Second blog tour of the day and I have another RaRaResources post for you all. I am one of the bloggers hosting Christie Barlow and her new book, ‘Love Heart Lane’ – huge thanks to RaRaResources for the blog tour invite, and many thanks to HarperImpulse for the ARC. Here is my review:
Welcome to Love Heart Lane…
When Flick Simons returns to the small village of Heartcross she only expected to stay for a few days. The white-washed cottages of Love Heart Lane might be her home, but the place holds too many painful memories, and of one man in particular – Fergus Campbell.
When a winter storm sweeps in, the only bridge connecting the village to the main land is swept away! As the villagers pull together, Flick finds herself welcomed back by the friends she once left behind. And as the snow begins to melt, maybe there is a chance that Fergus’s heart will thaw too…
What does TWG think?
Does it sound bad if I say that I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book so much? I guess part of me thought that I would be faced with a candyfloss style read what with the title being what it is, however I have to say that I couldn’t have been more wrong if I tried! ‘Love Heart Lane’ isn’t some ‘sweeter than candy’ type of novel in the sense that makes you eyeroll, its actually the complete opposite.
Felicity left her home village to start afresh in the hustle and bustle of London. Even though she missed her family and good friends, she couldn’t seem to brush off the emotions behind her real reasons for leaving. Until now. For some things, Felicity’s visit is a little bit too late, yet for other things her visit could be the start of something new. And by that I don’t mean the new bridge!
So yes, as I was saying, this novel is such a tender, gifted read which made me grin from ear to ear with happiness. There was nothing in the storyline which appeared false as, fictional they may be, all of the characters appeared to be genuine. I could tell that a lot of love had went into creating such colourful characters – I sure had my favourites!
I loved the community atmosphere and the sense of forgiveness, despite how many years had passed since emotions were frayed and relationships and friendships were tested. It gave me such a good feeling watching the villagers all come together, thus being the perfect moment for me to think ‘you know what, the title totally fits’. And it does.
I am so very pleased that my original thoughts of the book were completely and utterly wrong, as ‘Love Heart Lane’ was such an uplifting, magnetic, huggable read which left me wanting more. If you’re after a novel which makes you feel like you’re floating on air, surrounded by duvets and pillows, whilst also filling your heart with joy and gratitude, then this book will be right up your street….well, or lane like the title suggests.
Buy from Amazon UK
Buy from Amazon US
About the author.
Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty’s Countryside Dream, Lizzie’s Christmas Escape, Evie’s Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Love Heart Lane. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA & Australia. Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being as well as Literary Editor for http://www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the book world.
The Writing Garnet 