Bluebell Season at The Potting Shed
by Jenny Kane
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Pub Date 30 Mar 2023 | Archive Date 30 Mar 2023
Aria & Aries | Aria
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Description
Spring has arrived at The Potting Shed and things seem to finally be going Maddie's way. Her relationship with lovable lawyer Ed is going well and the business is thriving with the help of her new friend Jo and his bright orange coffee van.
But troubles are just around the corner... the upgrade of The Potting Shed from a nursery to a garden centre is at a critical point, turning part of Maddie's business into a building site. And just as she has to temporarily move out of her home, a major garden centre announces its grand opening only twenty miles away.
With money running out Maddie and her sister Sabi must think fast – they only have until the end of bluebell season to save The Potting Shed.
Bluebell Season at The Potting Shed is the sequel to Frost Falls at The Potting Shed, part of a new series by #1 Kindle bestselling author Jenny Kane that revolves around a family-run plant nursery.
Praise for The Potting Shed series:
'A perfect feel-good story about family dynamics and sisterly love, with characters you truly care about. Loved it. Highly recommended.' – Jennifer Bohnet
'I really loved this book. It was warm, funny and smart and made me want to get out into the garden. If you love reading and gardening then this is a perfect combination. A gorgeous story with a beautiful setting.' – Kate Forster
Available Editions
EDITION | Ebook |
ISBN | 9781801102018 |
PRICE | £2.99 (GBP) |
PAGES | 352 |
Featured Reviews
It was brilliant to be back at the Potting Shed but you can read on its own. Loved how they moved on with the plans and the work with children. Some nice twists. Your past can catch up with you.. I felt for Jo and I got a bit confused with his story. A good read. Much enjoyed.
Enjoyable book with great characters and story. Sadly though, I did not read book one (this is the second), so I did not catch the early development of the romances and the story hints of the past were not something that I could follow that well. My fault of course, but do recommend this book, but encourage you to read book 1 first.
This was a wonderful book of how plants qnd. And flowess heko people qnd get them through hard times. This book is approved by netgalley and the publisher for me to read and review.
I loved being back at the Potting Shed learning how their late dads dream of turning the Potting Shed into a garden centre were progressing. There were lots of interesting bits, the bluebell garden planted with the Little Acorns, puddle jumping, the cheese stall and the garden question time to name a few. Jo featured a lot in this book but I did get a bit confused at times as his back story gradually unfolded. I enjoyed this easy read book and would recommend it
two sisters try to turn their Dad's potting shed into a garden center. very sweet story, was a quick read.
Bluebell season at the Potting Shed, second time around at the Potting Shed felt good. It was lovely to see progress in the lives of the characters both in work and personal life.
Spring has arrived at The Potting Shed and things seem to finally be going Maddie's way. Her relationship with lovable lawyer Ed is going well and the business is thriving with the help of her new friend Jo and his bright orange coffee van.
But troubles are just around the corner... the upgrade of The Potting Shed from a nursery to a garden centre is at a critical point, turning part of Maddie's business into a building site. And just as she has to temporarily move out of her home, a major garden centre announces its grand opening only twenty miles away.
With money running out Maddie and her sister Sabi must think fast – they only have until the end of bluebell season to save The Potting Shed.
A sweet story of two sisters trying to bring their late father's dream to life. The pacing was a little slow in places, but overall a nice read.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
A sweet story about two sisters who are trying to make their late father proud, trying to navigate life without him and trying to make their mark on the world. A little bit slow in places but overall a good read.
What a delightful read. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the Potting Shed and I thought this second book in the series was even better than the first. This was a really enjoyable read and I quickly reconnected with the characters, enjoying seeing them grow and the story progress. The storyline is very good and deals with issues in a very thoughtful and sensitive way.
The story continues from book one with Maddie and her sister Sabi trying to cultivate their business (excuse the pun) from a nursery to a garden centre. I loved seeing how Maddie dealt with everything that came along and how all the other characters are getting on, as well as meeting a few new ones. They are such a nice group.
This is a really good, easy read, the sort of book you want to pick up when you need a break and just sit back and enjoy the story. I do hope there are more books to come in this series as it is very enjoyable.
Loved Frost Falls at the Potting Shed and love this just as much. Maddie seems to be getting things back on track. Her relationship with Ed is going well Then they hit a snag with trying to upgrade to a small garden centre
Bluebell Season at The Potting She'd is a sequel however, I have to state I love a good series of books as you can really get to know characters and build a better picture of their surrounding. This is a novel based around love and friendship ❤.
Maddie's and Ed relationship and the the business are both growning. Also there is an new addition to the team with Jo and his bright orange coffee van 😀 !
Maddie is converting the ground floor of her dad's old house to a shop and upstairs is going to be a flat for Maddie to live in.
Sister marred to Henry the architect will make her Drem of pottery barn come true!
