Running home to lick her wounds after losing a job she hated, and a boyfriend who didn’t make her heart react, Eleanor is back in Cranley after eight years of being elsewhere, and determined to find a way back to her job and a London life. Sure, the gossip tabloid she worked for wasn’t the ‘respectable” or high powered position she had told everyone she had, but after eight years of lies and a return of her eczema with all the stress, she’s not sure she can ‘come clean’ to everyone. But with no offers on the horizon, and her mother in need of help with the stray animals (dogs, cats, tortoise, donkey and goat) that she’s collected. So back to Cranley Eleanor goes – dragging her possessions, designer wardrobe and guilt behind her.

Issues, guilt, lies, reconnection, rediscovery and even a bit of romance all come to light here as Eleanor reconnects with her friends Annie and Megan, and starts to loosen up. Of course, she’s still got a loosely formed plan to provide all the dirt on superstar singer Tommy King, now staying at Willow Tree Manor where Annie, former housekeeper, is engaged to the future Earl, Sam. See, Sam is a music producer / manager, and Tommy, just off a world tour and still grieving for his grandmother, is resting, relaxing and recovering from an ankle injury. He’s the first to spot Eleanor’s mask and façade, buried under a shell of makeup and clad in designer clothes. For Eleanor has issues….she must always be ‘pulled together’ and look her best: her father’s bunking off with a much younger woman when she was 12 have her convinced that his obsession with ‘how things look’ is the reason he left, and her mother’s sacrifice for her means she has to always be perfect and amazingly successful to live up to those expectations.

Honestly, I expected Eleanor to be more difficult to enjoy and appreciate, but she wasn’t. She’s just stuck in her own box, and working her way out of it, with some perfectly lovely (and funny) moments as the animals, country and even her own clumsiness have her struggling with always being “perfect’, and her real personality and the reason she, Annie and Megan are friends, starts to come forward. She’s back to mixing her own lotions and potions for her eczema, making a carrot-concoction for the very-burnt nose of Megan, and an electric connection with Tom (not Tommy King) have her coming clean and thinking about her now realigned future. Finding that connection with Tom, who also feels unwanted and shuffled about after a childhood in care, the loss of his grandmother has hit him hard. But the welcome from Arthur (the Earl) and Rose (his sister), the lack of expectations and comfort in that feeling of family have him thinking of more. Particularly with the very attached Dylan, a stray dog who wants him – and no one else, with the exception of Eleanor. A lovely getaway story that packs growth, heart and plenty of smiles with laugh out loud mishaps, plenty of animal hijinks and friends for life.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9LL/” ><a> I am, Indeed </a>

Although this is the second book in the series, I hadn't read the first and don't think you need to in order to enjoy reading this book.
Newly unemployed journalist Eleanor is back in the village after losing her job and most probably her boyfriend in London. Tom is there staying with his manager as a break after his latest music tour. You get to know each character as they get to know each other, revealing secrets about their past as the book progresses. Well written chracters who draw you in to the story.

Really enjoyed this book, and looking forward to reading more from this author.

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed two earlier books by this author, I was excited to read her latest. Did it disappoint? No, although personally I would have preferred more of the humour that ran through the previous books. Having said that, Escape to the Country is a delightful slice of escapism with an entertaining cast of characters. Yes, the chances of bumping into a semi-reclusive rock star at a friend's stately home might be remote, but this story is all about romance, rebuilding lives after some hard knocks and the power of friendship. I haven't yet read its predecessor A House to Mend a Broken Heart, (and it's not essential, as this book reads as a standalone), but I fully intend to. A charming and engaging tale, perfect for a relaxing summer's day.

