Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage by Zara Stoneley is a lighthearted and easy to read romance.

Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage is a delightful and heartwarming novel set in the picturesque village of Langtry Meadows. The story follows Lucy Jacobs, who has recently moved to the village and fallen in love with her new home, Jasmine Cottage, as well as the charming vet, Charlie.

As the lazy days of summer give way to autumn, Lucy finds herself picking blackberries and contemplating putting down roots in this idyllic setting - hence the title of the book.

Stoneley's writing beautifully captures the essence of village life, with its close-knit community and the simple joys of nature. This struck a chord with me as someone who grew up surrounded by small villages.

The romance between Lucy and Charlie is tender and believable, making readers root for their happiness. The book is a perfect blend of romance and the beauty of rural life, offering a cozy escape that will warm your heart. Whether you're a fan of romances or just looking for a feel-good read, Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage is likely to be a hit.

This is the second book in a series.

It was an absolute delight to make my way back to Langtry Meadows and re-acquainting myself with Lucy, Charlie and all the other lovely villagers. This book flows on nicely from the first one although it would read very well as a standalone too.

Lucy seems very settled in her life teaching the little ones at the local primary school whilst still living in Annie's cottage and managing an assortment of animals. Her relationship with Charlie, the hunky vet, is going quite well until his ex-wife tries to put a spanner in the works. She will need to do some deep thinking about whether or not she should keep her distance from him because things could well get very nasty indeed! Then there is the issue of Maisie, Charlie's little girl - although even that fact isn't certain. Maisie is her student as well as the daughter of her boyfriend so no possibility of any kind of crossing of lines there then ;)

On the surface, this novel could be described as a light bit of reading, chick lit. However, it is a book which deals with very contemporary issues and there are always secrets in small villages. Who is keeping secrets and will they be revealed?

I truly hope that this series continues because I want to keep on reading about all of these wonderful characters that the author has conjured up. I have to say, I loved all of them and reading about them again is like picking up your favourite soft jumper, curling up in front of the fire and snuggling in.

Highly recommended from me, 4.5 stars.

I enjoyed this book even though I haven't read the first one. I will be looking out for it though and this authors next one. Thank you for letting me read and review this book

Review: I adore Zara'a books and this is a second in the series. The main character is so relate able and I love that in a story. Langtry Meadows is full of lovely characters and again like in this first book in this series I felt real connection with our main heroine. I cannot wait until this next.

So excited to be back in Langtry Meadows courtesy of Zara Stoneley! ‘Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage’ is the second book in ‘The Little Village on the Green’ series and, despite having read the first book back in May, I was able to slot back into the storyline with no issues what so ever. This book can be read as a standalone to a point, however I would recommend that you read the first book in the series, ‘Summer with the Country Village Vet’, so that you can fully appreciate the storyline and the characters of the second book. Plus, the first book is, in my opinion, Zara Stoneley’s best book yet. Win win don’t you think?

In the last book we left Lucy and Charlie with a huge question mark over their heads – would the authors newest book see the pair get a happy ending? Or will they have to endure yet another rocky road?

Above I said that the first book in the series was Zara Stoneley’s best book yet. I’m afraid I have to take that back. Why? Because folks, ‘Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage’ has now taken that accolade! I, hand on heart, cannot fault this book at all. My heart went out to little Maisie on multiple occasions! What a difficult situation for such a little person to be in! I really do think that Charlie handled the situation with such grace and dignity, despite the threats which followed from Maisie’s mother (not that she can really say a lot given what she went and done!). Whilst Charlie and Maisie’s situation made itself known within the storyline, it didn’t overpower the other characters in the book at all. In actual fact, it helped the other situations stand out.

I absolutely loved reading this book to find out what path Lucy’s life took, especially as she started her new job and we got to follow her daily life in the local school. Yes, I laughed out loud at several of the children’s one liners. Out the mouths of babes springs to mind!

The entire vibe of ‘Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage’ felt relaxing, calming and extremely cosy. Most of the time I didn’t feel as though I was reading a fictional novel, instead I felt like I was merely catching up with a bunch of good friends after a while of no contact. Honestly, how can anyone complain at that?