There will 'be no massive bill afterwards either
Maddie wants to hold lessons too children and vulnerable adults. Will that be possible?Teach them how to grow things and come back to watch them grow. It will become a way to start making money, she goes on to calll it Little Acorns Gardening Club.
Furthing on in the novel we are introduced to Hazel Cooper, she is out to make trouble from the start.
''Mr Wulland- Harris has entrusted the working of this project to me' borrowed Henry's key, 'A professional would not have borrowed a key a junior member of staff and let themselves into someone's home without their knowledge to prepare for a meeting that their Clint did not sbout'. She then gets a verbal warning at work'.
We meet Kevin, Robert and Ahmed the apprentice, they are the builders 👷♀️ 👷♂️ that could make of break the project.
It's a race against time to get the garden centre ready in time, will the friends, builder's and family work together or will old foes break this original happy 😊 group be torn apart? Also 'certainly had one or two obstacles in your path' are these unreasonable?
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me a complementary digital copy of this ebook in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Spring has sprung, along with a new BIG Garden Centre not far away. Now that Maddie and Sabi have bitten the bullet and are extending their business it is all hands on deck.
Using Henry’s firm of architects for the works throws a spanner in the works in the shape of the new hire, Hazel Cooper.
Life throws what it can at Maddie and co but can they really be ready for a visit from the nations favourite gardener??
In the follow-up book to Frost Falls at the Potting Shed, we continue the story of Maddie and Ed. I probably wouldn’t call this a romcom, as the rom part of the story really happened in book 1. This just expands on their story and the stories of their friends and family. Off the top of my head, I can think of five different storylines happening in the book… but not in an overwhelming way! The author expertly blends them together.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Bluebell Season at the Potting Shed to come out March 30, 2023!
Brilliant second book in The Potting Shed Series. Unlike some series that have the stories taken place in the same location but are not a continuation of the plot, this is a story with the many of the same characters from book one and the reader gets to see more of their lives. I adored the main character, Maddie, from book one, and was thrilled to see her taking a major role in book two. I am similar to her in the way that she “speaks” to her deceased father (in her mind) and he still gives her advice (since she knows what he would tell her). I also talk to my plants as Maddie does. Truly delightful to find a kindred soul. I am fond of so many of the other characters also, from the sweet dogs to the people of various ages that support the potting shed. A story is truly well rounded when many age groups are represented in it.
The main focus of the plot is the moving forward to change the Potting Shed into a gardening center, but there is a very important second theme throughout the book. The question of whether a person can change from who they were as a child/young adult. Are you always stuck in the mold of the person you were, or is change possible?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I do believe that is because I read book one. I also think a reader can read this book independently, and fully understand it. Having the background of prior books in a series is always beneficial!
A huge thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This was such a nice feel good read, great location, good storyline and great characters. I liked it.
Great to be back. Spring is in the air. Things are on the up for Maddie. Both in her business and love life. But things soon change. Lovely book to read. It’s very well written. A bit slow in parts.
This was a good follow up to the previous book.
It was good to catch up with everyone and see what was happening at the potting shed.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
Good to be back at The Potting Shed again. This story moves along from the 1st, featuring both familiar & new characters, focussing on Maddie & Sabi’s plans to turn their father’s dream of developing The Potting Shed into a garden centre, alongside family & romantic relationships. We also learn more about the nursery coffee van’s owner, Jo, as his past comes marching through The Potting Shed causing upheaval & upset.
I enjoyed this book, and although it is the second in a series it could be read as a stand-alone, although knowing what the sisters went through in the 1st book does help to set the scene for this story.
Another great visit, I hope there are more to come.
I am loving this series so much, I had no idea I was so invested in gardening before lol.
A great cast of characters and a lovely story about family and friendship. Highly recommend and hope to read more from Jenny Kane very soon!
The second instalment of the Potting Shed series continues the story of Maddie and Sabi and their fight to keep the might of the BIG corporation at bay. Whereas in Frost Falls At The Potting Shed focused very much on the dual battles between the two businesses and between the sisters themselves, in Bluebell Season the family is presenting a more united front with regards to the business and it is personal relationships which drive the plot. Sabi's past comes back to haunt her, as does Jo's, albeit in a very different way, whilst Maddie is caught in the middle of all the drama, trying to ensure her relationship with Ed progresses as it should.
Jake and Petra make cameo appearances, but I hope that they will continue to be involved in future books, as I think the development of their relationship and Jake's continuing commitment to improving his literacy are provide a solid subplot which underpins many of the other relationships and storylines. In much the same way as the side (I won't call them minor as that does them a huge disservice) characters in Mill Grange became much loved, Jake and Petra are establishing themselves as integral parts of the series. So many people undervalue their skills and intelligence for similar reasons as Jake, that I think having this represented in fiction is vital.
