I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was able to find this title via audiobook on my local library app. I really enjoyed this book. Very light hearted and a great cozy read. The characters are all likeable and loved the story behind all of them.

Book wasn't meant for me. Hopefully someone will enjoy it more. I will look into renting it in the future

Lovely setting, lovely story and lovely characters… what more could you ask for? This was a perfect piece of escapism and I loved the trio of relationships that Steeples develops.

The setting of Primrose Woods sounded so lovely, especially Abbey’s cottage. It made a change to the fast city-scapes that I have read recently and I enjoyed this slow-paced community. All the characters in this story are very much lovable, not to mention the gorgeous dog, Lady. Primrose Woods and its café seem to be the hub of the area and from the way Steeples describes it, I can easily understand why.

As the different characters are explored, readers get to see a trio of relationships develop. From Abbey’s failed engagement to Jason; Rhi’s affair destroyed and realising that perhaps a budding relationship was already in front of her; and Lizzie’s yearning to be with her daughter, each character brings something different to the story. I liked how the couples were quite contrasting and at varied points in their life. It became a surprising friendship but they all have something in common – their love for their surroundings. Becoming a team for the local pub quiz, the characters grow ever more closer and I liked seeing how supportive they were of one another.

Abbey and Sam, Luke and Rhi, Lizzie and Bill, each have their own story. They are endearing and lovable characters and even though relationships might not develop in the way they are desired, I enjoyed watching the connections develop. When Lizzie decides she simply must overcome her fear of flying to be with her daughter in Australia, the group pull together to ensure this is something that should be achieved. It added to the feel-good element of the story, especially as Lizzie is like a mother character to everyone.

This was a sweet and gentle read. Although the plot was slightly predictable, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of it. I relished in seeing all of the characters and am keen to return to Primrose Woods for a Christmas read. It is a strong start to a series and a new author for me and I am can’t wait to see more of these characters.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an enjoyable read. I loved the story line but was a slow burning start as you got to know the characters. The story switch between a slow to medium pace throughout. I really wished for a faster pace. I connected well enough with the characters to enjoy the story. I actually rated it 3.5 stars rounded up as it was better than a average rating. I really believe that if this story had better pace it would of got a much higher rating. I don't know about you but slower pace books make me lose concentration then start getting confused as I had no idea that I had switched off. It held so much promise to be that 5 star book. I have the Christmas book in this series to read and I have my fingers crossed for great things. So let's cross our fingers. If you love slow burning romance novels then give this book a try. You can always read a sample to see if this book is for you. My slightly above average rating could be your perfect fit as we all look for different things from a book..

Many thanks to the author and publishers for creating an enjoyable story.

The above review has already been placed on goodreads, waterstones, Google books, Barnes&noble, kobo, amazon UK where found and my blog today https://ladyreading365.wixsite.com/website/post/starting-over-at-primrose-woods-by-jill-steeples-boldwood-books-3-5-stars either under my name or ladyreading365

I loved the front cover for this book and could think of nothing more relaxing than settling down to read it on a wintry Sunday night. I hadn’t read this author before, but my heart gladdened when I saw hat this book was from Boldwood Books, whose books I seem to enjoy without fail.

I immediately warmed to Abbey and just hoped against all hopes, that her partner Jason, was genuinely working ’all hours’ as opposed to being up to no good. Some kind of foul play was however seeming increasingly likely, despite my romantic notions.

Primrose Wood sounded utterly delightful, from the author’s descriptions. Indeed the descriptive dialog was such that I made a conscious effort not to research the wood’s provenance, because I so wanted it to be a real place – its beauty had somehow captivated me at a very early stage and I didn’t want to sully its aura in any way. I admit to being entranced by Abbey’s advice, when feeling down, to ’follow one of the trails, or else find a peaceful spot to sit and watch the world go by’. it sounded like a pretty solid recommendation to me.

