An uplifting, romantic book that will warm your heart, inspiring story of self-discovery and growth, with a focus on hope, love, and the power of positive change.

this one wasn't for me. I was expecting a cute romance and it was a romance but it just fell flat. I wanted more every step of the way and it never gave it to me.

The perfect Christmas book for cosy nights abd frosty mornings. The ideal mic of. Likeable characters and storyline. Perfect.

A new author for me but so excited to see this is the start of a series so definitely won't be my last if hers. I really enjoyed this book and couldn't wait yo find out what was going yo happen. Well written and easy to read. Definitely recommend

After Ariana’s parents died when she was 18, she fought to become legal guardian for her four younger sisters. Now in her twenties, she is stuck in a loveless marriage and raising her young twin boys. When Ariana learns that she is now the Right Honourable Lady Foix, Countess of Hiverton, she can’t believe it. Ariana and her sisters knew that their mom was disowned by her family for marrying their father, but they had no idea that their mom came from nobility. Ariana has plenty of experience caring for her sister and sons but taking care of a whole town is another matter entirely! Her handsome neighbor Sebastian Flint-Hyssop is there to help her settle in, but can she trust him?

This was a feel-good book that set up a wonderful beginning of a series for all five sisters. I loved all the characters we got to know, other than Ariana’s husband and his parents, who you are not expected to like anyway. It definitely makes me want to check out the other books in the series as they come available! My main complaint would be that the climax of the story was a little over the top and predictable. There is romance in the book, but it focuses more on Ariana learning about her town, its people, and their needs, as well as continuing to care for her family. I recommend this sweet story for those looking for a bit of an escapism.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.

I received with thanks an e-arc / audiobook copy of A New Life for Ariana Byrne from Saga Egmont Audio and Netgalley. Even though I have been gifted this book for review all opinions are my own.

This is my review of A New Life for Ariana Byrne by Liz Hurley

This was a beautiful romance story and a stunning debut. I can understand why this has been shortlisted for an award. I enjoyed Ariana’s story and cannot wait to read more about the lives of the Hiverton sisters. The story was wonderful and was an excellent beginning to a new series. I read this via audiobook. The narrator was engaging and gave a wonderful performance. I highly recommend the audiobook and will be continuing on the series via audio.

Would recommend it if you enjoy a good romance.

When I first started listening to this book, I was afraid I would not like it. The rating that I finally gave it is reflective of how rarely such a visceral first reaction changes.
In the first chapter, we see our protagonist, Ariana, having a fight with her husband. It is not exactly a fight because Ariana does not do any protesting. As background, we get information about the kind of man he is and how his wife has accepted him back multiple times after very obvious transgressions. This last part was so astounding given the kind of woman she is supposed to be and the things she stood for in the past.
That is just the first chapter, though. Once he slams the door on the way out and minor retrospection on Ariana's part, things start to change. I liked the siblings' relationship and the new growth arc for the family as a whole. Despite there being so many sisters, each stood out as an individual, and I did not need to keep going back to see which sister was speaking. I could make an informed guess (if required) based on their behaviour. The leading lady changes with time, and her confidence building happens slowly but surely.
The romance angle was also understated. It takes up a big chunk of the ending, and even though the misunderstandings happen once too often, the emotional state of Ariana's heart and mind makes a good enough excuse to let it pass.
I had fun encountering this family and doubly fun on audio. I listened to it while cycling around some chores, and there were moments where I chuckled out loud on the street. The characters and their conversations are what endeared me to this book. If given a chance, I would pursue this series. I also recommend it to fans of the genre or someone thinking of picking up a reasonably light book with some intermittent heavier parts.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

I absolutely LOVED the audiobook!! It was so much fun listening to this cute, cosy, a modern day fairy tale story of four sisters who have had to struggle financially all their lives after the untimely deaths of their parents... until they are told that they actually are titled heirs to a vast fortune and a number of estates from their mother's side of the family. This is book one in the series and tells Ariana's (the eldest of the four sisters) story. The narrator Martha Mackintosh has done a superb narration job and listening to her was a joy ride. I do hope that Saga Egmont Audio will produce audiobooks of the other books in the series as well... I really look forward to listening to them! Judging by this first book, I do believe the author Liz Hurley has written a cosy and fun series.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Saga Egmont Audio and the author Liz Hurley for the audio ARC of the book.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you Netgalley for the audio copy. Ariana became guardian to her younger sisters when her parents died. They are struggling for money and she is in a loveless marriage. Her life takes a turn when her husband accidently drowns on the way home from the pub. She then has a mystery meeting with the family lawyer and discovers she is a Countess. Ari moves to the country estate with her twin boys and slowly adjusts to life in the country with the help of dashing Sir Seb.

AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 4

Let’s start with the book, shall we? Escapism fiction that is laced with real-life issues that compel you to read on, even when the situations (and they do) get a bit outrageous, as they are always balanced with that underlying British humor, self-deprecation and out-and-out laughs. My first from the librarian turned author Hurley, her sense of the absurd that just, might, could possibly be real, and a true rags-to-riches scenario held interest and kept the humor flowing as it was peppered with actual situations (with family and kids) that everyone can relate to.

Ariana’s been the caregiver for her 4 siblings since the age of eighteen when her parents were killed and she was the option for her family. She did everything for them, and when she suddenly found herself pregnant with twins, and believing she’d found “true love” married her then boyfriend Greg and continued to carry on. But now, some years later and her boys and sisters having claimed most everything, she’s realized her husband isn’t quite ‘up’ to the job, and everything is a struggle, long after it should have settled. Now, with the unexpected news that she’s actually a countess with various holdings and a manor in the Norfolk countryside ….....

Oh this was so clever: from struggle to pay the bills and find space for yourself and your own thoughts, to rambling through a huge manor house, with plenty of land to roam and money to spare – there is a whole other level of “learning and struggle’ for Ariana. Manners, how things are done, and the appearance of a very engaging (and hyphenated) Sebastian, she’s got plenty to learn, and lots to absorb. Throughout the story, including standing up to her former husband and his parents, dealing with her sisters and even falling face-first into a situation she feels totally unprepared for, Ariana is compassionate and kind, and full of the sort of humor and awareness that her luck has changed so much for the better, she couldn’t even have conjured it up in her wildest dreams... if she had time for those back then, that is. From compelling characters, a lovely arc, plenty of humor and a romance that is beginning to take root, the story remained engaging and funny, sweet and light despite some of the very real conflicts and situations that were overcome. The perfect escapist listen for those days when nothing else will do, and you want to find a new character to become your best friend.

Narration for the story is provided by Martha Mackintosh, and she brought Ariana and her sisters to life, presenting the sort of ‘bemused confusion’ that I’m sure Ariana was meant to feel through most of her drastic life changes. Clear and clean presentation of the story combined with pauses, tone moderations and adjustment in voice and delivery for different characters, the listen provided that perfect kick your feet up and escape opportunity that gelled with the book and the story perfectly.

I received an AudioBook recording of the book 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-aWm /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

I have read a LOT of old timey British romance involving dukes and viscounts etc.....this one was interesting because it is modern! I liked the view into British society, the 'normal girl discovers she is super rich' moments. The sisters are sort of likeable, but honestly I cannot say I saw enough to say for sure.

I felt like the romance took so long to come up--i wished for more romantic moments and a more developed romance arc, but was left wanting. I was not really satisfied with the ending and was left wanting more of a 'happily ever after'. I know this will be a series, so I would imagine there will be more context about the financial state of the estate, how things go and if Ari really gets her 'happily ever after' in the background of later stories-- honestly I am left with so many questions.

The audio book was good! I liked the narration and voice acting. It was fairly short and enjoyable.

Just finished listening to this wonderful city girl in the country drama/romance. It had me laughing out loud, angry, embarrassed, anxious, empowered, and hopeful. I could clearly see the countryside and it’s inhabitants and desperately want to visit and meet all of them. If you’re looking for romance WITHOUT the bedroom scenes, and love a woman who can take charge while still being able to recognize her own vulnerability, this is for you!

Ariana Byrne had a less than desirable life until one day she finds out that she is the sole heir to fortune and land. This story follows Ariana learning to become a Countess and how to manage her new life while still maintaining her morals.

I ADORED Ari! I think she was extremely likeable and I really rooted for her through out the entire book. I loved how strong her personality was, how kind she was - always doing the right thing not matter what it meant for her. Ari's personality and struggle were extremely relatable as a reader and I just couldn't get enough of her and her journey! I devoured this audio book and was sad to see it end.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio version. This book was very cute and light hearted. The narrator did a great job. I am giving it 4 out of 5 due just to the strong language, I honestly don't know know why authors that are writing this style or genre of books has to use such horrible language.
If you are looking for a fast and easy read then this book is for you.

This audiobook has to be one of my favourites. I loved the story. Ari and her sisters were fabulous characters, the narrator was just how I would imagine the girls would sound. I thought the characters of the in=laws from hell were so good!
It was like a modern day fairy tale where the lady meets her man. I was pleased to hear that the author is writing more books featuring each sister. I literally cannot wait to read the next instalment.

