Ahhh katie comes back with another amazing love story.

I loved the setting, I love fiction books which detail the renovations being done and the love story that surrounds Amelia's family.

Amelia's journey to find out her great aunts life story is simply beautiful. It was lovely to watch history unfold on the pages.

It was a wonderful heartwarming read that gave you lots of fuzzy feelings in a time of uncertainty.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Secrets of Meadow Farmhouse

By Katie Ginger

4/5 ⭐️

What an absolutely lovely book.
It tells the story of Amelia, a big time interior designer in Paris, who has been called back to the small village in Kent where she grew up and the elusive story of her stern late Aunt Vera and a mysterious soldier whose portrait Amelia discovered in a locket. If this wasn’t enough, there’s the presence of her first love, the artistic Adam whose heart she shattered when she left without goodbye.

The first half of this book felt very slow - not boring by any means, but really cosy and relaxing to read. I felt this half of the book really reflected the pace of life in the village and though I wasn’t racing through it it was a pleasure to read and become acquainted with. From about 40% onwards the pace picked up dramatically and I couldn’t put it down and read the rest in one sitting. I love history and have been looking into my own family history over the past few weeks so this was so fascinating to me. I had tears in my eyes by the end, and then reading the authors note felt even more emotional finding out it was based on the authors grandparents.

I really really enjoyed this book, and not only will I check out the other books in this series when it comes out but I will be reading more of this authors works.

Truly lovely book, the story wraps around you from the first page. The need to know the ending and what really happened to Vera is all consuming. Believable characters that draw you in to the story and make you instantly want to read the sequel. Absolutely brilliant. Plus to find out it is based on a true story is amazing, I don't always read the author blurb at the end but so glad I did.

Amelia inherits Meadow Farmhouse on the death of her Great Aunt and reluctant guardian. Her childhood there does not hold happy memories, so she is keen to tidy up and then sell as soon as possible so that she can return to Paris and her life as an interior designer. However, as she begins the process, questions begin to emerge that need answers and secrets are revealed. Gradually she reassesses her view of the past and her hopes for the future. A wonderfully intriguing romantic read.

Thank you to the publisher, HQ Digital for the e - arc via netgalley.

What a cute romance this was to read as my first arc of this year! This was a well written story that certainly did not disappoint. I really enjoyed all of the characters, Adam and Amelia were cute together and I really enjoyed our side characters of Sophie with her husband Michael and her daughter Isla. It came with some heavy topics, losing parents at a young age and being an orphan and not having the best childhood with your guardian but they were handled well which was nice to see. What was also nice to see was there being no conflict between the two main characters and unnecessary drama, but this came with feeling like the story was to short with nothing happening. As much as I enjoyed the mystery behind Vera and her mystery past, discovering it was nice but it took up a lot of the story which was good but then just felt dragged on took away some more development with Adam and Amelia.

A story of second chances, new beginnings, forgiveness, and love, The Secrets of Meadow Farmhouse is a wonderful and charming novel. The story follows Amelia, an interior designer who has a successful and productive life in Paris. When Amelia learns that her aunt Vera died and left Amelia Meadow Farmhouse, Amelia reluctantly returns to her childhood home to prepare it for sale.

Amelia is unprepared for the range of emotions she experiences upon her return to Meadow Farmhouse, especially considering she hasn’t returned or spoken to her aunt in over a decade. Sure that she won’t be remembered since she never felt like she belonged, Amelia is stunned when she is welcomed into the community. As she fixes up the farmhouse, Amelia reconnects with the townspeople and faces the pain of her past. She also revisits her unchanged feelings for Adam, the love she left behind. When the mystery of her aunt’s past arises, Amelia realizes that things aren’t always what they seem.

What happened to Vera to make her such a hard and cold woman? Can Amelia reconcile her past and embrace the opportunity for a second-chance in Meadowbank? And will she admit how much she really cares for Adam? Will Adam forgive Amelie for leaving?

I absolutely loved this story! Ginger has created a dynamic setting and cast of characters that add so much to this wonderful story. From comical scenes trying to usher chickens into their pens to scenes where Amelia is overwhelmed by her meddlesome but well-meaning neighbors, the story left me laughing and moved so many times! One of my favorite scenes occurs when Amelia thinks there is an intruder in her house, and she comes out armed with a toilet bowl cleaner. Adam’s mother, who has come with Adam to help care for the ill Amelia says, “What did you think you’d do with this? Un-hygiene them to death?” It’s such a funny quip, but underneath the humor, this is a touching scene that shows how much Adam and his mother care for Amelia.

Amelia is a wonderful protagonist, and I enjoyed her character growth. Now that she’s older, more reflective, and a bit distanced from her childhood she sees things differently and recognizes the small things done to make her feel loved. She is more willing and able to see things from other people’s perspectives, and her views change as she reflects on her time at Meadow Farmhouse and Vera’s story. I love that Amelia takes the time to understand Vera, which is something she never did before.