This is one delightful story by an author i am not known to know so one for the leaderboard from me. The main character is Eleanor and she wants to revive her career but she has had to come home licking her wounds due to being fired but maybe its a blessing is disguise because its not like she adored her current job of the last 8 years, and the top it all off she finds her boyfriend being less than loving to her, poor eleanor. She wants to be one of the best journalists out there so she goes for some refreshing times at her home town.
There she meets Tom, the big Rock star, who is also recovering from something. Its quite obvious at this point what will happen and it does... they meet up!
She happens to help her best friend Annie plan her wedding, to keep her busy. Sams grandmother had me in sttiches with her style. This is a fun read, completely comedic with the celebrity status involved and the perfect escapist read thats needed to get you back on track....
Thank you to net galley and ARC for this book for a honest review, i really enjoyed it

Solid chick lit…doesn’t take itself too seriously! You’ll laugh, cry, and say “Oh! No!” Definitely a fun weekend read :c)

Eleanor has been living a lie for years - her friends and family all think that she is a serious journalist working on a financial paper but in reality she is digging up dirt for a trashy celeb magazine.......and she cant even keep that job as she is sacked and replaced by a younger girl! Her only option is to go back home to her small village on the pretence that she is looking after her mother who has had a fall.

Back home she soon gets involved with helping her best friend Annie to plan her wedding to Sam, a record producer due to inherit a grand stately home where he lives with his beloved Grandfather and Aunt Rose. Then Sam's top rock star client Tom comes to stay to hide from the limelight.......could Eleanor do an exclusive expose on him and get her job back!!

A great warm fun story, lovely to be back with the characters from the previous story.....I especially loved the antics of Rose, what a brilliant character! Great light beach read.

Rating: 4.5/5

This book is appropriately tagged as ‘a perfect feel-good read to escape with’ and I thoroughly endorse that. It is a heartwarming story of reconnecting with friends and family, unexpected opportunities and learning to open your heart to love.

Eleanor McCartney is dealt the double blow of being sacked and breaking up with her boyfriend, all within one day. She’d actually already had enough of her job as a journalist endeavouring to uncover the secrets of the rich and famous and, when she thinks about it, she’s not heartbroken to finish with her boyfriend- he was probably only using her to get access to the parties and venues her job enabled her to participate in. Time for her to head back home to her Mum - and all the animals! It is also a brilliant chance to reconnect with her childhood friends and the village of Cranley once more.

Also returning to the village is Sam Harris, the future Earl of Cranley and fiancé of Eleanor’s friend, Annie. He’s bringing Tom Kingsely with him to give the global pop star a chance to rest and recuperate after a gruelling six months on tour - and to give him the chance to escape the paparazzi. Is this too good an opportunity for Eleanor to miss? It would certainly be a scoop and give her the chance to regain her job. Would it be worth it - especially as she gets to know Tom and realises what her betrayal would men?

This is a story of sorting out your personal priorities, finding family and friendships and letting others know the truth about you. It has a whole range of great relatable characters and I throughly enjoyed learning about Willow Tree Hall, the future Duchess and Sam’s eccentric aunt who is a hilarious character! There’s even a stray dog to add to the mix. There are plenty of twists and turns, secrets to be revealed, a visit to the Glastonbury festival and even a village fete to be organised in this delightful read. I honestly hadn’t expected to enjoy it as much as I did and I’ll definitely be looking out for more by this author in future - my first move after reading this story was to purchase the first book in this series - A House to Mend a Broken Heart.

I requested and was given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

Escape to the Country by Alison Sherlock
Willow Tree Hall #2

Burned out rock star seeking time to regroup meets journalist looking for a story to put her career back on track – not a great couple to meet and find happiness together in the country but by the end of the story that is just what happens.

The book blurb lays out the basics of the story but doesn’t explain just how much Tom and Eleanor bring out the best in one another or how the two find their way forward to focus on what is really important to them. Both grow significantly in this book becoming better for being with friends, working to improve their lives and those around them.

Tom and Eleanor were wonderful characters but then so was everybody else that was a friend or relative and Dylan the dog was pretty special, too. There were people to dislike but overall this was a wonderful sweet love story that allowed time for the couple to get to know one another and grow into caring then fall in love.

There was a summer event, rock star visits, concerts, friends supporting one another and so much more! I have not read anything by this author before but hope to read more of her work in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria impring-Head of Zeus for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

A book full of romance, love and lovely characters that makes feel good.
This book is perfect for a sunny afternoon, when you want to read something to make you feel good.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Aria

Review: What I got from reading this book was not what I thought I would. From the cover and blurb I thought it would be a light heart-ed read with country side charm, but what I actually found was that there was some real depth to the story. 