Thank you NetGalley, author Liz Hurley, and Saga Egmont publishing for giving me a free audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars
What would you do if one day you found yourself the heir to properties and a title?
This book answers that question and more in this wonderful story of life, love, and family.
From the age of 18, Ariana Byrne has known what it means to survive. From raising her four sisters after the death of her parents to dealing with a cheating deadbeat of a husband and practically raising her twin boys by herself. So when Ariana is contacted by a solicitor, who informs her that as the eldest surviving child, she is now a countess and the holder of vast properties, she, along with her sisters begin to make plans with their new circumstances and some of those plans are Ariana leaving her husband once and for all. The story follows the new life Ariana and her twin boys make for themselves in their new holdings along with the family reputation her uncle has allowed to be tarnished over the years. As Ariana begins to meet the people within the village, she comes to find herself drawn to their country life, but that of her handsome neighbor, Sebastian Flint-Hyssop. I loved how strong Ariana was as well as compassionate despite all she and her sisters have had to overcome. She was so down-to-earth and even though, the sisters had not grown up with money, they did not let their new wealth change them. Ariana was also a very devoted mother and was willing to give her boys the best childhood she could without spoiling them. Her in-laws were the worst and I was glad she was able to tell them where to shove it! The romance between Ariana and Sebastian was very sweet and had one of the best meet cutes I had ever read. The ending wrapped up Ariana's and Sebastian's storylines well and laid a great set up for the other sisters to have their own stories in the future books. I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a light-hearted contemporary story. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

Reviewing
A New Life For Ariana Byrne
By Liz Hurley

Love, love, love! This book was just what I needed after a few dark and twisted thrillers. I loved them as well but it was time to pour out a little sunshine and Liz Hurley certainly delivered.

Adorable Ari is the perfect protagonist for this rags to riches, feel good, Cinderella story with a modern twist. A magically written rollercoaster ride of emotions with a full, delightful cast.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ four stars for this adult throw back to a fairy tail favorite.

A fantastic listen. A heart warming rags to riches tale. The narration was melodic and made the story easy to follow. I enjoyed meeting the Hiverton sisters and cannot wait to meet them again. A great story. I particularly enjoyed the rural setting - however I’m definitely biased in that respect. Highly recommended audiobook.

Thank you Netgalley.

Review of A New Life for Ariana Byrne by Liz Hurley - Audiobook

Ariana is having a hard time she had to become guardian to her four younger sisters at only 18 and is now in her 20's and trapped in a loveless marriage with twins and financial worries. She is then shocked to say the least to find out she has inherited the title of Lady de Foix, Countess of Hiverton. Queue a complete change of life for Ariana and her family, which also comes with problems of its own.

I really enjoyed this book, I found it well written and fun to listen to.

The audio was well spoken and clear and easy to understand.

Firstly I would like to laud the format through which I have consumed this book. Listening to an audio book is a rare event for me, but I decided to give he medium another try. In the event, I very much enjoyed listening to the story whilst doing other things and I think that audio books may well become a common thing for me. One thing that I did find tricker, I must admit, is the actual compilation of my review. Ordinarily I write my reviews as I read the book, making comment on things I have just read. This works for me! Seeing as how the act of listening to an audio book lends itself to being a multi task, I had to approach my review differently, but I found that listening to a few chapters and then stopping all other tasks and making review notes, worked well for me.

The story has echos of both Cinderella and Pygmalion. Ariana is a major victim of culture shock when she inherits a swathe of titles and a huge estate without warning. Fortuitously this inheritance takes place just after a Ariana has been widowed. The loss of Ariana’s Husband, Greg was in reality, no loss to anyone, apart from his parents. He was portrayed as a dreadful, cheating character, a terrible Husband and Father. I found myself grateful to the author for the way Greg was introduced, because it meant thatI felt nothing when he died in an accident. Sadly, Ariana seemed to be of the same opinion, but one really couldn’t blame her and could positively laud her reaction. The author described her In-Laws reaction to Greg’s death, in such a way that they garnered no sympathy – merely further dislike. Whilst I felt that Greg was no loss to Ariana and their Sons, his parents reaction was an abomination, including disowning their Grandchildren (and positively questioning their parentage) and treating Ariana and her children, terribly at the funeral. The way that Greg’s parents were portrayed was fantastic, amongst some of the best written dialogue in the book, such were their unpalatable personalities (that is a major understatement)! Their actions towards Ariana and the boys were completely abhorrent. If I thought their behaviour at the funeral was bad, you should read about the inquest!

Ariana meanwhile seems to have taken the eye of local landowner Seb., although he mistakenly thinks Ariana is grieving for Greg. The idea of any kind of romantic interlude for Ariana was so welcome, after all she had been through..

In all this book was a thoroughly welcome introduction to the Byrne Women, even if I have been reading them in the wrong order.Theirs is a wondrous story, told through the words of a fantastic author, and I quite frankly can’t get enough of the family.