A unique storyline. I enjoyed the people in the story as well as the location. Well written. Thanks for letting me read it.

This second part of the "Rabbit's Leap" series is very good! I really enjoyed reading it! It's again (like the first part) a page turner, the characters are really likeable and a lot of people can recognized themselves in the issues raised in this book. I couldn't stop reading this book, I gave it a 5 stars out of 5. I even surprised myself to laugh out loud a couple of times which I love when it happens when reading! Thank you Kellie Hailes!

Jody is a single mother to twin boys and has vowed that she won't find love whilst her two biggest loves still need her. After an incident in the past, Jody decides to give something back to her hometown Rabbit's Leap by hosting the best festival possible. To make it the best of the best, she calls upon an extremely handsome event planner, Christian, to help her.

When Christian arrives at Rabbit's Leap acting rather stubborn and in charge, Jody decides she can do this without him and insists he go back to his busy life in London. Christian, however, has far too much belief in this big little festival and does everything he can to convince Jody to let him stick around. But the festival isn't the only thing he wants to stick around for.

This is the second book set in Rabbit's Leap, but can be read as a stand-alone novel. I really love Jody, even if she could be too stubborn for her own good at times. The love she has for her twin boys is so admirable and she's so passionate about Rabbit's Leap and the people inside of it. The chemistry between Jody and Christian is very obvious from the beginning and although he may not have made the best first impression on her, he was definitely just what she needed in her life, as we got to hear about her past and why she wanted to help Rabbit's Leap so bad, by opening up to him. I also enjoyed the story Christian was hiding too, as it just shows both of them have made mistakes and his was rather interesting.

The Big Little Festival will definitely put you in to the festival spirit and is a perfect cosy read. I will most certainly be reading the first book to the series, ready for the Christmas book. The characters are all so likeable, therefore I can't wait to find out who's story we will be reading about next time!

I had high hopes for this book when I was granted a copy for review last summer but, sadly, I couldn't get past the 20% mark the first time I started it so I set it aside to come back to later.
I couldn't get much further the second time I read it.
Why?
I'm not sure. In theory, the book is right up my street but I just suffered from a case of extreme disconnect from the characters and story as a whole. I didn't care about why Jody felt she owed the town such a big debt, I didn't feel the chemistry between Jody and Christian and do not get me started on 'welly-wagging'...
I'm sure many will find it charming but I sadly need to add The Big Little Festival to my 'DNF' pile.

Even though this book is part of a series I found it could be easily read as a standalone. You do get to catch up with characters from the first book but it just added to the overall story. Along with being a lovely touch for readers who had read The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises.

I loved the first time that Jodi and Christian meet there is tension galore and the sparring between them was lots of fun to see. There were plenty of moments where this story had me smiling away. Jodi is likeable and very determined to make the festival a success and at first Christian is a bit of a mystery but as time goes on more of his personality is revealed. The question is can Christian and Jodi work together?


There is a lovely warmth to Kellie Hailes writing that easily draws you in plus some laughs along the way making it very easy to find yourself immersed in the story. The Big Little Festival has that lovely community feeling to it and I loved how everyone rallies together.

I read this book in an evening after grabbing a hot chocolate and in no time at all I had finished. If you need to unwind I can definitely recommend The Big Little Festival and I'm already looking forward to re-visiting Rabbits Leap!

With a gorgeous heart warming vibe that will leave you in a lovely mood!

Four stars from me!

With thanks to Jenny at Neverland Blog Tours for my copy via Netgalley. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

I enjoyed this book. Very predictable. Will read more. Didn't read the 1st book and didnt know it was a second in the series

Firstly, thank you to Netgalley, the author and Jenny at Neverland Blog Tours for my copy of this book in exchange for my review. Also, thank you for the chance to take part in the Weekend Blitz for it!

A excellent sequel to the first book. I loved finding out more about Jody, her boys, and can only hope the third is about Serena. She’s a character I’d love to know more about, and while there are little hints in this book about her you don’t get a full image of who she is and what she’s doing back in Rabbit’s Leap.

While this can be read as a stand-alone book, I did read the first one before this and I think it helped. You got a little backstory for some of the characters in that one that you didn’t really get in this one, it sort of skims over everyone. The involvement of characters from the previous book make this one feel like your coming to have a catch up with some old friends.

While the romance in the first book was intense and full on, the romance between Jody and Christian was simmering, hopeful, strong and just plain old nice. It was a change that Christian took to her children, and wanted to care for them. Jody is a strong character, she knows what she wants and she knows that her boys come first. Until Christian comes along anyway. Christian is a bit of a hit and miss character for me. One one hand he’s the perfect gent, on the other hand he’s bit of a wimp. One page I loved him, the next I didn’t really like him.