The writing style is very easy to read but the characters are very real and have some real stories to tell that as a reader I could really learn from. 

A wonderful inspiring read.

Escape to the Country by Alison Sherlock is a delightful story.
When Elenor after eight long years of doing the job she hates gets fired and breaks up with her boyfriend,she goes back home with only one thought in her mind, to go back to London as soon as her mother gets better and the best way to get back in the game, is to dish out a really juicy story about some big celebrity.
Unexpected opportunity presents itself when she realises that there is a mega rock star currently living in her tiny village. As she gets pulled into old and new friendships, country living and different values she struggles to make a right choice.
Warm and touching, beautiful examples of family values and long forgotten way of life. Tale about new beginnings, second chances, trust and love blend here.
I loved all the characters, each has its own life story to tell, some are funny yet deeply wise and we learn many life lessons by just carefully reading each page. I especially enjoyed reading about Rose's antics, she is hillarious.
I particulary liked how so many lives are all woven into this one book and how each of us touches other people's lives with decisions we make and influence their choices and that if we care enoughwe can help loved ones so much, and above all that love can real heal all wounds.
Fantastic read, light but so profound, funny but so wistful. Remarkable tale that I enjoyed so much.

What will Eleanor do to revive her career? She's back home licking her wounds after being fired and ditched by her rotten boyfriend. SO, when Tom, a mega star, turns up, also recovering from some importune behavior, you know these two are going to meet. Will Eleanor sell him out? Hmmm. Willow Tree Hall is a lovely place, largely because Eleanor's friend Annie is there, as is Sam, her fiancé. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a lovely light read about two people who are putting themselves back together.

Another hit in a fun series. This one has the romance story of Tom, the rock star, and Eleanor, the fired journalist. If you have read the first one, you will know that Eleanor is a friend of Annie's, the soon to be countess of the manor house. Eleanor has left London in disgrace, after being let go from her job at a gossip rag, and being kicked out of her apartment by her insensitive boyfriend. I didn't like how she even tried to use Tom to get dirt on him for a story, but I was pleased that didn't last long. Then she did the mistake of not telling him the truth, which always comes back. Besides these two issues, I liked the story and especially liked Dylan, the lost pup. Dogs always a nice touch to a story. Would recommend.

A fantastic light hearted read for the nice summer weather

Escape to the Country, A perfect feel-good read to escape with, Alison Sherlock

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance

well, if you're looking for a light and happy holiday read this fits the bill. As always the celebrity aspect caught my eye – I do love the drama that comes in celebrity stories.It was pretty muted here though, Tom is very understated as a singer/songwriter, not a fame chaser but one of those guys who loves the music and songs, and who fame found him, he didn't seek it.
He's just finished a grueling tour and is at his managers home, in a typical quiet English village. I really liked Tom, felt for him as a child, he'd had it tough and as always what happens to us does shape us. He sees manager Sam, happily settled, with his family around him and can't help but feel he'd love that. Its just him though, the only family who ever cared for him, his lovely Nan, has died recently and he feels her loss keenly.
Along comes Eleanor, Celeb journalist who's career has hit a bad patch. Actually its been an eight year patch, this isn't what she envisaged, seeking stories out of dross and other peoples unhappiness. It was supposed to be a stepping stone to more but..,.and now even that's gone so she's home, helping her mum, licking her wounds and realising just what a bad friend she's been to her two long time besties.
You can see that Tom plus Eleanor at some point is going to explode but it did in a way I really didn't expect, and that was fun. I like to be caught out, like plots to take an unusual, unseen line.
Its got some great characters, and I'm off to seek out book one where it all started. It made for a fun read, not deep dark drama but some lighthearted smiles, and some sad parts that made me feel for the characters.

Stars: Four, a great fun read, perfect to take on holiday or to lose yourself for a few hours.

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

Thanks to Aria and NetGalley for a copy of this book. Another in the Willow Tree Hall series, but would be enjoyable as a standalone book too. I loved this book to the extent that I don’t seem to have done much but read it today as I couldn’t put it down. A gentle tale of love, romance and friendship, not to mention the devoted rescue dog. A definite must buy for lovers of this genre.