I loved Rhianna as a character. She had guts to go to Abbey and apologise about Jason, even though she had no fault in the matter. I also liked that she offered to fly to Australia with Lizzie.she was basically a kind soul through and through.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Lizzie and Sam, and found myself imagining a fledgeling ‘relationship, such was the obvious (to anyone but themselves) chemistry between them. I did find myself at times, wishing that one could somehow titrate a relationship, in much the same way that a diabetic adjusts their insulin regime. AIas it transpired that there was a bit too much of an age gap between the pair. Regardless, I found myself in possession of a palpable soft spot for Lizzie and the way she loved life, despite her Husband having died young. Luke came across adorably and I must admit to holding out a little hope for something happening between him and Rhianna. As for Sam, I began to see that he was far more appropriate as a suitor for Abbey – a potential match made in heaven – or in Primrose Woods at least! As for Primrose Woods, I was seriously beginning to wonder about Abbey’s Dad and Lizzie?

I do like a mystery, and this book was full of twists and turns. I did however wonder about the new owner of Primrose Hall, the local stately home in the woods. Could it be that one of the characters I have grown to love – preferably Sam, but maybe Luke, is the wealthy new owner, ploughing money into its restoration? An idea for the next book in the series?

Primrose Woods is a kind if magical place; a panacea for all one’s woes and I could see why Abbey found solace in its branches. I just hoped that it might bring her a more physical means of healing, but it felt like a bit tall of an ask to find Abbey new peace in both her old love life and in the fledgling throes of something new. Saying that, I was inordinately proud of the way that Abbey politely listened to Jason and his ridiculous apology, and then threw him out. Abbey’s Dad’s appearance did nothing but cement Abbey’s already steadfast family ties.

In all I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it was as though Primrose Woods was at the very heart of the story, and the fledgeling romances within the book, reflected the roots of the trees, hopefully growing equally strong and steadfast, ready to stand the test of time.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

What an absolute joy it is to lose yourself in Jill Steeples’ fun and feel-good new romantic comedy, Starting Over at Primrose Woods.

Everything seems to be coming up roses for Abbey Carter. She has everything she has always wanted for so long: a beautiful cottage within walking distance of her beloved Primrose Woods, a job she loves, a wonderful circle of friends and a wedding dress hanging in her wardrobe. Abbey should feel as if she’s on top of the world, so why can’t she shake off this feeling that something isn’t quite right? Why does she feel so lonely? And more importantly, does she have the courage to do something to change her situation?

Working at the Treetops Café in Primrose Woods never fails to put a spring in Lizzie Baker’s step. She loves her job and adores her customers, but beneath that friendly smile is a woman yearning to see her beloved granddaughter. Being a grandmother is all Lizzie had ever wanted, but her fear of flying is stopping her from seeing her granddaughter in the flesh. Will Lizzie find the courage to conquer her fears and finally be able to hug her granddaughter? Or will she have to resign herself to seeing her grandchild on the screen?

Rhianna West is crazy about her boyfriend, Jay. Unfortunately, Jay’s busy schedule precludes him from spending too much time with her. Rhianna has tried to be the understanding girlfriend, but her patience is wearing thin and Jay’s excuses just don’t ring true anymore. Will Rhi’s dreams for a happy future fail to materialize? Or will she realize that she can have the life she wants – but only if she listens to her heart and takes a leap of faith.

Will these three women find the happiness they seek? At Primrose Woods, anything can happen…

You cannot help but love Jill Steeples’ latest novel, Starting Over at Primrose Woods. Heartfelt, witty, brilliantly funny and so enjoyable I couldn’t stop reading it, Starting Over at Primrose Woods is an entertaining and engrossing tale about second chances, finding happiness and the power of friendship and community that made me smile and touched my heart.

Full of characters you will simply adore and with a great big dollop of humour, charm and heart, Jill Steeples’ Starting Over at Primrose Woods is a total delight!

This was a lovely story. I liked the character development and the setting. At times I felt the plot was moving to slowly for my tastes, but overall it was enjoyable.

The lives of three very different women are going to change forever when one event brings them all together.

Abby is planning the wedding of her dreams but she just has a niggling feeling in the back of her mind that something isn’t right.

Lizzie‘s family lives overseas and she longs to see her granddaughter. Unfortunately her fear of flying is debilitating.

Rhianna has been seeing her boyfriend for sometime now but the dates are never in public and she wishes for more.

The multigenerational storyline and the friendships that these women form, under difficult circumstances, is beautiful. I love Jill Steeples writing. This is full of love, laughter and tears.