The other aspect of Bluebell Season that I find interesting is the introduction of the character of Davina 'Ditzy' Ditz. Reference is made to the fact that as a celebrity she has to do a certain amount of publicity that is directed by her agent/management team and that anything she 'wants' to do, has to be run past them first. We've had a similar experience recently with regards to a local charity organisation and the whole process made me realise quite how much control is taken away from artists when they become 'big'. A celebrity can't do things in their local community, however much they might want to, because their management won't allow it. Authors can't necessarily sell their own books in the way they might want to because it has to go through their publisher. Singers can't perform in small gigs because it would be bad for their image as it might make them look less successful than they are. Introverts have to brace themselves to do book signings, meet and greet sessions etc. It's a side of success that the general public don't necessarily think about and that creative people don't always consider when they are pursuing their dream.
With Jenny's books it's not unusual for me to go down these rabbit-holes of musing about different aspects of life and Bluebell Season is no exception to this. I don't want to go into too much detail, as I don't want to include spoilers, but there are issues raised which will make people think more carefully about their own behaviour. In a world where it is so easy to form quick judgements about both people and their behaviour, we should all aim to be a little more 'Jem'.
I read Frost Falls at The Potting Shed, thoroughly enjoyed it, and couldn't wait to read the next in the series. I must say, it was as good as the first.
I felt like I was visiting old friends the moment I dived into the first page, and it was a delight to see how all the lovely characters had evolved and how the relationships had grown and developed.
There is no romance in this book, as such, but there is a deepening of the love already there, and to be honest, it didn't need it. I was having far too much fun reading about Maddie and Sabi's struggles to keep the garden centre afloat and make a go of It, and now some of the other issues were dealt with (not saying what, because you know...spoilers!).
If The Potting Shed was real (it actually feels as though it is) I would love to pay it a visit!
Another delightful visit to the potting shed! It was lovely to read about the changes and new developments after getting to know all the characters in the first book.
I also really enjoyed delving more into the lives of the people we only briefly met previously.
These books are fabulous feel good reads and the gardening theme is really refreshing.
I look forward to seeing what's next in store for Maddie and the new garden centre!
This is the second book in the Potting Shed series and this time it focuses on sisters, Maddie and Sabi, battling to turn the nursery into a garden centre. Their struggles are financial and competition from a major chain garden centre opening a few miles away.
This is a lovely, heart-warming book full of likeable characters.
A touch predictable but no less readable for that.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for providing an advance copy of this title for review. All opinions are my own and are honestly given.
Picking up where Frost Falls at the Potting Shed leaves off, sisters Maddie and Sabi are making a go of their late father’s nursery, now with the help of Maddie’s lawyer boyfriend, Ed. When a new competitor threatens The Potting Shed, Sabi and Madi need to find a way to keep The Potting Shed from closing for good.
Bluebell Season at The Potting Shed was a lovely, gentle read about friendship and family that will be ideal for lovers of cozy romances and women’s fiction. New and return visitors to The Potting Shed will find a lot to like in this one. 3.5 stars.
I loved the first book in the series and was so happy to get back into the world at the Potting Shed. If you haven't read the first book you can still enjoy this (but you might want to go back and read it to get some more backstory and context for what is going on in this book). I liked that everything wasn't all sunshine and rainbows and that we got to see everything that has to go into developing a business like the Potting Shed. Although things worked out in the end (otherwise this would have been quite a downer of a book) there were a lot of ups and downs in getting there. I always loved Maddie but Sabi took me a little longer (if you have read book 1 you understand why) - in this book got to learn more about Sabi and came to like her even more. One thing she and Maddie definitely have in common is that they have partners that are pretty much saints. Both Henry and Ed are unconditionally supportive of their partners, but also let them know when they are being too much. All of the supporting characters are wonderful. It was nice to see what Petra and Jake have been up to and to see Jake continue to come out of his shell. The side story involving Jo added a little drama to keep the book from being too much about renovations and business expansions. I liked the addition of Sara as a character and look forward to seeing her in future books. This book (much like the first) inspires me to get out in my yard and start doing some planting!
Bluebell Season at the Potting Shed by Jenny Hale.
I would like to thank Aria publishing for the E ARC of this book.
It was really nice being back at the potting shed to catch up with Maddie, her sister Sabi and all there family and friends.
Maddie and Sabi are working hard to make the potting shed a success and they have decided to go ahead with the changes that their late father wanted. This is putting them under financial pressure and they decide to give themselves a deadline to make money or they cut back on the development. This puts Maddie under more pressure but she is helped by her boyfriend Ed, Sabi, her husband and daughter plus all their friends.
