Really enjoyable wintry feel good book!!
Set in a Scottish village as a blizzard comes raging in, just before Christmas, Molly is eight months pregnant, living with her husband Cam and son George, at the Old Bakehouse. With the blizzard comes heart searching, doubts, blessings and new beginnings. Molly helps out with the local shelter for the homeless, giving them whatever is leftover at the end of the day from the bakery and more.
Heart lifting and heart warming, this story explores some difficult family issues and normalises them, within a wonderful supportive community.
Easy reading, great characters, village life at its best.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the early read, much appreciated.

I loved this one it was lovely and very atmospheric in the descriptions of the weather which made it very vivid. I could actually feel the snow and the bitter cold. This is a well written book and I throughly enjoyed it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A wonderful installment in the Love Heart Lane series. This time we follow the story of Molly and her baker husband Cam. Molly regularly takes the leftover food from the bakery to the local homeless shelter, and it is at the shelter that she meets 16 year old Bree. She is desperate to help her, but will this drive a wedge between Molly and Cam, who seems to be holding a secret of his own?

I love revisiting the characters from previous Love Heart Lane stories, and learning more about others. Can't wait for the next part!

I couldn’t have been happier to discover that publication of the latest instalment of Christie Barlow’s Love Heart Lane series had been brought forward as I have been a huge fan since book one. It felt like Christmas had come early and a wonderful gift awaited me. There was no way I was going to leave New Beginnings at the Old Bakehouse languishing on my kindle until nearer to publication. So I dove straight in and within that very first chapter I was completely engrossed in and delighted to once again catch up with Molly and Cam whose story had previously featured in Primrose Park.

Of course there are some new characters introduced but as always returning to Heartcross feels like catching up with old friends and the warm, vibrant and solid community that Christie has established within these books always shines through so perfectly. This may be book nine in the series but as I always say, and I wouldn’t say it if it weren’t true, this new story can easily be read as a standalone. But really if you haven’t read any of the Love Heart Lane books yet then why haven’t you? They are all fabulous reads where you will devour each story in short order and just desperately wish that Heartcross and all the characters you meet are real so you could one day visit.

I read this book in early summer not realising it was set in winter and snow, blizzards and ice feature a bit and cause several problems but it only served to remind me of the good things about the winter season. I felt I settled easily into the story as I had read about Molly and Cam before and I was so glad they featured again because I had always thought that there was much more to unfold with regard to their story. Molly and Cam now run and live in the old Bakehouse which was founded by his Great Uncle Ted. They have a young son George and baby number two is on the way. Molly is a vet but taking things at a slower pace as the due date for the new arrival is fast approaching.

Straight away, the reader can sense that Cam is very much off form and he remains so for quite the majority of the story. The reasons for his behaviour are drip fed to the reader and when things are revealed you can see why he didn’t say anything to Molly as I think a lot of people would have done the same if in the same situation. It made me for a time kind of be against Cam as I hated seeing Molly anxious about her relationship when she should have felt safe and secure. I did feel sorry for Molly because she felt like she had done something wrong and that she couldn’t get through to Cam in order to get him to open up. She didn’t need any extra stress at that point in her pregnancy with him being so evasive and him also being so reluctant to participate in the Baker of the Year Competition where he could showcase his incredible talents. I felt Molly had an unnecessary burden on her shoulders. Cam was running himself into the ground working all available hours at the bakery and if he didn’t acknowledge that an extra pair of hands would be welcome I could see himself and Molly’s relationship venturing down a tricky path. Which I really didn’t want to see happen at all.

Molly is a fabulous character who does so much for all those around her. She is kind, caring, considerate and supportive and this is highlighted as every day she brings the unsold goods from the bakery to the local homeless shelter. I have to say Christie did such a brilliant job of describing all the various delectable treats that Cam whips up in the bakery. They really made my mouth water especially the Layers Treats. The descriptions only added to the warm and cosy feeling that is exuded throughout the story alongside the weather that causes some havoc. I felt wrapped up and embraced by the plot, the characters and the setting and that’s what a very good book in this genre should do and time and time again this brilliant author achieves it. Serious issues are always explored in this series alongside more light-hearted and fun moments and here the topics of homelessness, grief and abandonment are focused on. Weaving the humour alongside sombre and thoughtful problems takes skill and effort but Christie has this unique knack of blending the two strands together seamlessly and that’s another feature of what makes these books so successful and readable.

