Cover Image: Finding Happiness at Heritage View

Finding Happiness at Heritage View

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Member Reviews

Another in the Heritage Cove series and what a lovely book this one is. I enjoyed every minute of this and I am sure you will too. Helen Rolfe is a great author and I personally can't wait for her next book. 5 stars, wish it could be more.

Thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author for this ARC

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⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

“𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯”

“𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘯𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘴.”

— 𝖧𝖾𝗅𝖾𝗇 𝖱𝗈𝗅𝖿𝖾 (𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄)

Hazel and her brother Arnold run Heritage View Stables. They offer lodging and horse riding lessons, although she hasn't been doing so recently for children after a terrible accident. Single Dad Gus, a newcomer, is opening his own vet practice, and he's ready to start a new life with his daughter Abigail at Heritage Cove. They make arrangements for their horse, Denby, to be housed at the stables. However, Gus & Hazel did not initially meet in the stable; instead, it was during a painting class where he volunteered to be the naked model. What an awkward situation that was.
 
I've finally finished reading the book, though it took me a while because of my reading slump and I could not connect with the characters right away. I initially wanted to read the other books in the Heritage Cove Series that featured the other characters, especially Lucy's Story. Anyhow, this book tells the story of two individuals who come across one another as they seek solace from traumatic past events. I have to say, reading this will leave you feeling quite frustrated, given the lack of communication & how Hazel misjudged Gus' character. The point is that if you haven't dealt with trauma, it's actually quite frustrating and can be difficult to understand. Even though others look at it as an overreaction, it's actually challenging to restrain those emotions and impossible to turn off completely like a switch. It was bumpy but I love how the story ended, I won't give away and spoil how it ends here.

The publication of this book is on July 6th. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Bolwood Books for providing an eARC of this wonderful book.

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This book was absolutely wonderful! It's a sweet feel-good romance that leaves you with a smile. I loved the setting, the characters and the horses, as a matter of fact, I loved everything about this book!
I received a complimentary copy from Boldwood Books via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Finding Happiness at Heritage View by Helen Rolfe

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Running Heritage View Stables is everything Hazel ever dreamed of. She loves working with the horses and managing the business with her brother. But after a terrible incident, she’s not sure whether she'll ever be able to put things back the way they were.

Gus is ready to start over. He’s moved him and his ten-year-old daughter Abigail to Heritage Cove, where he’s opening his own vet practice. Everything is falling into place, especially as he watches Abigail start to come out of her shell for the first time since the accident.

Neither Hazel nor Gus is looking for love, but could they each be what the other needs? And is happiness even a possibility when their pasts won’t let them go?

I have read this as a standalone which is such a shame as I adored this book - I need to go back and read the earlier books in the series. Within pages I felt like I was there at the stables. Helen has written in this book with so much detail, this will definitely appeal to anyone who is horse mad. A lovely, heart-warming story that is a must read for fans of Rolfe

Rating: 5/5

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Drawn to this book by its equestrian setting, this is my first visit to Heritage Cove, and I enjoyed it. Hazel and Arnold love running the family horse riding business, but Hazel cannot forget a past incident that has defined her future there. Gus is looking forward to running his veterinary practice, a new and courageous start for him and his daughter. Abi loves horses and soon bonds with Hazel, as does her father, but both have past issues that lead to misunderstandings that threaten their future happiness.

I love the equestrian detail in this story that makes it authentic and believable. The family dynamics are realistic, and there is an engaging balance of humour and poignancy. Unexpected drama, gentle romance, and a wonderful sense of community make this a delightful escapist read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

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What a lovely book. I found myself totally immersed in and was surprised to find half the day had vanished while I’d been visiting Heritage Cove.
Straight away I was drawn to Gus, the protective single dad, and even though he was hurting and thought he wasn’t looking for love, when he sees Hazel properly for the first time, ( when he was fully clothed this time!) you just know he’s smitten straight away. His kindness and patience with Hazel even when he doesn’t know the full reasoning why she needs these things is beautiful. Hazel is brilliant too, her strength is amazing, she is instantly attracted to Gus, but past incidences and a misunderstood glimpse of his bad temper has her pulling away even when she recognises that his quiet support was helping her be better - she tries to be strong and protect herself.
I loved her relationship and the banter with Arnold and I really hope he gets his HEA soon as he’s such a great guy. Abigail was brilliant too, a little girl with her own tragic back story demonstrated just how strong and resilient she can be and inspires her dad to be too.

It was such a wonderful visit I really didn’t want it to end, I enjoyed learning about horses and seeing a wonderful community accept newcomers with open arms, I can’t wait to visit again.

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Hazel runs a riding stables with her brother Arnold, however she is suffering from PTSD from an incident a couple of years before affecting her ability to teach children. Gus is the new vet who moves into the village with his daughter Abigail, after an awkward first meeting their paths continue to cross when Abigail's horse Denby is stabled there.
This is the first book in this series that I've read, something that I'm going to have to correct. There are some humorous moments to counterbalance the more serious ones, overall the feeling of the book is positive. Not having read the previous books I don't know the other character's back stories, but this didn't affect my enjoyment of the book. I'm also not of the horse riding type, I rode once over 60 years ago, but the description and feelings I had from the book almost made me want to get on one again. As usual the idea of being in a small community, with the support that you would get from those in it, sounds idyllic. In summary this is a great book to read sitting on a beach, by the pool or in a comfy chair on a winter's evening.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