The writing style was quick and easy to get into and didn’t leave anything out of the picture. I loved the way this book came across and devoured it within a few hours. As I said before, it felt like coming home to old friends for a chat, a cup of tea and a laugh. It’s a 4out of 5 from me.

The Big Little Festival is the second book in the Rabbit’s Leap series by Kellie Hailes, though from my experience it can easily be read as a standalone novel. I enjoyed watching Christian’s character change and begin to consider that success can mean different things to different people. It was sad that his parents were so cold and unloving and it brought up an interesting theme of poor parenting and the affects it can have on children. There’s often lasting consequences on a person’s emotional sense of self when there’s a lack of love and attention, especially when there’s a lack of pride and connection.

The novel touched upon the notion that trying to protect yourself and your heart can often lead you to become cold and closed off. Sometimes it takes finding the right person to open your eyes to your flaws and falling in love to opening yourself to possibilities of a life filled with love and meaning. I loved the way the book ended and I’m interested to know what happened in the first novel.

The book was filled with interesting characters that lent quite a humorous tone despite the sad nature of some of the character’s pasts. I enjoyed this book and would be interested in reading more by the author.

The Blurb :
With only weeks until the little Devon village of Rabbit’s Leap holds its first ever festival, Jody McArthur is desperate. She – more than anyone – wants to raise the funds to rebuild the local swimming pool and when she fell pregnant with her twin boys, it was the village who was there to support her. So, to stop disaster in its tracks, she brings in bigshot London events manager Christian Middlemore to make The Big Little Festival the huge success everyone deserves.
But Jody is totally unprepared for the impact reserved-but-gorgeous Christian has on Rabbit’s Leap – and her heart! Except Jody has avoided relationships for so long, and anyway, she’s sure romance between a country-born-and-bred single mum and a career-focused city boy would be impossible – wouldn’t it?
As tensions rise along with the home baked scones and miles and miles of bunting, Jody is about to find out!

My Thoughts :
The Big Little Festival is the second book in the Rabbit's Leap series. It can be read as a standalone although some of the characters make a return in the story and its nice to of read a bit about them before.
Jody McArthur, is a single mum to twin boys Tyler and Jordan. Jody wants to give something back to Rabbit's Leap by rebuilding the local village swimming pool, with the help of handsome event planner Christian, they organise a festival in just 3 weeks.
There is an obvious spark between Jody and Christian, but as Jody is sworn off men, will she let her guard down and can Christian work his charm on her and the villagers?. I really like this couple, Jody is down to earth and relatable, she is very determined and wont let anything get in her way. I really enjoyed reading about some things that happened in the past for both couples. This is a feel good story with some fun and humour. Kellie Hailes, kept me hooked throughout. Love this village and its occupants.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and even though this is the second book featuring the village of Rabbits Leap it is easily read as a stand alone. I’ve had a lot of stress recently so was really looking forward to reading something that I could escape into and this book definitely met that need. While the book does deal with some serious life issues it does so in such a way that doesn’t make the book feel like a heavy read. Instead this story is a light, joyous read that comes alive and makes you want to move to Rabbits Leap immediately.

The characters are all well-written, realistic and believable which is even more impressive when you consider the age range of the characters in the story. Each characters personality shines through and that’s what makes the story work as well as it does.

If you’re looking for something to read which will allow you to escape from the world for a few hours and give you a lovely warm, cosy feeling then this is the book for you.

In the midst of Autumn in the UK, it was rather nice to escape to a bit of summer over at Rabbit's Leap in Devon. The most appealing part of the book for me is the humour. Some of this is generated through Jodi's two sons and the villagers on the Organising Committee but also through Jodi herself. It is story with a lot of heart and you cannot help but sympathise with her as she tries to get the festival up and running.

Rabbit's Leap is a great community- the sort of place it would be lovely to visit. Anyone who has ever had even the smallest hand in organising some sort of fete will see just what she is up against. Village politics abounds. Jodi never gives up however and has to work through a few of her demons before the end of the story.

There is plenty of romance to make it a heartwarming read. From the moment Christian appears, remonstrating with Jodi's children, it is pretty clear the direction it is going to take and it does not disappoint. That's not a bad thing, of course. I enjoyed seeing how it was going to end.

In short: great characters and a heartwarming plot make this a lovely read.

Thanks to the publishers for a copy of the book.

As delicious as a slice of lemon drizzle cake and a glass of Prosecco, The Big Little Festival is a charming, romantic and compelling romp fans of Katie Fforde and Trisha Ashley are going to love!

