Welcome to Pennycress Inn by Sarah Hope is a delightful and uplifting novel that perfectly blends heartfelt emotion with light-hearted humor. Set in the picturesque Cotswolds, the story follows Laura, a 38-year-old woman who, after a challenging divorce, decides to take a bold leap toward independence. Buying the charming but rundown Pennycress Inn becomes her project of renewal, but the journey is far from easy. From structural challenges to the skepticism of local villagers, Laura faces obstacles that test her resolve.

The narrative is beautifully complemented by a cast of relatable and endearing characters. Laura’s vulnerability and determination make her an inspiring protagonist, while Jackson, the kindhearted chef next door, adds a touch of romance that feels organic and engaging. The backdrop of the quaint village and the quirky locals create a warm, immersive atmosphere.

Sarah Hope’s writing shines with its light, conversational tone, though some moments resolve more easily than expected. Still, the book’s message of resilience, personal growth, and finding community makes it a comforting and hopeful read.

Perfect for fans of contemporary romance and women’s fiction, Welcome to Pennycress Inn is the start of a series that promises charm and inspiration in equal measure. A must-read for those who love stories about fresh starts and small-town life.

A fun read. Laura is recently divorced and has always dreamed of opening and running an inn. With her settlement, that's exactly what she decides to do and she buys the Pennycress Inn. After a few ups and downs and some funny moments her dream comes true. Laura was a fun character although all her self doubts and second guessing did irritate me a bit at times. But, it was an enjoyable, light story.
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Sarah Hope for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

Welcome to Pennycress Inn is a pleasant read about a newly divorced woman starting over. I enjoyed the descriptions of English village life, the warm family scenes, and the fact that both main characters were very likeable.

Laura uses her divorce settlement to buy the Pennycress Inn. She is determined to make a fresh start and to be independent, so she is dismayed that her brother’s best friend is living next door. That conflict is soon resolved and a romance ensues. Laura also has to deal with all the problems of an old structure as she readies it for her opening, and the fact the town is shunning her is a bit of a mystery that is eventually cleared.

A quick and enjoyable read!

A story about a woman who, post divorce, is looking for a fresh start and to prove she can succeed in reviving and old inn. Money pit and difficulty being accepted in the village begin to threaten..and then the neighbor turns out of bed childhood crush and her brother's best mate. I enjoyed this quick romance. The characters were good and the story flowed well

Good book. I enjoyed seeing how the characters progressed through the story. I definitely think the pace was appropriate for the plot. I would read another book by this author.

Sarah Hope delivers a delightful feel-good romance with Welcome to Pennycress Inn, the promising start to a brand-new series. Laura’s journey to rebuild her life after a divorce, set against the charming backdrop of the Cotswolds, is both relatable and inspiring.

The descriptions of Pennycress Inn and the challenges Laura faces—renovating a dilapidated building, winning over skeptical locals, and navigating the ups and downs of small-town life—feel vivid and authentic. The addition of Jackson, the handsome and kind chef, adds a spark of romance and intrigue that keeps the pages turning.

Hope’s characters are well-drawn, with Laura’s determination and vulnerability making her an easy protagonist to root for. The quirky village setting and its array of colorful personalities add warmth and humor, even as they provide obstacles for Laura to overcome.

The only drawback is that the pacing feels uneven at times, with some conflicts resolving a little too easily. Still, the overall message of resilience and community shines through beautifully.

If you enjoy uplifting romances with a strong sense of place and heartwarming characters, Welcome to Pennycress Inn is a cozy escape you’ll want to revisit with each installment in the series. Looking forward to seeing what’s next for Laura and the Pennycress Inn!

Highly recommended for fans of women’s fiction and contemporary romance.