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It was immediately obvious that this was going to be a very special story. When I say immediately, I should clarify that it was obvious once Hazel has seen Gus in all his glory! With two stories which both lead back to differing forms of PTSD, it’s a credit to Helen Rolfe that the book remains upbeat and joyful.
As the story unfolds, we learn that both riding school owner, Hazel, and Abigail, daughter of the new vet Gus, have been involved in incidents that have proved life-altering. It’s easy to understand Abigail’s experience as she has visible scars on her face. Hazel, on the other hand, has lost her confidence and her willingness to teach younger horse riders.
The circumstances behind their traumas emerge slowly. There are, of course, misunderstandings which act as obstacles to Hazel and Gus each finding happiness. Thankfully, the residents of The Cove are rather lovely, and they gently support them. There are cameo appearances from some wonderful characters, and I particularly enjoyed imagining the tasty treats at the Waffle Shack.
This is a very special story which neither trivialises nor glorifies the impact that events can play on mental health. In particular, the effect that those incidents can have on the people around us. The themes are handled with a very sympathetic hand.
I enjoyed reading about the stables; I loved spending time with horses when I was young. I was never much good in the saddle but loved grooming and seeing their coats gleaming in the sunshine. I particularly enjoyed the detail on the level of care required for such powerful animals.
This is another 5-star read from one of my favourite authors.

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

This was a lovely story, and I enjoyed getting to know Gus, Hazel and Abigail, Gus’s 10 year old daughter who have just moved to Heritage Cove after his relationship ended.

Gus, is the new vet, and as he’s getting settled in the village, he soon becomes a part of the lovely community. When Abigail’s horse, named Denby arrives at the new stables, he makes friends with brother and sister Arnold and Hazel who own the stables and riding school.

As Hazel and Gus become friends, they start to think about whether they want the friendship to develop into something else. Both have their own secrets and issues that may put obstacles in the way of any romantic plans.

Highly recommend this book.

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This was a heartwarming story about overcoming hurts and past wounds. I originally thought this was going to be a romance, and while there was a love story included in the book, it wasn't the focal point. I loved the horses and seeing that side of the story. I thought the naked drawing was a little odd, and the story ended very abruptly.

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Entertaining and light read. Wish there was more romance than lead up into romance, the ending felt a bit abrupt and cut off. I do hope Arnold gets his own story soon.

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Gus and his daughter have just moved to Heritage Cove. Gus meets Hazel while looking for horse boarding.
It’s a lovely story with likable characters and horses.
It made me wish I had a horse.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

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I received this book via NetGalley and give it my honest opinion.

Helen Rolfe does it again! A fantastic read that kept be gripped from the first page, I absolutely adore the Heritage Cove series. This book was full of lovable characters and great scenery.
Hazel, Gus and his daughter Abigail have a great storyline, very believable. I won't spoil it, you will have to read it!
Abook you can escape into and pass away the hours, such a delight to read, I didn't want it to end!

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Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Another great book from Helen.

Hazel and her brother run a stables and host riding lessons, Hazel hasn’t been teaching children for a while following an incident, Gus and his daughter Abigail relocate to the village and arrange to keep their horse Denby at the stables. Gus and Hazel become friends, Abigail relights Hazel’s passion for teaching children to ride again and falls in love with Gus in the process.

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It didn't take me long to feel right at home in this latest book in the Heritage Cove series.

From familiar characters that I actually remember, to the new ones of Hazel and Gus this was a warm hug of a book.

Well any book that starts with a life drawing class is going to get my approval. Especially when its followed with a stables setting that I'd written in so much detail that all horse lovers would recognise and appreciate.

I adored getting to know new vet Gus and Abi his equine mad daughter! They have been through a lot in the past but are slowly moving on.

The same could be said of Hazel, and her wavering confidence levels.

It was utterly heartwarming to see Hazel and Abi talking, and how they were around each other.

And I adored getting to know the various horses at the stable, with a huge soft spot for them all.

I think this could be my new favourite book of the series, it was a pleasure to read in the garden on the hottest day of the year so far!!!

I thoroughly enjoy this series and I look forward to hopefully many more trips to The Cove.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

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This book is a great love story and animal story too especially with horses. Gus relocates to this little village with his daughter Abigail to start a new life. My favorite part is they have a horse at this stables and town where this girl named Helen who half owns the stables keeps care of their horse. Gus Is also a veterinarian so he keeps care of the animals in this town. It is cute though how Gus and Helen finally come together and how Helen and Abigail become close.

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I enjoyed this sweet story about people finding each other. Loved the characters and the lovely story.

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I was unaware this was a series and I haven't read the previous books. It wasn't a problem as I was easily able to pick up on the story so can definitely be read as a stand alone.

I found this a charming story and very easy to read and enjoy. This is the first book from this author that I have read but I shall definitely be reading more.

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Loved this story and reading all about life in a little village that is nothing but friendly, loved Abigail and her dad Gus and how they make a new life in the village and fit in perfectly, wonderfully written and highly reccomend this book

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A lovely feel good story with added horses! I really enjoyed this book and getting to know Gus, Abigail and Hazel. Gus and Abigail, his 10 year old daughter have recently moved to Heritage Cove. Following an accident and the breakdown of his marriage, Gus becomes the new village vet. As he and his daughter settle in, he becomes part of the village community and, once Abigail’s horse, Denby, arrives from his previous stables, he becomes friends with Hazel and her brother Arnold, who own the local livery stables and riding school.. As their friendship blossoms, both begin to question whether they want more……. But they both have secrets and issues that cause bumps in the road which may jeopardise any romantic plans that they have.
Great read, highly recommended.

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