Despite laughing and having aching cheeks from smiling so much, there was a part of the book which made a lump form in my throat. I had a word with myself about not crying, but seconds later it all became clear that I didn’t even listen to myself as the tears started to flow. I wasn’t emotional because of sadness – I was emotional because my heart felt so much love towards certain characters and the situation that they had to face, and were facing after so many years. You really have got to be made of stone to not find that emotional. Trust me on that!

I say this every single time, but Zara Stoneley really does write magic with her fingertips. I have never read books from the same author which make me feel as though I’m getting a hug every single time. I have never read a book which makes me feel multiple emotions all at once, whilst still feeling hugged.

Full of laughter, drama and heart-warming moments you’ll never tire of, ‘Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage’ is one of the most huggable, loveable, and enchanting book I have read this year. If I could bottle up the feelings I get whilst reading a Zara Stoneley novel, purely to save for later when I’m needing a pick me up, I would.

Zara Stoneley, once again, has written a book from her very own heart, straight to ours. Such a beautifully written, powerful and majestic read – perfect to read over, and over, and over again.

Thanks Harper Impulse.

Whilst this story doesn't have the comic genius of the Tippermere series, its characters ensure that you keep turning the pages, eager to know what happens next. I missed out on the first book of The Little Village on the Green stories, but this one was easy to get into and has proved an enjoyable read.

The villagers are interesting characters and the romance between Charlie the village Vet and Lucy the village schoolteacher has a realistic edge to it. Custody battles and possible school closures, threaten the idyllic village setting and there are plenty of animal characters, full of antics to keep the villagers on their toes.

Elsie's story has a particular poignancy and Lucy's own parallels with Charlie's daughter Maise makes it easy to empathise with her. Despite all the conflict, the ending gives the reader hope that our village lovers have a future. I can't wait to return to Langtry Meadows and see what happens next.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

First acquaintance with Zara Stoneley. Decisions, decisions. Where to take control of your future. How to live with your past. How to love others not putting your wants above others. All mixed up with a community whom opens their arms to you. Delightful read!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. I read this book in less than 24 hours. I really enjoyed this story with all the subplots going on at the same time. Lucy is a very loveable charater. I hope this story continues.

I'll admit that [Blackberry Picking At Jasmine Cottage] is not my usual fare. But I loved the cheerful cover and English village setting so requested an advance reader's copy from NetGalley. And, spending some time in that quaint English village turned out to be a welcome respite from an increasingly chaotic world. There are only hints of evil in the world of Langtry Meadows as one of the characters experienced domestic abuse but all that has happened in the past, and we are spared the details that more realistic fiction might include.

Not that the world of the Little Village on the Green is a complete fantasy. The inhabitants of Langtry Meadows are quirky but welcoming, and I found myself drawn to their everyday struggles. We see vulnerable human beings who, in many cases, are more interested in the well being of others even when it means heartache for them. Lucy loves her country vet but understands that he must do everything he can to keep his daughter from a loving, if neglectful mother. Perhaps there is the fantasy of this cosy romance. Stoneley manages to create tension around the main storyline, but the reader knows that, ultimately, good will win. And that is not always the case in the real world.

It's a Hallmark movie in a book and perfect for a day when you want to snuggle under the blankets with a lovely cup of tea and escape.

Nice feel good book. Had a nice story and well written. Lovely characters well put together. Book cover was lovely and eye catching. I didnt know it was a 2nd in the series or i probably wouldnt have requested. But was happy with it and will be looking for the 1st book

Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage continues on from the first book now that Lucy has happily settled down in the enviable village setting of Langtry Meadows with her satisfying job and her attentive, gorgeous boyfriend Charlie, the local village vet. Her desire to set down stronger roots sees her looking to buy a property there so when Jasmine Cottage comes onto the market, Lucy knows that her life is about to change for the better. But there are still doubts in her mind when it comes to future plans for settling down with Charlie as he comes with his own emotional baggage and not all of it is as loveable as his 6 year old daughter Maisie. Can this personable couple ever have their fairy tale happy ever after?