Romance is definitely not on the agenda for single mum Jodi. With two boys to bring up single-handedly and a mistake from her past that haunts her till this very day, Jodi now keeps her heart under lock and key and puts all of her time and energy into raising her boys. With the anniversary of how the village of Rabbits Leap got its name, Jodi had come up with the idea of a festival in order to celebrate this momentous occasion and raise enough money to repair the community pool. But Jodi soon realises that organising a festival is no walk in the park and, determined to avert disaster, she brings in party planner extraordinaire Christian Middlemore and sparks quickly begin to fly between the two of them…

Christian might be infuriating and aggravating, but he is also one of the most handsome men she has ever clapped eyes on! As the pressure begins to set in and tempers begin to fray, Christian and Jodi find themselves pulling together to ensure that this festival goes off without a hitch. But the more time they spend together, the more they find themselves drawn to one another…

Will Christian manage to make Jodi see that she should stop hiding behind the wall which she had built around herself and take a chance on love? Will the Festival be a success and, what’s happening with the homemade scones and bunting?

A fantastic read that has charm and cheer by the bucketload, The Big Little Festival is a wonderful read that will brighten up the coldest and most dismal of days. With a wonderfully sassy heroine you will cheer for, a gorgeous hero and eccentric characters aplenty, The Big Little Festival is a gorgeous and uplifting tale readers will simply adore.

At first glance I hoped that the storyline was going to be as cheery and bright as the colours on the cover suggest. Just look at it! How can you not smile after seeing all of the bright, summery colours on that cover? 

Thankfully, the storyline didn't disappoint on the cheeriness front at all! Jodi had me in hysterics almost straight away due to her straight-laced personality and drier than dry sarcasm. If I had to sum up Jodi in one word it would be - SASSY. Absolutely loved everything that character brought to the overall storyline. Such a change from other main characters who can often come across as such drama queens.

I had never read a Kellie Hailes novel before, I recognised the author's name from social media yet I still hadn't manage to stick one of her books on my TBR. Until now.

Personally, I felt that the storyline was really well paced and full of so many light-hearted moments, it would be incredibly difficult to be in a bad mood after reading this book. Lately I have been reading a lot of heavy novels - reading 'The Big Little Festival' was a well needed and refreshing change.

Whilst I enjoyed the storyline overall, there were times where I felt like parts of the story was missing as there seemed to be a big jump between certain situations. Don't get me wrong, I was able to read the book and still make sense of everything, but I still felt like I was missing out on something due to the flow of the storyline.

Aside from that, 'The Big Little Festival' made me laugh, smile and crave bucketfuls of popcorn. Such a bright and breezy storyline - the ideal easy read to get cosy with.

Thanks HQDigital

I got to the end of this book and said a big "awwwwwww". It's the kind of read where you know how it's going to end but that didn't mean it wasn't a completely satisfactory - it was.

The heart of the story is Rabbits Leap where Jody lives. It's a quaint little Devonshire village and it's where she grew up. Despite big dreams, she's been there all her life with her twin boys. For reasons that become apparent as the story progresses, Jody is helping to organise a fundraising festival for the village and hires Christian, a high-flying events manager from London to help out.

They're drawn to each other immediately but the course of true love never runs smoothly, does it (well, not in books at least)? What follows is a love story with lots of fun moments and sad ones too.

I thought The Big Little Festival was such a sweet read. I love books where they're part of a series but each time the focus characters are different yet the setting is the same and some of the same people appear. I haven't read the first Rabbits Leap book yet but a quick glance at the first chapter tells me it features a character that appears in a small way in The Big Little Festival.

I read this book in two days and couldn't put it down once I had got over the half way point. I enjoyed the tension and desire between Jody and Christian, the coming together of the festival and the Rabbits Leap natives, especially Mrs Harper and Mrs Hunter who are those kind of people who can't stand each other one minute and the next are all sweetness and light.

Lots of fun, lots of lovely moments and just a really pleasing, easy read.

This is a wonderful beach read, or Hygge read in front of a fire.

I really enjoyed how the story between the two protagonists unfolded, with lots of stops and starts. Just like in real life - that's what made the story so endearing. It was not all "Love and Lust at first sight", they took their time to grow a flame out of this kindling fire between them.

What could be more fun than a festival to commemorate a HUGE event in the town's history - the town being Rabbits Leap (with no apostrophe) and the event, a passel of wild rabbits being run out of town by loud, BAD music! Who is up to celebrating with a round of Welly-wanging?
A light hearted warm romantic read sure to make you smile.

As if single mom Jody doesn't have her hands full raising twin 9 year old boys, she wants to give back to her community so heads up the "committee" organizing the Big Little festival. Not that they can afford to (when in fact they can't afford NOT to) Jody hires a fancy event planner to take control of the festival, although giving up control is not easy for Jody.
The town and its people are unlike any Christian has encountered before. He feels like time in Rabbits Leap stalled in the early 1950s. But he has a secret and needs this festival to be more than successful.