Molly alongside her friends Isla, Allie and Felicity have a night out where Martha (Isla’s grandmother) does readings. Molly is surprised by what Martha tells her and that she has a gut feeling that things aren’t right in the village and that changes might be ahead for Molly. As a reader, I desperately didn’t want anything to happen to Molly or her family as they have been characters who have found a firm place in my heart but I suppose without a little angst and some trying times there wouldn’t be much of a story to tell in the first place.

Molly always has such good intentions and when she meets a young girl named Bree at the homeless shelter she feels an unexpected connection to her. Like she has seen her somewhere before or had something to do with her. But that’s not possible. Molly is gentle and kind and always there to lend a hand. She is good natured and always has the best of intentions as demonstrated when she offers Bree a place to stay for the night when the shelter is full but Cam being the way he is isn’t best pleased. I think people who are homeless for whatever reasons, we do learn the background to Bree’s situation pretty quickly, and are judged far too rashly and here it was shown that not all people would have chosen that path. Bree’s vulnerability was highlighted. Bree is closed down, guarded and defensive and you couldn’t blame her. She has become very streetwise and has to fend for herself. It was sad to see someone so young in such a desperate situation and I think Molly’s heart went out to her and she wanted to do the best she could for her. There a lot of twists and turns and misunderstandings that occur regarding Bree and all these make for a well developed and a great paced plot. She has unexpected talents that could prove very fruitful if she was only give the chance and the benefit of the doubt. Only time will tell if things can fall into place for her.

New Beginnings at the Old Bakehouse is a warm hug of a book that encircles you from the very first page. I loved the familiarity of returning to the same setting which I adore so much. The fact there is recurring characters provides familiarity but the books are kept new and fresh with new and interesting characters introduced. My only disappointment is that Christie can’t write the books as fast as I read them. I hope she continues to write this series for as long as possible because nine books down the line it is still as strong as ever and one of my all time favourites. This book is a charming, engaging, warm hearted and feel good read that I lapped up and finished in one sitting which is a rarity for me these days. Book ten, The Hidden Secrets of Bumblebee Cottage, publishes at the end of the year and I’m eagerly awaiting that point until I can get my hands on it to return to the fantastic Heartcross and all the wonderful characters that live there.

I love this series and I don't think there's an instalment I didn't like.
This one was another good one and I loved the heartwarming and compelling story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

So glad I gave this series another chance😊

I found this story delightful and real, especially the friction between Molly and her baking husband Cam, and I am happy I did not swear off Barlow's Love Heart Lane series for good after reading one book that did not thrill me. This addition to the well-established series addresses the sad reality of the prejudice the homeless face and provides some poignant moments as family supports family and the community comes together in a snow-swept Scottish December. The cherry and sauce on top: some scrumptios bakes, an expanding family and a super positive ending.

The content is heartwarming and sweet, the setting an idyllic small Scottish country town that, unfortunately, has its share of down-on-their-luck homeless who rely on the kindness of volunteers and local businesses like the Old Bakehouse for a warm bed and a hot meal. This is more about life's mysteries, challenges and rewards than romance but is no less captivating for it. Barlow has definitely reanimated my interest in this series.

Thanks to Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

A cosy read…. The bakery you could imagine and smell through the book. The homeless parts were sad and happy. We do judge too quickly. The twists with Molly and Bree had you on the edge of your seat. Fab read and recommend it.

