scenery and friendships as well as romances and family issues so lovely full books that will satisfy the reader.

This one was a real heartstring-tugger. We re-encounter Molly and Cam from "Primrose Park" and this time the action has jumped forward a few years as there's a new baby on the way, and Cam is established in his new business. Molly regularly drives their unsold loaves and treats over to the homeless shelter and one day meets young Bree, out on the streets at 16 and so vulnerable. She's already had to stop bringing dog waifs home and now Cam wants to harden their hearts against someone he can only see as a threat to their wellbeing, especially as he's struggling with a health worry he doesn't want to talk about. But Molly - and Cam's grandma Dixie - can see something special in Bree, and she even reminds them of someone. Will the divisions be healed and will Molly's waters break while there's a big event on the go? (of course). A really warm one with issues nicely covered as always.

This was such a heartwarming story. The characters enveloped me and I was swept up in the events of their lives. A definite feel good read.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

New Beginnings at the Old Bakehouse by C. Barlow, is a standalone story and the ninth book in the Love Heart Lane Series. A heartwarming read, excellent written. A storyline full of twists and unexpected turns, secrets.
A suspenseful read that had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning of the book until the last page. This is a wonderful book and I give it five stars.

Enjoy reading this book. Happy Reading!

**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely** book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**

Despite this being book 9 in the series I have only read a few of them so far, but I want to eventually have read them all so I am going backwards and forwards in this series.

The writing was superb just as I have come to expect from Christie. Christie really draws the reader in and you read the story, but also feel the story... the ups and the downs that the characters go through. I loved being so caught up in Molly, Cam and Bree's stories that I forgot about everything else. I just had to know what they were hiding, to solve the mysteries and to make sure everyone got their happy end before I could get on with my own life again. Pure escapism. The focus of this story was more on family than romance, but I loved it! I really want to read everything Christie ahs ever written!

I hadn’t read a Christie Barlow book in ages and was craving a really nice- just- like- watching- a- Hallmark- movie type book. And that was when I came across this!

I love Christie Barlow and I heart Love Heart Lane! I had read only the first book of this series but didn’t feel I’d needed to read the others although they’re books I’ll most definitely be getting back to!

Here we follow Molly McKendrick, who is busy all the time working in a bakery and helping for a charity. Molly was so lovely and always out to make things right and I egged her on as she began to think about helping Bree, a sixteen year old with no home. There were mysteries surrounding Bree, and at times I crossed fingers that I could trust her and that she didn’t have ulterior motives! I also wondered about Cam which kept me on my toes and turning the page.

All in all a book that has you following along, waiting for the next surprise and praying you’ve got it right. With snow storms and bakery settings, it has it all as a Winter read and is beyond recommended! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the book in return for an honest review.

Rating:5:5

Imagine my excitement when I found myself in possession of New Beginnings at the Old Bakehouse so soon after receiving The New Doctor at Peony Practice!

New Beginnings at the Old Bakehouse brings back to us some beloved characters, Molly and Cam, so that we can find out what happens to them next. First featured in Primrose Park, it was wonderful to come back to these lovely characters to find out what happened to them and their lovely son George.

Heavily pregnant Molly is keen to give back to the community, so whilst trying to help Sam at the homeless hostel Molly crosses paths with Bree, a young homeless girl. With Cam working hard at the Old Bakehouse, a baby on the way and now a young girl to help, Molly finds herself in a turmoil. With a snow storm thrown into the mix, there is plenty of drama in Heartcross!

Yet another excellent addition to the Love Heart Lane series, and with an opportunity to revisit characters, I am more than happy to recommend New Beginnings at the Old Bakehouse. Christie Barlow certainly knows how to write books that feel like a warm hug - it just makes me want to move to Heartcross and immerse myself in such a lovely community! Definitely go and grab yourself a copy, and cosy up with a blanket and glass of wine and lose yourself in Heartcross!

I loved this book! I loved the characters, the charming storyline, and the mystery of why Molly was so drawn to Bree. It's the perfect book to read on a cold, winter day!

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I absolutely love this series, it's so charming and it's a snuggle up and feel-good read.
We are again in Heartcross and though having never visited Scotland I feel as though I have through this book. The descriptions are just fabulous.
Our main characters are Cam and his wife, Molly who is pregnant with their second child.
They are the town's resident vet and bakers. Cam always bakes extra to give away to the homeless shelter and they appreciate it so much.
Though many in town say it's hokey Molly visits a fortune teller and eerie enough all she predicts comes true.
When Molly McKendrick has a chance encounter with homeless teen Bree she has off flashbacks and feels as though she knows her. She takes in Bree off the cold streets, and they become close. Secrets are revealed and though it comes as a hock they work through them. This author and series have zipped right up my list as favorites. Though there are hardships they are talked out and hardships gotten through. I loved this sweet Scottish escape, it's just a ray of sunshine.

Pub Date 30 Jul 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the first book I have read in the Love Heart Lane series. There is a lot you will experience as you flip through the pages … grief and loss, abandonment, forgiveness, and family. The characters are well developed. You become invested in their lives and will struggle along with them as they experience adoption, homelessness, death, etc. Though the ninth book in the series, you could read this as a standalone.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

I read this in May but omitted to add my review

New Beginnings at the Old Bakehouse is the 9th instalment of the Love Heart Lane Series.