I was already hooked before the end of chapter one but Kellie Hailes threw in cotton floss and a psychic!

Jody and Christian must work closely together to pull off organizing a festival in only three weeks.
Although each is attracted to the other from the start, past experiences have closed off their hearts to getting close to someone new. Can the main couple survive their feelings, keep their secrets and raise enough money to fix the town pool?
Having an American English ear I am delighted with the phrasing as well as the small town appeal. This is a fast paced novel, sweet but not sickeningly so. The characters are wonderful and full of life. I wish it didn't end!

4☆ Fun, feel good story, with a good sprinkle of romance!

This is the second book in the Rabbit's Leap series. Which can be comfortably read as a standalone book. Although some of the characters make a return it's a new story and new characters.
You won't want to miss!

First of all I want to start by saying how gorgeous is this cover??
 It oozes Summer and plenty of fun!
So eye catching.

I love Kellie's style of writing. It's fun  humorous, and she makes it so easy to relate to the characters and fall in love. Kellie knows just how to charm her readers. I was really looking forward to this book and it didn't disappoint.

The Big Little Festival is a beautiful, fun, Easy to read book, with a good sprinkle of romance, community spirit, friendship and humour.

Jody is single parent to twin boys.
She decides that she wants to give something back to Rabbit's Leap by rebuilding the village swimming pool, she calls upon the very handsome Christian to help her, who is also a very talented event planner from London.

They decide that the best way to raise funds for the pool is to create a festival for the village.
I mean how hard can it be to organise a festival and look after Twin Boys!!

Christian isn't exactly winning over the villagers. But Jody is determined not to give up.

I admired her strength and determination to make something special for the villagers of Rabbit's Leap she adores so much.

Christian and Jody have a very obvious spark. It's lovely to see Jody slowly letting her guard down and trust.
Christian is an interesting character. He keeps his cards close to his chest... But just what is he hiding!

I thoroughly loved being back in Rabbit's Leap. There is something quiet special about the characters who live there.

If you adore summer festivals, and love a fun romance, accompanied with plenty of humour and cheekiness from two twin boys. Then this book is most definetly for you!

4.5 Stars


From the first few lines, I was reminded what I liked so much about Kellie Haile’s first book, which was the sense of humour and her writing style. I was smiling and giggling throughout this book at plenty of witticisms and some of the things the children came out with.

For Jody is a single mum of 9 year old twin boys and has closed her heart off to finding a man ever. She is also determined to make up for an error in her past for which she fears the whole town of Rabbit’s Leap would hate her for, if it was every made public. As a result she is determined to organise a fundraising festival to rebuild the pool in the village.

Just one thing, with 3 weeks to go until the festival all the committee made of her and two of the towns busybodies have agreed on is welly wanging. Enter Christian a proper event planner, who has some great ideas for turning the Rabbit’s Leap festival into the biggest little festival ever, well once he can get anyone in the town onside.

This is the second book set in Rabbit’s Leap and despite there being some familiar characters if you read the first book, this can easily be read as a standalone novel.

I really loved how devoted Jody is to her town and her children, and just how hard she attempts to fight some of the most obvious chemistry I’ve read about! Jody’s past was very interesting and she has some good motivations for acting the way she does. I also quite liked seeing just what Christian was hiding, as he also wasn’t quite as straight forward as you may think.

The Big Little Festival will certainly put you into an upbeat small town festival mood, and feels like a great story to read in the summer. I am already looking forward to my return to Rabbit’s Leap in the Christmas book, and curious to see whose story we will be learning this time.

Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Another perfect story from Kellie Hailes. I opened it up before bed thinking I'd read a chapter or two before dozing off. Before I knew it I was more then halfway through the book.
Just a fun lovely story about a girl meeting a boy. Absolute perfection and just what I needed in my life right now.
I loved the descriptions of small town life and setting up a festival for the town to enjoy too. However it was the romance that kept me turning pages into the wee hours of the morning.

This book was adorable and a fun way to pass a couple of lazy afternoons. I liked Jody and Christian both and they had plenty of chemistry to keep the romance reader in me happy. There are a lot of small, English village romances to choose from these days, but I thought this one was better than most. These characters had real struggles to overcome and mistakes in their past that haunted them. It was nice to see some depth rather than the fluff that a lot of romances are made up of.

The twin boys were fun and I enjoyed their antics, having twin boys of my own, I could relate to the things the main character went through and how she felt about the possibility of a new relationship. The author did a great job with descriptions and I like the way she made the secondary characters feel so real and full of life.

This is a really cute story with a bit of steam and a story line that won't let you down. Recommended for those who like romance with a cosy feel.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.