Member Reviews
Juniper Meadows is such an appealing setting with lots of potential for new characters to appear. In this second in the series, we meet more members of the family and discover more about the Travers' family history. There is a multitude of potentially awkward situations when Ben arrives but the Travers' attitudes show us a lot about what sort of people they are.
Amelia is closely connected with the Travers family but wants to get by without accepting help and is desperate to atone for her father's past actions. Nevertheless, her friendships support her and she has to learn to accept help and to distance herself from her father. Juniper Meadows has a healing quality and you can see this in its effect on her mother who has been in denial and relied on Amelia to take the hard decisions. I always enjoy reading Sarah Bennett's stories with their appealing characters and brilliant settings. Family, friendship and community are at the heart of the story and make for an uplifting read.
In short: heartwarming- a gorgeous read
This second book in the Juniper Meadows series is an emotional and heartwarming read full of family drama and gentle romance. Finding out that her estranged father has died leads Hope to seek out her brother, who she has only just found out she has. Having a sister and finding out his mother is still alive is a complete surprise for Ben and takes a little while to come to terms with. It gives him a second chance for a family and a new life in the wake of his father's selfish lies. Juniper Meadow is a vibrant setting and provides a beautiful location for this autumnal story. In From the Cold is Amelia and Ben's story; Amelia features in the first book, so read that to get the complete picture. Amelia and Ben's friendship and understanding of each other's situation help them to heal and form meaningful relationships. Their romance is gentle and comes from their friendship. I like the characterisation which develops in previously met characters, the family dynamic, the romance, and the setting.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
It would be very much worthwhile to read the first book in the series (Where We Belong) , as there is quite a backstory to previous events at Juniper Meadows and family secrets that came to light. While you will be able to catch up with characters from the first book, the focus here is on Amelia and Ben, and the development of their relationship to each other and the other characters at Juniper Meadows.
A heart-warming family reunion that also led to a sweet romance.
There was so much to like about this story. The Travers family opened their arms without reservation to include Ben and Amelia and her mother. Their kindness and generosity knew no bounds. Like the first book, I enjoyed the descriptions of life at Juniper Meadows a lot.
Ben reuniting with his family covered all the expected emotions. I really felt his uncertainty, guilt, anger, and hopefulness. The interactions between him and his mother and the rest of the family were just beautiful.
Amelia had her own demons to slay, but she learned that it was okay to rely on other people sometimes. She opened herself up to Ben and they helped each other sort through their issues.
The ending really snuck up on me. I was having a good time reading and then, all of a sudden, it was time for the epilogue.
I can definitely recommend this if you like a closed-door romance that also focuses on family and friend relationships. This book stands well on its own.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resource and Boldwood Books for my arc copy here's my honest review from the heart.
This follows on from the frist book I had a great time revisiting Juniper Meadows again and seeing Hope and her family.
Hope learns that his father has died. She considers Ben and how he will be handling things. She tells Ben she is his sister while she is at the funeral.
Ben discovers all the lies his father had been telling him after that revelation. They all meet up at Juniper Meadows, a resort owned by Ben's wealthy family. Amelia was a bit monotonous because she spends the majority of the book berating herself for other people's troubles, but I liked the family dynamics of Ben and the individuals at Juniper. The book's cosy atmosphere and superb character writing won me over. It a perfect cosy fall or winter read.
So lovely to return to Juniper Meadows once more
Where family drama and friendships are sure to endure.
Shocking revelations made by her mother
Leave Hope hoping to find her brother.
When his father dies, Ben has a huge surprise.
That's when he learns of his father's lies.
He'd said Ben's Mum had died.
He lied!
A moving story where meeting up again
Helps heal but also causes pain.
What will Ben decide to do?
Can a new friendship help see him through?
There's more than one drama in this book
But they're entwined, so take a look.
It really helps to have read the first book, too,
To enjoy this story all the way through.
A moving, heartwarming read
It really was just what I need!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
I thoroughly enjoy all of Sarah Bennett’s books, and having read the first book in the series Where We Belong a short while ago, I was keen to go back to Juniper Meadows and find out what more was in store.
Having previously met Hope, we learnt how complicated her family is, (I highly recommend you do read the first book before this so to have the full idea). Now this book is yet another emotional tale. There are discoveries of such hurt, betrayal and deceit within the family, how heart breaking that one persons actions can cause so much angst. Ben had no interest in rekindling a relationship with his biological mother Stevie, but learning what happened in the past, could this change how he proceeds with his future?
