This is my second book by Veronica Henry and I have enjoyed both. This one was set in an idyllic setting in Somerset and despite the rather contrived plot it was an enjoyable read. Pretty obvious early on how it was going to work out but the journey there was a good one. With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book is mainly about Tabitha and Georgia, two cousins who after falling out, become reconciled when their beloved uncle passes away. Tabitha has been mainly brought up by her uncle, and he leaves his home (Dragonfly Farm), between Tabitha, Georgia, and Gabriel, a third party who no-one knows.

The first few chapters of the book are told from different perspectives, exploring past and present, which makes it difficult to get to know the characters initially. The main characters are likeable and relatable, and well drawn by the author.

Inheriting the farm brings challenges to all of them relating to their future, which makes interesting reading. There are various elements to the story, Gabriel and his partner Lola, who are experiencing problems conceiving a second child. Dash, who lives across the river from Tabitha, hoping to start a new less stressful life, renovating an old mansion. Georgia has had an amazing step up at work, and is coming to grips with the challenges and opportunities it brings. There are also family secrets to reveal.

The stories intertwine and are entertaining in their own right; they would easily make a second book which explores how the characters’ lives continue. A well written flowing storyline which provides romance and escapism, thoroughly enjoyable.

Tabitha Melchior Lives on Dragonfly farm with her Great Uncle Matthew (Gum). He hasn’t been the same since his beloved wife Joy died but Tab is trying to keep him and the business going.
When Gum dies suddenly after a heart attack at the wheel of his car, the accident is witnessed by Dash Culbone who has the job of telling Tab. Dash has moved into the rundown family home nearby and Tab is not happy at sharing one of the worst moments of her life with a Culbone. The two families have a complex history and don’t trust each other.
When Gum’s will is read Tab is stunned to find he has left the farm equally to Tab, her cousin Georgia and Gabriel Culbone who the cousins have never heard of. Gabriel is equally stunned and can’t understand why a man he has never heard of would leave him a third share in his farm.
Gabriel lives in London with his partner Lola, a model, and daughter Plum. He has been trying to get his own business off the ground and the money from Dragonfly could help with that, but it would mean Tab losing her home.
Gabriel is desperate to know why he was left a share in the farm and the cousins need to convince him that Dragonfly is worth holding on to.. Secrets from the past come tumbling out changing all of their lives forever.

Romance and drama at Dragonfly Farm

In Veronica Henry's books the setting is often as important as the characters. In this case it's Dragonfly Farm. The dilapidated house and cider orchard has been farmed by the Melchior family for generations, after it was won in a card game from the Culbones. They are owners of the local manor house and the two families haven't spoken for years. Tabitha Melchior is the current proud custodian of the historic farm with her great-uncle Gum, her cousin Georgia helping when she can. Then there's a shock. Gum dies in an accident, leaving a third of the farm to both girls and the final third to Gabriel Culbone. What prompted him to do this? As the story unfolds, you feel for both sides and get to know their sad secrets. Beautifully written, with a strong cast of characters you come to love. Another must-read romance from Veronica Henry.

This was such an enjoyable story and I got totally involved in the comings and goings of the Melchiors and Culbones. This story flowed effortlessly, it was intriguing and very well written.

I loved the way the story wove the different characters together. With many people all linked by the past and present; it made for an interesting read, that's for sure. The characters are so well written, that I just couldn't help liking them all. Both they and their interconnected lives were complicated and very, very real.

I really enjoyed this story, so much so that I was disappointed when it ended and all though it was all drawn to a perfect closing, I still wanted more. I will be looking into reading more of Veronica Henry's stories, especially if they are all as good as this one.

Is there a bigger joy on holiday than being enveloped into a beautifully written novel? #AHomeFromHome is both deeply moving and seductively evocative, @VeronicaHenry offering a feast for the senses and the soul - a blissful summer read....

Thank you to Netgalley for enablingme to read a copy of this book, in return for an honest, independent review.
This is a story of two families, and the ways their lives intertwine over the generations. The story is told in a fluent and warm way, bringing you into the heart of the tale. Though not my usual choice of reading material, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be looking out for more from this author.
Anyone who enjoys a warm, family orientated story will enjoy this book, as well as those looking for a relaxing and enjoyable read.

A few well signposted twists in this easy summer read about two feuding families, but nevertheless enjoyable.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me review this book.

I really enjoy Veronica Henry books and this one was no disappointment!

Not as unwieldy as some of her other books and definitely didn't need a list of characters to get through the story. The characters are well rounded with an enjoyable story. I read this really quickly and is a great summer read!

A very enjoyable summer read, telling the story of 2 families and how a stranger ends up with a share of a farm left to his 2 great nieces.

I was so disappointed with this book! I have lived previous books for Veronica Henry, but when I was a third of the way through this one I realised that I didn't care about any of the characters and had no interest in what happened next. The whole book felt forced and contrived, as though it was being written by a formula. Although the book is well written, with a good vocabulary, every character had irritating qualities and every setting was twee. I gave up.