A really great story, charming, atmospheric, great characters. Filled me with warmth and spirit. Well written and flowed nicely, was romantic and funny, charming and full of fun. A great read, i really enjoyed it.

The author spent over a page describing the scene. That’s a little too much time in describing a park for me. DNF.

*****I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest opinion. *******

I loved this sweet romance, and was sorry to say goodbye to this world when I had finished reading. The writer has done a smashing job of bringing her characters to life.

Many thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. I really enjoyed this book as it is very well written. The friendships are fantastically described. I enjoyed each and every characters personalities within this book. I would definitely recommend that anyone and everyone reads this book. This ebook is in stores for £1.99 (GBP).

A wonderful story of how through heartbreak comes friendships, love,and understanding. Abby loves her cottage and the fact that she lives on the doorstep of a beautiful country park. She is busy finishing the final planning for her upcoming wedding as well as working, so finds walking in the park a way to unwind and relax. However her life plans change and she finds even more need to enjoy the park as well as having a cuppa with the cafe owner Lizzy who becomes a friend and Sam a ranger and his dog Lady who have a habit of just being in the same place at the same time. A lovely story of how friendships and love appear when your not looking for them.

A sweet, heartwarming romance, Starting Over at Primrose Woods is the first book in a new series by Jill Steeples. A beautiful setting and wonderfully relatable characters are the best features of this book.

Perfect escapism, the story focuses on 3 women at different stages in their lives, and how the circumstances of their lives has brought them together and they've supported each other as each of them sets out on a new path. Lizzie is a widow in her late fifties who is terrified of flying but desperate to see her daughter and granddaughter in Australia. She works at the local cafe, one of the social centers in their small town. Abbey is in her thirties, and after dating the same man for 12 years, is only weeks away from the wedding she's dreamed of for years. Except her mind is full of doubts and stress, and the groom-to-be is never around. Rhianna is a young twenty-something, absolutely gone for her suave boyfriend but growing irritated by being his hidden secret as he extricates himself from his ex. Recommend!

A lovely warmhearted feelgood story of the very different friends living in the beautiful Primrose Woods. Great characters, the three main ladies were at very different stages in their lives but had a lovely bond and and were all looking to move on in some way in their lives. Plenty of fun and a nice light hearted style make this a perfect beach read

This book was the first for this author for me. It was a light hearted type of story centered around 3 different woman in 3 different stages of their lives. I enjoyed this book over all. It was a nice change over all the “spicy” romance I’ve been reading lately.

I received this ARC through #netgalley and I am voluntarily reviewing this book.

The story focus on 3 different women at a different stages of their life. Abbey is planning her wedding to her long time partner, Rhi is excited with her newfound lover and Lizzie is a widow in her late fifties who is about to find her 2nd chance in love.

Abbey, Lizzie and Rhi met each other and become good friends under difficult circumstance make their story really stand out. It highlight the important of friendship and courage to admit and move to overcome own fears. This is a cosy and heartwarming story to read that left me with a happy warm feeling in the end

I have been a fan of Jill’s work for a while now. I haven’t caught up with everything that she has written but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘Starting Over At Primrose Woods’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of book I have come to expect from Jill- a fun. light hearted, feel good sort of story. Well it was certainly all that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Starting Over At Primrose Woods’ but more about that in a bit.
I was drawn into this story from the very first word of the synopsis never mind from when I started reading the story itself. It soon became obvious that I wasn’t going to be able to put this book to one side for any length of time and to say that I became addicted to the story is a slight understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would become so wrapped up in the lives and loves of the various characters that I would still be sat there reading several chapters and an hour later. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of the story. I found ‘Starting Over At Primrose Woods’ to be a fun, feel good, light hearted and romantic read. After finishing reading the book I felt like I had had a hug from a mug of hot chocolate – in the sense that I was left feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
‘Starting Over At Primrose Woods’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Jill Steeples. Jill has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Jill’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a steady pace throughout. Jill cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. Her characters seem just as real as you and I. I find that the sign of a good book is when I find myself becoming far too involved in the story to the extent that I ‘talk’ to them as if they can hear me. I so wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to sort a couple of people out. I love the way in which Jill makes the reader feel a though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Starting Over At Primrose Woods’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Jill’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

I cant say much about this book really. It was just another ok light hearted read. Ive read better books.