Another character we discover some more about is Amelia, who is Hope’s childhood best friend. She is devastated by what her father did and pushed everyone else away because of the shame. She is fierce though and wants to prove to everyone that she is nothing like her dad, not that she needs to do that really. I had really felt very sorry for her in book one, nothing was of her doing but she was resolving things and fixing problems.
Sarah is a great storyteller and the way her characters develop throughout the story and over a series is brilliant. This isn’t your typical light and airy rom com, or story of festive cheer (even though the cover looks that way); it has serious, intense themes that have been written with sensitive care but it is still enjoyable. You will get stuck in and have your head in the book for hours.
I always enjoy catching up with previous characters and this book was no exception, I am really looking forward to more from Juniper Meadows.
Sarah Bennett - In From The Cold.
This is book 2 in the Juniper Meadows series from author Sarah Bennett.
In From The Cold, can be read as a standalone story, but you will get so much more from this book if you read the series in order.
It was a delight to head back to Juniper Meadows, and to catch up with Hope and the rest of the Travers family.
There are newly discovered family members and old friends to welcome back into the fold, and of course the Travers family do so with nothing less than warmth, love and kindness.
I have absolutely fallen in love with this quirky, warm hearted lot.
#InFromTheCold is essentially Ben and Amelia’s story. They both find themselves enveloped by the Travers family, but they both have their own issues to deal with.
Those issues give them an instant connection, that could maybe lead to more.
I think this could well be some of Sarah Bennett’s best writing to date. She has a captivating way with words, and also gets some lovely humour in there too.
What Sarah Bennett excels at, is creating settings. From her previous books, Lavender Bay and Mermaids Point, are both settings that have stuck in my heart. Juniper Meadows has now joined them. It’s just so damn lovely, and quite honestly, I want to go there and never leave!
#InFromTheCold is a fabulous read. It’s warm, funny, sweet romantic and touching.
As we head towards the colder days and longer nights, this is a perfect book to snuggle in with.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital arc of this title.
This was a cute storyline! I will be reading the first in the series now to ‘catch up’. I really liked the characters and the development over the book, very easy and pleasant reading, I really enjoyed it x
A delightfully heartwarming book & a perfect winter read.
I read the 1st in the series earlier this year and although it’s not my favourite series from Sarah Bennett (Butterfly Cove is one of my all-time favourite series in this genre so it’s hard to beat in my eyes) I found it an enjoyable read.
It could be read as a stand-alone but would be best enjoyed having read the first book in the series.
Despite not reading book 1, I still enjoyed this book (book 2 in a series) although I do wish I would have read book 1 first.
Despite that, I still enjoyed the book. There is some sweet romance includes with some heavier topics of loss and lies which are balanced perfectly. I really enjoyed and connected with the author's writing style and I will definitely read more by her.
After having a visit to Juniper Meadows in, Where we Belong, the first book in the series, I was excited to dive into In From the Cold the second book.
Taking place in the beautiful Cotswold’s it’s a joy to return again as we see how the characters are faring.
At times it takes a great sadness to bring people together, such as in this case in the form of a funeral.
We are treated to a charming and caring cast of characters. While this may be read as a standalone, I do suggest reading the books in order because there is a bit of a backstory.
As a secret becomes revealed there is a brilliant and supportive group behind them. A new family is waiting to welcome with open arms, a family he hadn’t even known about. Before you can move forward you must be at peace with the past. He is able to move forward with the support of his new family.
Heartwarming, this book is a warm welcome hug! I can’t wait to see what the author has out next!
Publication September 21, 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of the book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
In From The Cold by Sarah Bennett
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Amelia Riley and Ben Lawson have something in common – fathers who have kept secrets.
On the day of his father’s funeral, Ben’s life changes forever when a woman he’s never met shows up claiming to be his sister. As he investigates the past, Ben is shaken to discover that much of his life has been built on a carefully constructed foundation of his father’s lies. Needing answers, he agrees to visit Juniper Meadows, the ancestral estate owned and run by his long-lost relatives, the Travers family.
Arriving in the pretty Cotswolds countryside, the first person Ben meets is Amelia Riley. They are immediately drawn to one another, but Amelia has her own complicated ties to the Travers family. Her only goal is to set the past to rights so she can move on with a clean conscience.
As Ben starts to see the events of his childhood more clearly, he allows the warmth and fun he finds at Juniper Meadows to draw him in from the cold. But just as he’s contemplating setting down roots, Amelia is making plans to leave…
My Opinion
Earlier this year I read and enjoyed the first book in this series, Where We Belong, so thought I would return to Juniper Meadows to see how the characters were getting on. This was a charming, heart-warming tale, that was easy to cram into a few relaxing hours. There is a complex back story so I would highly recommend reading these books in order.