I enjoyed this easy read tale of sunshine, cider and family secrets.

The story begins with tragedy and follows cousins Tabitha and Georgia as they deal with the aftermath of the death of their great uncle and the family secrets which begin to be uncovered at the reading of the will.

This was a really easy story to read and I found myself rooting for the characters. If I had a criticism it would be that I would have liked the book to be longer so that some of the relationships could have been developed a bit further.

I loved this book, I actually didn’t want it to end. It’s a perfect summer read full of fabulous characters all with their own stories that in the end combine to become one. Highly recommended.

Reading a Veronica Henry novel is like wrapping yourself in your favourite blanket and stepping into an alternative universe where you can take a break from reality for a few blissful hours. Ms Henry transports you to a place where Prince Charming characters abound and there will probably be a happy ever after. In her latest offering, the setting is the West Country, cider making territory and Dragonfly farm with its inhabitants take centre stage. Tabitha, her cousin Georgia and great uncle Gum are Melchiors, long time owners of this delightful farm, having won it from their arch rivals the Culbornes, who live on the other side of the river. Is this feud destined to continue ad infinitum or will something happen to bring both families together?? When Gum is tragically killed in a car accident, and the contents of his will revealed Tabitha and Georgia are shocked to discover a third unknown individual has been bequeathed a third of Dragonfly farm. What compounds their shock is that this individual is a Culborne! The novel delves deep into the history of the two families to reveal long buried secrets and add depth to this romantic tale. Whilst this is pure escapism, the author paints such a vivid setting of the farm and its surroundings that you can almost smell the apples in the orchard and taste the Melchior cider. This is a lovely, easy, comforting read which will not disappoint fans of Veronica Henry and can easily recommend. Perfect for your summer holidays or a lazy afternoon in the garden. Thank you as always to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read ahead of publication.

A very enjoyable read. The characters are believable and their storylines are brilliantly interwoven.

What a wonderful book, i loved every page of it.

Cousins Tabitha and Georgia, had a close relationship growing up. After her parents separated Tabitha goes off the rails, she ends up her living under the care of their great aunt and uncle Joy and Gum (Matthew) Melchior at Dragonfly Farm.
Georgia is a scriptwriter living in London and doesn't get down to the farm as often as she would like.
When Gum dies suddenly the responsibility of the farm, and the orchard where the apples grow for their homemade cider falls to Tab. Until a solicitor contacts her and tells her and Georgia to meet at his office for the reading of Gums will.
Georgia is happy for Tab to receive the full amount of the farm as she has looked after Gum since his beloved wife Joy died and between them kept the farm running. They discover to their horror that they have been given a third of the share each and the last share is to go to Gabriel Culbone. The enemy. The Melchiors and Culbones have not seen eye to eye for many generations after a bad falling out.

Gabriel is trying to keep his knife making business afloat but after the rent is increased yet again he feels time is running out and he will have to give up his beloved career. He has a partner Lola and a little girl Plum. They have been trying for another baby but every month are crushed when it doesn't happen. At first, Gabriel doesn't confide in Lola that he has been bequeathed the farm as he has never heard of it or the Melchiors. He is intrigued and takes himself off to see it.

Across the field is Rushbrook house the family seat of the Culbones, Who have allowed this beautiful house to become in disarray and in need of vast refurbishment. Dash has returned to live there and with exciting plans to renovate the house.

With nobody knowing why the farm has been divided the family digs deeper to get to the bottom of Gums secret. This opens up the story which has some wonderful likable characters who are easy to follow. Through the chapters, we return to years before and learn of how Gum and Joy meet. How the feud came about between the 2 families and some of the other characters past lives, before coming up to date. It doesn't get confusing but helps us as a reader understand what went on and why.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity xx

A really enjoyable read, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get to revisit Dragonfly Farm again in future books, there is so much scope and potential.
I loved the characters and the plot was entertaining. This author has a real talent for evocative descriptives, and the landscapes in around the farm are beautifully written. Gorgeous.

An easy summer read perfect for sitting on a deckchair with a book for a lazy afternoon. Set in lovely Somerset about two waring families. Predictable in places but good escapism. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me review this book.

I enjoyed this book. It's well-written and the characters are well-drawn, and appealing. But my enjoyment was spoiled by the amateurish portrayal of the solicitor. I used to be a probate solicitor, and can assure the author that no solicitor would write such a vague and oblique letter to a beneficiary. No solicitor would refer to "inheritance taxes" (there is only one) and I am really not sure why a beneficiary would be summoned to the solicitor's office to sign so many forms. I appreciate that this is done for good plot reasons, but it it is irritating nonetheless.

A lovely easy read about a feud between 2 families. This is a predictable but enjoyable read.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.