I relish the way I feel like I disappear into Zara Stoneleys books. I actually became part of the village setting here, emotionally connecting with the inhabitants as if I lived amongst them myself. Lucy is a wonderful character creation- her relationships with her friends and colleagues are warm and realistic whilst her bond with her mother is constantly evolving as secrets from the past come to light creating a unexpected poignancy throughout. This is Lucy’s love affair with a community as much as it is with Charlie and the autumnal weather we are experiencing at the moment provided the perfect excuse to cuddle up with a hot chocolate and follow the village as it meanders it’s way towards Christmas through those busy school year markers of Halloween, Bonfire night and Nativity plays. Foodwise, this is definitely my favourite time of year and the descriptions of the blackberry picking had me desperate to start foraging in my local area for all the ingredients to make an autumnal crumble to be shared at one of our huge family Sunday lunches.

And so it was with sadness that I said goodbye to my Langtry Meadows “family” at the end of Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage with its emotionally charged ending leaving me desperate to meet with them all again in book 3! Zara Stoneley has once again weaved her unique style of magic into her captivating storytelling and the lovely Langtry Meadows has proved a difficult backdrop to move on from. Highly recommended by me!

Are there really charming country villages like this? I always think village life is probably more like "the Casual vacancy" by JK Rowling (under her other pen name).

This is a gentle, charming novel set in a stereotypical idyllic village. Lovely characters with a mix of concerns.

Not sure if having read book 1 first would make a difference - I didn't feel like I had missed anything.

This was a really good, interesting read. It had great well rounded characters and a fun story which wasn't too dramatic but was still engaging. It had a nice autumnal feel to it too which added to the enjoyment.

Guys. What a lovely feeling it was, to be back at Langtry Meadows with the characters from "Summer with the Country Village Vet"! It was so great that we didn't have to wait too long for the second book in the series, and as "Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage" started off exactly where we left, it was so easy to immediately get comfortable and enjoy the novel immensely.
Because guys, there is no other option than enjoy this book! I'll probably repeat myself in this review but Zara Stoneley has such a huge talent to write welcoming, warm, down - to - earth and funny stories, with the best characters in the world. We are back with the incredibly laid back Lucy, the sexiest vet ever Charlie (can you hear me roar?), Maisie, Sally, Jim, Elsie, Trish and many, many other colourful and wonderful characters that we remember from book number one.

This novel was packed full with events yet it never felt too overdone, which must be an art itself. There were dramas aplenty but also many, many, many relaxing and hilarious situations usually involving animals and children, and Zara Stoneley can write both brilliantly well. There is not a single moment flat and I was so caught up in the lives of the characters that I didn't want to put the book away. The author has in such a great way written about Maisie and how hard it was for her to come to terms with the fact that her mum is right now absent from her life, and she wonderfully captured all those feelings and emotions of a little girl. Don't get me wrong, Charlie and Lucy of course did whatever they could that Maisie felt loved but still her mum was not there and she felt so alone, and my heart was breaking in thousand little pieces when I saw her so sad. Then of course we have this brilliant, lovely close knit community that support each other no matter what - they just go along so easily, in such a natural, genuine way. There are also some secrets being kept in the story and some closures as well and it all just works perfectly together.

Reading the book was for me like sitting under my favourite blanket, in front of the fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate with a whipped cream and marshmallows - it was absolutely a bliss and I can't wait for a book 3 in the series. There was this so hard to capture cosy and warm feeling and I truly didn't want this story to end. I think that Zara Stoneley's writing and stories just get better and better and each of her books is a real treat for me, as I know that she's always going to deliver this what I'm looking for. I highly recommend "Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage"!

Very cute! I would've liked a little more plot but the depth of the characters made up for that in my eyes.

There's no point even denying it, I am a huge fan of Stoneleys work so when I heard she had a new book coming out I literally jumped up and down for joy and had it sent to my kindle faster than you can say "page turner"... It was only as I sat down to read that I realised this was the second book in her Langtry Meadows series, the first book Summer with the Country Village Vet was one of my favourites, so I was doubly excited to be back in Lucy's world groping Charlie the hunky vet.