Vera’s story, as well as her parents, is as interesting as Amelia’s, and I love how the secrets of Vera’s past unfold as the story progresses. It seems like the more Amelia learns about Vera’s painful past, the more she understands herself. This exploration also allows Amelia to explore her conflicting and complex feelings and forgive herself and others.

Amelia also reevaluates her priorities, what she needs, and what makes her happy, and coming home to Meadow Farmhouse helps her see what she values most. Meadowbank is therapeutic for Amelia, and it is here where she can finally begin to grieve and heal from the wounds of her past. It is also where she can face the present and figure out what (and who) she wants in her future.

The small and charming town of Meadowbank is delightful. In Meadowbank, Amelia is surrounded by a strong sense of family and community. Having people care for you and know you and accept you no matter what is something she hasn’t had but has been searching for. She Amelia wants to belong but has never felt like she fit in anywhere until she returns to Meadowbank. The only place she ever felt like she belonged was when she was with Adam, and Amelia often felt undeserving of his time and attention.

I love the second-chance romance between Adam and Amelia! Both characters must face their feelings about the past and the possibility of a future together, which proves difficult. Adam must learn to forgive, understand, and trust. Amelia has to learn to let people in and embrace love. This is something that I really like about the story – there are many messages about love, like loving oneself, embracing a second chance at love, accepting the love of a community, and understanding that people show love differently. I think many of the characters go through revelations about life and love, and these revelations are relatable and universal.

When you finish the novel, be sure to read the acknowledgments! There’s a story about the inspiration behind the story that is so interesting and relates to Ginger’s life. It’s so fascinating to see where authors get their inspiration from, especially for wonderful reads like this! Thanks so much to Katie Ginger and Rachel’s Random Resources for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to HQ Digital and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Having previously enjoyed Katie Ginger's books I was excited to start this one and I wasn't disappointed and I think this one is my favourite so far.

Amelia enjoys her life as an interior designer in Paris or is it all just a mask to forget her heartbreaking past? She returns to her childhood home having inherited it from the aunt who brought her up with the intention of doing it up, selling it and returning to life in Paris.

An enjoyable easy read and I can't wait to return to Meadowbank again.

Amelia has to go go to Meadowbrook Farm when her great-aunt Vera dies and leaves her the farmhouse. She has a life in Paris as an interior designer and she had an unhappy childhood with her aunt and she also doesn't want to have to see her old boyfriend Adam. Brilliant book

This is the second book I’ve read of Katie Ginger’s and I’ve loved them both. How gorgeous is this cover? It drew me in immediately and I couldn’t wait to discover what secrets were hiding at Meadow Farmhouse.

Amelia has a successful business and a happy life in Paris; a world away from the village of Meadowbank where she was brought up by her Great-Aunt Vera who made it clear that the role of ‘parent’ was not one she took to willingly. With little contact between them for years and their last exchange an unpleasant one, Amelia is surprised to hear that Vera has passed away and has left her home – Meadow Farmhouse – to Amelia.

Her plan is to travel back to the farmhouse, clear it out, put it on the market, and return to Paris. Quickly. The farmhouse means nothing to her and neither does the village. She never felt she belonged and she doubts anyone will remember who she is, especially her former flame Adam.

I do love a return to the roots/second chance at love story and Katie Ginger does this brilliantly in The Secrets of Meadow Farmhouse. Throw in the mystery as to why there’s nothing personal in Vera’s home except a locket containing a photo of a WWII soldier and there’s lots of intrigue in this story as well as the will they/won’t they romance.

A warm, uplifting story of discovering where you truly belong. A beautiful setting and fabulous cast of characters. And it looks like it’s the start of a new series which is very exciting. Already looking forward to my return to Meadowbank.

I was granted access to an early review copy of this book via NetGalley which has not in any way influenced or biased my opinions

This is the first Katie Ginger book I have read, but it won’t be the last. A perfect escape into the country, filling with nature, new friendship, old love, family secrets and a sense of belonging. I enjoyed the reconnection between Amelia and Adam after 10 years apart. One thing I loved most was the way Meadowbank pulled together when Amelia was sick. The whole Meadowbank community look after each other and this is something Amelia didn’t realised till she returned. Beautiful, warm and a smile didn’t leave my lips at all the gorgeous descriptions. Would definitely recommend.