This story welcomes us back to Heartcross and revisits old friends we made in Primrose Park - Cam, Dixie and Molly.

I think this one is possibly one of my favourite instalments because it really played on all of my emotions and I especially liked seeing how Molly and Cam’s relationship has developed.

There are some big topics covered in this story including Love, Loss/ Bereavement, Pregnancy, Health Concerns, Family - the list goes on but the biggest was definitely Homelessness and I think it was such an accurate representation especially in Young People.

It smells like freshlu baked bread. It tasted like hot chocolade in the winter storm. It looks like a big heart for everyone who needs comfort and a little bit of love.

This book is a definition of cosiness. Scotland, heavy winter, small bakehouse and lonely, homeless girl. Here my find the best and the worst what we have in humankinds, we have cruelty, but also a huge kidness towards people who we don't even know. And we have family, what sometimes means just people who are together mostly by choice, not my the blood lines.

Heart-warming, giving hope than there are still good people in this world.

This was removed from my shelf before I had the chance to read it ☹️

I will await the book being released

Meeting up with some old favourite characters and being back in the village is a treat and I’ve loved getting to know that little bit more about Molly and her background before coming to Heartcross.

New Beginnings at the Old Bakehouse by Christie Barlow

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

When Heartcross’ resident clairvoyant tells Molly McKendrick to expect a whole lot of scandal and upset to blow in with the approaching winter storm, Molly doesn’t know what to think.

With a baby on the way any week now, and Christmas not far off, the last thing Molly needs is drama, but when she crosses paths with Bree, a sixteen-year-old homeless girl, and takes her in from the cold, secrets from the past flood the present and Molly, her partner Cam, and their son George, are soon experiencing a holiday season filled with unexpected festive surprises…

My Opinion

I think this is the third book I have read in this series and so far I have managed to read them all as a standalone. I read this in a few short sittings, although I could probably have completed it in one sitting if I had the time. Each book I read by Christie Barlow just reminds me what a delight her welcoming stories are. I really do need to make time to read the earlier books in the series that I have managed to read.

Rating 4/5

How on earth does Christie Barlow keep managing to come up with such completely amazing stories?

She has done so once again with this latest book in the the Love Heart Lane series, which could easily be read as a standalone, so don't panic if you haven't read all the previous fabulousness yet.

This actually almost made me cry in bits, as I was swept up in the lives of Molly, Cam and Bree.

Bree is a teenage homeless girl and her story really struck something deep within me, especially as the whole book is set in the run up to Christmas, and in the bitter cold of Scotland's winter.

Molly just wants to help but she is also very pregnant, and Cam isn't as keen but he is also hiding something.

I read this in a few short hours by a pool on holiday and don't think I acknowledged the real world once while I was reading this (just hope I did remember to drink or I may be dehydrated by tomorrow!).

There are a lot of baked goods which made me rather hungry, in addition to some incredible depth and some depending how good you are at guessing, surprising twists along the way.

What is for sure is I was swept up by this book and once again in awe of this series and this author's talents.

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

A lovely catch up with the Love Heart Lane series. The characters feel like good friends. Molly is helping Cam at the Old Bakehouse and they deliver leftover bread to the local shelter. Molly gets involved and is surprised that Cam resists her being too involved.
Great story with relationships, friendships, family life, charity and daily life. along with the the delicious bakery! Everything to keep your interest.

It is always a pleasure to return to places you know and love and it is the same with this the Love Heart lane series of book. Of course they can be read as a standalone novels, but with this latest one you need to know a bit more about Molly and Cam and you can see their friendship started back in Primrose Park.

We are further on since Molly and Cam met, and in the Old Bakehouse where Cam is up very early to bake for the villagers and provide them with the best baked good around. Molly is cooking another little bun – a baby for them both and a brother or sister for little adorable George. But things are not quite as contented as they should be.

Cam is holding something back, but won’t tell anyone what it is. He is reluctant to follow in the footsteps of his Great Uncle and enter a renowned baking competition but will not tell anyone why. Has he lost interest in baking? Molly?

Molly is touched by the help she gives at the homeless shelter, but she thinks it might be her hormones. That is until she meets Bree. Something she says, sets a memory off in Molly and she just can’t quite place it. When Bree seems to keep turning up seeking shelter, Molly’s instinct to provide kicks in but is it something else connecting them. And why is Cam so reluctant to be hospitable and charitable?

As winter sets in and snow arrives at Heartcross it seems this little family at the bakehouse is struggling with their own blizzard whilst the world gets whiter outside of their front door. Heartcross is cut off, so it seems the community is going to come out and support each other as you would expect. Here it is where you get to meet previous characters from the series and it is always great to catch up with them.

When a thaw sets in and some truths are revealed it seems that perhaps the perfect beginning is now here. Or course it is never going to run smoothly is it?

This is a book to devour as it is full of warmth as well as enticing descriptions of food! Somehow Christie Barlow seems tackle some tough issues with skill and empathy and weave them into a story with tact balanced out against all the humour that also comes with her novels. Being in Heartcross is a joy and being there with loved characters within a great community is even better.

A series which I can see turning into a modern day saga worthy of Sunday night television dramatisation.