This was a quiet, character-driven contemporary story about healing, second chances, and a crumbling estate that mirrors the people trying to save it 😌

I really liked the setting of Hazelgrove itself—it almost feels like a character in its own right. I liked how the decaying stately home reflects the emotional states of the people living and working there, creating a strong sense of atmosphere and shared struggle.

What I enjoyed most: the ensemble cast of characters 🌱 Each person comes in carrying trauma, whether it’s family pressure, loss, or personal failure, and I really liked how their individual stories gradually weave together through the shared goal of saving Hazelgrove. It gives the story a gentle sense of community building.

I also liked Oliver and Rachel’s dynamic—Rachel’s optimism acting as a counterbalance to Oliver’s resistance to change, which helps push the emotional arc forward without feeling forced.

If you love found-family stories, rural/estate settings, gentle emotional drama, redemption arcs, and ensemble casts dealing with personal healing, this is heartfelt, reflective, and quietly hopeful 📖🌿💛

I absolutely loved this story. It was amazing . One of my reads of 2026. . Told by different characters. The child part will have you in tears. A freak road accident led the main character to an old house and a fabulous story followed .Just read. You won’t be able to put it down.

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

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

The story is in the POV of the different characters, the child’s story is emotional.

When one of the characters has an accident, she’s taken to an old house that only one person lives in. She’s got so many questions about it.

It had you hooked and turning the pages to read what happens next.

I highly recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc.

I loved this story! One of my top reads of 2026. Healing and second chances. Hazelgrove as the setting was great. The crumbling estate was a character all on its own. I loved all of the characters and how they each had their own traumas and how they are all able to work together to save the estate.

A delightful blend of whimsy and heart, this story wrapped me up like a soft blanket. The pacing was calm and soothing, yet never dull, and the magical setting felt like a place I’d happily visit again and again. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling long after you finish.

Rachel despierta en un lugar desconocido, con el cuerpo dolorido y recuerdos fragmentados de un incidente en la carretera que no termina de encajar. Lo único claro es que alguien la llevó hasta Hazelgrove, una antigua y enigmática mansión donde cada pasillo parece guardar secretos. Oliver, el hombre que la rescató, se muestra amable y reservado, pero su forma de vivir aislado en una propiedad en decadencia despierta tantas preguntas como confianza.

Mientras Rachel intenta recomponer su mente y decidir qué hacer con su vida tras una pérdida que la ha dejado emocionalmente a la deriva, la casa comienza a ejercer sobre ella una extraña fascinación. Hay algo en ese lugar, en su silencio y en su historia, que la invita a quedarse un poco más, a descubrir lo que se esconde tras sus puertas cerradas.

Al mismo tiempo, en otro rincón, la pequeña Rosie observa cómo su mundo se desmorona poco a poco, atrapada en una realidad donde el cuidado y la seguridad ya no están garantizados. Su padre, Joe, oscila entre momentos de cercanía y una oscuridad que amenaza con arrastrarlo todo.

Tres vidas que parecen no tener conexión comienzan a avanzar hacia un punto en común, donde las decisiones, los secretos y las heridas del pasado podrían cambiarlo todo. En Hazelgrove, nada es tan simple como parece y cada descubrimiento tiene un precio.


Gracias NetGalley y a la editorial por el ARC.

i think many people might need a bit of Hazelgrove. and all the people we meet there. certainly a bit of the comfort this book bought to me. its one of those special books that sit itself comfortably on our shoulder and makes things feel a little better for a time.
Rachel wasn't planning a trip to Hazelgrove. waking up there must have been a shock. she cant remember all the pieces that bought her here either. but here she is. this place is old and in need a bit of TLC just like she does right now. Oliver is kind. looks after people. but he doesn't exactly welcome what occurred to make him need to help Rachel out. he would much rather stay in his bubble. hes kept himself so much away from all other things though that it might now be time to reach out. maybe a bit or Rachel, or something, was exactly what he needs.
as Rachel tries her best to heal and figure things out, she become more and more drawn to the place. the place has a quietness over it, a settled feeling but also something more. something she wants to find out more from.
turns out Rachel might not be the only one in need here. and we learn of just who and why. and it gets touch emotional i can tell you that. the state of the home almost mirrors those struggling and crumbling a bit inside it. the place is a character all of itself. one we somehow come to root for as much as the people trying to save it too. both house and people there need some healing. and i was rooting for all of them. i wanted to somehow lay a protective scoop like hug around the place and people.
this is a story that pulls you in. it somehow calms the soul but also make you want to fight somehow for those who need it. and also hug those closest to you and make sure they are all ok.
i loved it.

Such a wonderful book!. The house forms the centre of the book. The story is told from the point of view of several characters, each of which has a gripping tale to tell. Such an emotional tale of family and community, I just couldn't put it down.

This emotional and heartwarming novel centres around Hazelgrove, an old country house. The story follows several characters, including Oliver, Rachel and her granddaughter Rosie ( I did find Rosie’s storyline to be especially emotional and upsetting). Hazelgrove’s crumbling state really does reflect the struggles of the characters who all have their own pain and trauma that they’re trying to come to terms with.
Overall, it was a moving read and one I’m glad I picked up and stuck with.