However, things do not go smoothly. Henry (Sabi’s Husband) puts his new assistant on the job of overseeing the builders, who are turning the house that Maddie lives in into a flat above and a shop and café below. She is making mistakes and getting on everyone’s nerves. Is she doing this deliberately so that the potting shed fails? Also what has she against Jo, the friendly coffee van owner who comes to the shed every weekend to sell coffee? Why does Jo take off when she appears?
I loved the way that everyone pulls together and does all they can to make the potting shed a success, but do they manage to open the extension on time to save it or was it all a waste of time and effort?
A really good read, good characters and plot line.
I loved this! It was so great to be back at The Potting Shed with Maddie and Ed. I love how they compliment each other and how Ed loves and supports her, he certainly does enjoy the nursery as much as she does, I hope we get to see more of them in later books to see how they manage with his new job promotion.
The story line with Jo was really interesting, I’ve never read a book with a trans gender story and it was interesting to see not only how he thought of himself and what he deserved but also what others thought of him, both negative and positive. Jemima is a fantastic kid and I loved her innocence and advice that was spot on.
A brilliant book from start to finish, it can be read as a stand alone but so much better if you’ve read the previous book as you understand the dynamics better.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.
It was so good to be back meet up with the characters at The Potting Shed.
It was lovely to see how Ed encourages and supports Maddie, he really loves being at the nursery as much as her her,
Jo’s story was interesting to read, the way he saw himself and others saw him.
I look forward to reading how the characters lives progress as well as Maddie and Ed’s relationship following his promotion. The book can be read as a standalone, but it’s best to read the first book, so you can understand the story in this book better.
I recommend this book.
A great sequel to the 1st book.
Maddie and her sister Sabi have set themselves a goal to change the nursery into a garden centre, they’ve set themselves a time limit to pay back their 1st loan in order to proceed with their dreams.
Unfortunately the Big garden centre are only a few miles away and having a grand opening. Can the sisters, along with their friends and family, get enough customers through their doors to make the business worthwhile?
A lovely read, was great to catch up with all the characters. I hope there is a 3rd book
"Bluebell Season at The Potting Shed" by Jenny Kane is a charming and heartwarming story set in the idyllic English countryside. It follows the story of Isabelle, who inherits her grandfather's potting shed and decides to turn it into a thriving business.
As she navigates the ups and downs of starting a new venture, Isabelle also grapples with personal issues and relationships that are holding her back. With the help of her friends and community, she begins to find her footing and embrace the potential of her new enterprise.
Kane's writing is lovely and immersive, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the picturesque setting of the story. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, with their own unique quirks and struggles that make them feel like real people.
The plot is engaging and uplifting, with a satisfying sense of closure that will leave readers feeling warm and content. Overall, "Bluebell Season at The Potting Shed" is a delightful read that celebrates the joys of friendship, community, and following your dreams.
Although I enjoyed this book I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first one. It seemed to follow the same events as last time and nobody had moved on at all. If there is another one in this series I hope that things move forward more. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Maddie and Sabi are moving forward with their plans for the Potting Shed. They are determined to keep their Dad’s dream alive by making the Potting Shed a regular nursery store. They also have plans to make the old family home into a gardening store. The know they are going to have to have enough in their sales to pay back the loan they have out.
This is going to be hard with a new gardening store open very close to where they are at the Potting Shed.
Reading how the sisters are forging ahead with their fathers dreams was very fun to read. I enjoyed all the characters in this story.
Thank you NetGalley, Jenny Kane and Aria & Aries for the Arc of Bluebell Season at The Potting Shed. This is my personal review.
A bigger, better financed garden center is abut to open just as Maddie and Sami start renovations at the Potting Shed. Sure it's 20 miles away but that's still a threat to them. Luckily they have the support of family and friends. It's a pleasant read about family and how it takes a village for all of us. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
THis is a great series and I recommend reading it. I have a feeling that this is the last time that we will be heading to the Potting Shed and I for one will be very sorry if it is. Great characters and setting with several twists along the way. Get into this story from the very first page. Well worth 5 stars, shame it can't be more.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC
I'm loving this series and like the characters and the work with plants. I enjoyed this story but I found it a bit repetitive and some issues forced.
It's a good story and look forward to the next one.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
The second in the Potting Shed season and another heartwarming read from Jenny Kane.
It was wonderful seeing how far Maddie and Sabi had come in working on and developing their lives at the nursery. As in the first book, each of the characters introduced are warm and relatable and I loved the introduction of Sara. With little hints again of the local area, I’ve loved being back at The Potting Shed and can’t wait to see what comes next.
Another lovely visit to The Potting Shed. Maddie & Sabi have inherited their dad's nursery & this story follows their journey into turning the business into a garden centre. So many ups & downs to go through before they hope to succeed. Lots of friends & families bring their own problems to the Potting Shed & nothing is straight forward!
I loved the first book & this just continued with great characters & feel good stories of their lives.
An easy read & that's because of the great writing by Jenny Kane. Look forward to the next!