Whilst the cover looks like this is a festive book, do not be mislead. This can be read at any time of year but as the cover suggests would make for a great read on those dark nights. Set in a lovely location this is a great addition to your reading list.
Rating: 4/5
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
This is the second in the Juniper Meadows series and while you don't have to have read the first I think it helps given the complicated family history/dynamics!
Another enjoyable book and I look forward to more in the series.
The second novel in this wonderful series - and every bit as delicious as the first!
Ben is shocked when a woman approaches him at his father's funeral with the news that she is his sister. He is shocked to discover that most of his life has been based on lies. Wanting to find out more, he agrees to visit Juniper Meadows where the first person he meets is Amelia Riley who has her own connections to the Travers family. But as he is making his way into the family, she is planning to leave . . .
I absolutely loved the first in this series and was thrilled to have this second one to read. And what a read it is! The author has moved the story on while seamlessly encompassing the characters from the first one. Beautifully written, I feel as if I know all the family members that little bit better and am already looking forward to continuing this super series. Truly delightful, thoroughly enjoyable and one I'm very happy to recommend. Five sparkling stars from me.
My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.
In From the Cold is a beautiful story about love, lies, betrayal and healing. Sarah Bennett's writing is gorgeous and she creates characters that I feel I know in real life. In From the Cold is another heartwarming story from this talented author. Grab your copy now and treat yourself to this hug in a book! 5 stars!
This is Book 2 in the Juniper Meadows series from this author. As with book 1, the story features the Cotswolds estate belonging to the Travers family who have turned to main house into a hotel and spa, the extended family living in the farmhouse or elsewhere in the grounds. I often say that a book can be read as a standalone even when part of a series, but in this case I would recommend that you read the first in the series (Where We Belong) before reading this one to get complete enjoyment from the story. After reading the first book, I eagerly awaited the release of this one to find out what was happening in the lives of the main characters. The story continued to captivate me, and I read this book in the space of 24 hours.
This story features Ben Lawson, who discovers on the day of his father’s funeral that he has a whole family he knew nothing about. Totally shocked by the secrets and lies that his father kept from him, he decides to travel to the Juniper Meadows estate to investigate the situation and meet his mother, who he has believed dead all his life, and his sister, Hope. Unwilling at first to believe the extent to which he has been fooled by his father, he soon falls under the spell of the Travers family and even begins to see a way forward in his life and how he can follow his dreams. He also meets Hope’s friend, Amelia Riley, another person struggling to come to terms with the actions of her father. Just as it seems he may form a relationship with her, she is planning to escape from her past. Can they get together and find love at Juniper Meadows?
I think this series may be my favourite from Sarah Bennett. The romantic stories have had me completely spellbound and I wouldn’t fail to recommend them to other readers. This one definitely lives up to its description of being heart-warming and uplifting. Ben’s story is certainly emotional; it is difficult to imagine how you would react to the discoveries he made. The amazing Travers family were just the people to envelop him like a warm blanket and bring him in from the cold. The family is made up of such interesting characters with amazing back stories. I would love to visit the estate and meet them all, never mind stay at the luxurious hotel
A gentle romance sneaks in along the way to self discovery and personal growth, not just skills but emotions too. A heavier topics here on loss of a loved one. The connection between Ben and Amelia is sweet enough to make me smile.
Juniper Meadows sounds too good to be true all around, but if it existed I would want to visit and follow my creative dreams.
Here you will find:
- Greif and loss
- New beginnings and self discovery
- Uncovering secrets
- Cute flirting
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
This is the second book in the Juniper Meadows series. You definitely need to have read the first book as there is a complex family history which is easier to follow if you have read the previous book.
In this book we are introduced to Ben, Hope's long lost Brother. We also catch up with Hope and Cam as the dig is progressing. Amelia is now one of the main focuses, as her and Ben become close to one another.
It is good catch up with the Travers family and have updates about the dig. There is a lot happening in this book and many characters to follow but the book is well written and I found it easy to follow.
I love the location, it is idyllic and sounds lovely in the Autumn and in the lead up to Christmas. I would definitely love to visit.
There is a fair amount of family drama and some difficult themes. There is still space for romance and fun and some heartwarming moments. I really enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.
This is the 2nd book in the Juniper Meadows Series and even though I have read the first book, I was able to mostly follow along. I do recommend reading the first book though. It won’t be a hardship because this author writes really well. I enjoyed the characters, setting, and story line.
Thanks Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this book.