I can never tire from reading one of Christie Barlow books. I have followed this series religiously and i shall continue to follow it. If you havent read any of these books before you can start with the first but you can also read this as a stand alone book. The characters from previous books come into play but its not as if you wont be able to follow it at all. Before further ado, go and purchase this book and clear any work because this should come with a warning because you arent likely to get anything done. There i said it, be warned!
We have a happy couple living in Heartcross Village who are awaiting their new arrival and Molly helps out at the local homeless shelter, she has a connection with a young girl there but cant understand why but she finds herself looking for this young girl.
An older resident tells Molly a few things as shes the local clairvoyant and Molly thinks its hillarious but then starts to dig a little deeper with things of her own past. Befire you know it, some of the reading may come true. The baby comes along with baking competitions in the city with everyone involved.
I cant write this review with justice because it was Amazing. I have been working 16 hour shifts 6 days a week and i was annoyed because i couldnt finish my story... I was severly annoyed at the situation i was in. I got a free few hours and i read it without stopping...... I just wish the books came as quickly as i read this one. Cannot wait for the next.

Molly is married to Cam and is expecting their second child. They run the bakery in Heartcross and when she is delivering their leftover stock to a homeless shelter she comes across a young homeless girl, Bree, which ultimately starts a whole series of events.
I have really enjoyed this series, but this is my favourite to date. I have always loved the characters, but there is something about Bree that really grabs at my heartstrings with her air of helplessness but with a strong character. There are some parts which are very sad, but balanced with humour and, above all love. Even if you haven't read any other the other books in the series I can definitely recommend this one, but you could always go back afterwards and catch up with the other character's stories.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

this is book nine in a series, but they can be read as stand alones, we meet these characters throughout the other books. I am going to go back and read the other books. enjoyed the story very much

Since their first introduction, in Primrose Park, Molly and Cam have received passing mentions in the subsequent books, and I have noticed myself enjoying reading about them, albeit briefly. I knew from the title of this book that I was going to be catching up with old friends, and I wasn’t disappointed.

As is the same with all of the books in this series, New Beginnings can be enjoyed as a standalone story. In fact, I think if you start with this delightful book, you’ll soon find yourself seeking out the other instalments.

Bree is a welcome addition, and she adds edginess as we learn about how she found herself homeless, living on her wits. Molly is unexpectedly drawn to this vulnerable character and risks her happy relationship as she feels driven to help her. Conversely, Cam is feeling less than impressed with Bree, but it soon becomes clear that his anxiety comes from a different source than his mistrust of the young woman.

One of the joys of Christie Barlow’s writing is her skill at weaving complex storylines into beautiful books. There is plenty of intrigue as secrets from Cam’s family collide with Molly’s own, unknown past. For the avoidance of spoilers, I will leave it there, but rest assured, this is another fantastic read.

I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to NetGalley who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review.

This is book nine from the ‘Love Heart Lane’ series and this instalment concentrates on Molly and Cam, who we have met before in a previous book.
These books can be read as a stand alone but do have recurring characters throughout them all.
New Beginnings At The Old Bakehouse was such a warm and cozy read and perfect for cuddling up with a nice cuppa tea and a blanket…

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Another fabulous book from Chrissie Barlow.

I look forward to reading about and visiting Heartcross, like the residents, I don’t feel like leaving when the story ends.

The story is about Molly and Cam, we met them in book six, which was called Primrose Park, it was nice to see how their lives had changed. How the bakery has grown.

I loved Bree and reading about her and what she’s been through was sad.

There was some hard topics covered in this story, like grief, homelessness and abandonment, secrets were kept from years gone by. But, there was also hope, family and clearing past mistakes.

It was lovely to see how the residents helped the homeless.

I’m looking forward to reading what’s next in store for the residents of Love Heart Lane.

I am so thankful to netgalley for being able to read an advanced copy of this book. (This book is part of Love Heart Lane series, but can be read as a stand alone) We return to Heartcross where we catch up with some old and some new residents from this friendly village. We follow the story of Molly & Cam, she is expecting baby number 2 anytime , he clearly has something on his mind other than his baking buisness & up coming baking competition, so emotions seem to be high, add to the mix a young stranger and a crystal ball reading and the story really takes off. A few twists and turns and some well tackled difficult and emotional subjects. Fabulous book.