When Amelia tradically loses her parents, she is sent to live with her stern spinster great-aunt Vera, her only living relative, at Meadow Farmhouse.
Although Vera looks after Amelia, she shows no love or compassion, and as soon as she finishes university, Amelia leaves her aunt and her first love Adam behind, and starts her new life in Paris. Vera and Amelia part on bad terms and they never see each other again.
Amelia is, shocked to discover Vera has left her Meadow Farmhouse in her will, and following her death, Amelia has to return to the house she grew up in, face her past and get the place ready to be sold.
As she clears the house, she begins to find out things about Vera and can't rest until she finds out the truth, and to understand how Vera became such a bitter woman, not liked in the village.
I have read several books by this, author, enjoying them all, but this is now a firm favourite. A story of secrets, forgiveness, community and love, it had me gripped from the beginning. It was one of those books that I couldn't wait to finish, but was then sad when I did!

This is a new author for me and all I can say is I absolutely loved this book. In fact I have just been on amazon and ordered some of her other work and can not wait to start reading.
The story is based around Amelia who is an interior designer in Paris. She has to return to her childhood home after her aunt dies and leaves Meadow farmhouse to her. To say the relationship between Amelia and her aunt was dysfunctional at best is a possible understatement. However, during the process of emptying and restoring the farmhouse back to its former glory Amelia uncovers a few secrets from the past, which not only explain her aunts behaviour but, shine a light on her own life and lead her to start thinking about the future. In and amongst this beautiful story is a spurned ex - boyfriend (and his mother) , new friendships and the warmth and love of a whole village.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Lovely book, lovely characters, lovely location and a real feel good read.,

The secrets of meadow farmhouse is a beautiful emotive read, that will take the reader on a voyage of discovery, uncovering family secrets, from long ago and enabling the main character Amelia to come to terms with her lot!
Who needs the iconic romantic city of Paris for romance and love? When sometimes only home and a sense of belonging is all that you need!
Amelia is returning home to meadow bank after the death of her great aunt, they parted on bad terms ten years ago and Amelia hadn’t been back since, however on her return despite her misgivings she gradually develops a sense of home, roots, and belonging and slowly comes to terms with her loses and upbringing and realises more about her great aunt that help explain a lot! This coupled with new friends and a rekindling of an old love interest persuades Amelia to stay put and enjoy life in meadow bank.
Thank you netgalley for this early read.

What a wonderful story, I was truly invested in this bittersweet tale of lost loves and unspoken words.
The opening sequence of this story are set in 1959 and tells of a newly engaged, young couple, discovering that their love has no chance of making it to the altar. Fast forward to the present day and we meet Amelia who is loving life as a Parisienne interior designer. Her thoughts are far removed from her childhood home in Kent and she’s avoiding the pain of losing contact with her childhood sweetheart, Adam.
As fabulous as her French lifestyle seems, it’s clear that whilst professionally happy, her heart is unfulfilled. A letter from out of the blue brings her back to Kent and the farmhouse that she left behind.
Amelia is forced to return to Meadow Farmhouse and to face the music for her departure. She soon learns how much she hurt Adam, can he and the rest of the village ever find their way to forgiveness?
One of the most charming elements to this book, is the way that the community of Meadowbank pulls together to each other. It doesn’t take long for Amelia to reflect on both her upbringing and her life in Paris. Add into this awakening, the mystery of the damaged wedding gown and the gold locket, and you have the elements that make this book a welcome new addition to the Katie Ginger portfolio.
It’s hard to pick out favourite elements as there are so many heart-warming aspects to this story, but I was enchanted by Arthur’s character. I hope that we can visit Meadowbank in future stories, and maybe see how Amelia and Adam are getting on, from time to time.

The Secrets of Meadow Farmhouse was such a beautiful story that kept getting better and better....and the acknowledgements at the end just brought another tear to my eye.

When Amelia returns to Meadowbank it soon becomes clear that she had majorly underestimated the effect it had had on people when she had left 10 years ago.
Amelia is determined to cut ties and escape her unsettled past once and for all but she is drawn in by the charm of forgotten memories and the uncertainty of rekindled love.
Putting together the pieces of her broken heart and misunderstood relationships, she can finally put a lifetime of grieving to rest.

Funny and sad, this story explores a whole host of different emotions. Amelia is a wonderful protagonist; successful yet flawed, self assured yet vulnerable.

I needed a little break from reading all the thrillers so picked this one to read to break it up a little. This was the perfect escape, Amelia is living in Paris and living her best life until she is surprised when she discovers she has inherited her childhood home Meadow farmhouse, even though she is not keen to return, return she must. She moved away for a reason and will that reason come back to haunt her? she is met with a few unfriendly villagers but actually finds solace in one villager who doesn't know her aswell as the others do. Amelia has to get the farmhouse looking in top top shape if there is any chance of selling it, but she unearths some interesting things and looks deeper into her history. What will she discover? also she meets with her childhood friend/boyfriend at the time, will love bloom once again? this is a warm hearted easy read that you can escape to.