This book sees Lucy heading back to school as the teacher of class 1 and 2 at the little village school, where she has the task of organising the Christmas nativity, and because we're in Langtry Meadows it doesn't just involve organising the children but a whole cast of animals too. Which lets be honest would have anyone reaching for a glass or two of Matt's mulled wine.

In this instalment we find out a few of those burning questions we had at the end of book one... did roly-poly puppy end up living with Lucy? (look away now if you dont want a spoiler) I'm sad to report the answer to this question is a no... but don't fret there were other questions left unanswered that we finally get answers too.

As is usual with Stoneleys work, this book grabs the reader and wraps you up in a big warm hug whilst you settle down to village life, not letting you go until the book is finished. And it leaves you wondering exactly what our characters will get up to in book 3.

Really enjoyed this book even though I had not read the first one in the series.
Lovely story about residents in a country village, dealing with their past so they can enjoy a future together.

Lucy has now taken a permanent position as teacher in the Langtry Meadows school and is settling in at the start of term - life is looking good - Charlie the gorgeous vet has his daughter Maisie staying for six months while his ex wife Josie is working abroad and a lovely little cottage comes up for sale.......should she buy it or what will happen in six months time when Josie comes back.

Josie however starts making waves and holding Maisie over Charlie's head, and is the little girl going to settle away from her old friends and school? Suddenly things aren't quite so settled for Lucy but as always the village will all pull together to help sort out any problems

A lovely story - great to be back in Langtry Meadows with all of the old characters - a nice relaxing easy read book that don't want to put down

What a wonderful return to Langtry Meadows, home to Lucy, Charlie, Maisie, plus all the various members in the small village, such as Elsie, Jim, Sally, Jill and Matt who you may remember if you read the first book.

This was such a calming book to read, although saying that it wasn’t without its drama too. There were whole sections where I couldn’t be parted from the story as I need to know who it would all turn out.
I was also glad to see that it felt like some of the storylines that were introduced in the first book, were not only continued but resolved to a certain extent. Always a nice feeling to get some closure on longer running threads.

This could though be read as a standalone, as you don’t need to have read book 1 to fully appreciate this book, however I know that I felt right at home back in Langtry Meadows within pages of starting Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage just from being in a familiar setting again. It almost certainly enhanced my enjoyment having read both books.

There is plenty of story to keep you going, and it’s reasonably well paced, and takes in the Autumn term at Lucy’s school. We get to hear from the many young children she teaches which all have great things to say, plus there are animal antics all over this book.

What struck me most was Maisie, she is 6 years old and is living with her father Charlie but clearly missing her mum. Charlie and Lucy’s relationship is at threat from Charlie’s soon to be ex-wife, and Maisie just is struggling. Later in the book Jim comes out with some absolute nuggets of wisdom, that I feel anyone in the same or similar situation should take not of.

I loved Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage, with its warm cosy feel from the gorgeous cover, to the title, to the whole feel of the village. It’s a close knit community with an array of characters that each have distinct personalities and it was Elsie who was a standout for me. She is perhaps one of the oldest residents of the village, and has kept a huge secret over the years. Now although I worked it out partway through the book, it was still a touching moment when it was revealed.

A thoroughly enjoyable book that I am delighted to have read.

Thank you to Harper Impulse and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I enjoyed reading the first book in this series and had high hopes for Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage.

We return to Langtry Meadows to catch up with Lucy and Charlie, Lucy has decided to buy a house in the village and with Charlie looking after his daughter Maisie, life does not run as smoothly as they would like.

With Charlie’s ex causing problems, he and Lucy are not sure what to do for the best in relation to Maisie, and when she goes missing the whole village come together to find her.

This book tells you about the ups and downs of village life, from the chaos of the nativity to Miss Harrington revealing her longtime secret. This has a little bit of everything, colourful believable characters, some great humour especially from the children and lots of romance.

Zara Stoneley writes a wonderful lighthearted book which was as enjoyable as the first and which I would recommend.