This book took me back to Heartcross! Every book I have read in the Love Heart Lane series makes me feel full and complete.
Molly and Cam have a life that is full and seems to be complete. Owning The Old Bakehouse is a way for them to give their customers wonderful bake goods and gives them the chance to give back to the community by donating leftover at the end of each day to the homeless shelter in town.
This was where Molly met Bree. There was no way that Molly would know that this one encounter would forever change their lives.
The love and caring characters in this book are so perfectly written.
The twists and turns in the story all connect and make the story one you will be so glad you read.
Thank you NetGalley, Christie Barlow and One More Chapter for the ARC of New Beginnings at the Old Bakehouse. This is my personal review

This can be read and enjoyed as a standalone book but is part of the Heartcross series.
In this instalment our couple in focus is Molly McKendrick and her partner Cam who run the village’s bakery.
The bakery is doing well, and they are considering looking for a new assistant, especially as Molly is heavily pregnant with their second child.
But all is not rosy, Molly is concerned that Cam is not himself.
Cam has worries on his mind, and when he finds he has been entered into a huge bakery competition that just seems to exacerbate things more!
When Molly crosses paths with a young homeless girl it leaves her completely rattled and she vows to help her.
This book has strong themes of kindness, friendship, family secrets, love and new beginnings.
I loved all the delicious-sounding delectable items baked in the bakery – my mouth was watering!
A really enjoyable read and addition to the series.

This is another great addition to the Love Heart Lane series and as ever, it is a delight to catch up with the characters there. This story centres at Molly and Cam who have a new baby on the way. Molly is such a likeable character with a solid social conscious and her volunteer work leads he to a huge surprise.
Well written and will have you hooked by the first chapter! Pure escapism at its best, I love meeting up with old characters and exploring the new ones.

The author packs so much into this novel and I couldn’t put it down. The small community feel and wonderful characters had me wholly engrossed. Picking up a book in this series always makes me feel like I’ve come back home and they are so warm and comforting. This one especially left me feeling uplifted as well as craving for fresh bread and cake! New Beginnings at the Old Bakehouse was every bit as scrumptious as I had imagined. A novel that wraps you up in a great big hug and has you feeling all warm and rosy inside!

Thank you to Harper Collins Uk, One More Chapter via NetGalley for the opportunity to read this amazing book.

A lovely novel about the family we make. Molly and Cam are expecting their next baby almost any day when Molly meets Bree, a homeless teen. It's winter, it's Scotland, there aren't many good options for Bree so Molly brings her home. This is very much an it-takes-a-village look at life. And there's a bakery. Don't worry if you haven't read the earlier Heartcross novels as each one is fine as a standalone (although those who have read them will be happy to see a few familiar friends), Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A cheery, positive read with a message.

Having not read any other books in this series (Love Heart Lane) is fond this book to be a great feel good book where the people and the story are charming, a book to cosy up with on a cold day. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters, love the bakery and the description of all those lovely treats. Made me hungry!

A wonderful book, wonderful characters and an easy read. Filled with family, secrets, hope for the future, righting the past and beginning again! It certainly is worth reading as there are some strong subjects broached but there are also light-hearted moments, it can make you laugh and cry.

I now have to go back and check out the rest of the series before the next book comes out. But not before I go to the bakery for some yummy treats!

New beginnings, second chances and a mystery that's been covered up since Bree's birth. Readers are in for an adventurous story that's full of heart and reminds us that we shouldn't judge others by first impressions.

When Molly meets Bree there was something familiar about her but she couldn't figure out why someone she barely knew was triggering flashbacks. Bree's been living on the streets since her mother's death and had to grow up fast. Meeting Molly at the shelter unleashes a chain of events that will impact the Bakehouse.

Christie Barlow's Love Heart Lane series is a lovely nod to the charming communities that I encountered while living abroad. Barlow brings to life Cam and Molly's story while adding a dash of Bree's just desserts. Awaiting the birth of their second child, Cam is hiding an upsetting secret from his wife. While trying to protect her, Cam is pushing Molly away and she doesn't understand his behavior.

Cam's rude reaction and treatment aggravates Molly. She wants to give the young girl a chance and Cam's prickly behavior is unlikely his usual jolly demeanor. Pushed to the breaking or in this novel, 'baking' point, Molly cooks up a way to have the secrets revealed. Will the truth create new beginnings or is the frosted past about to unleash a wintry season?