Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read "The Forgotten Farmhouse By The Sea" in exchange for my honest review.

This book is such a moving story of a strong female character who doesn't know how strong she truly is until she is tested. Nan Green has always been pulled to Anglesey, Wales - a place that holds happy childhood memories for her. During their annual holiday in Wales she sees that Coed Uchaf the Welsh farmhouse that she has fond memories of is for sale. She convinces her reluctant husband Robin that they should sell-up in Cambridge and move to Wales. Robin doesn't like Wales or the Welsh language and though he finally agrees to the move, he decides that he will continue to live and work in Cambridge and visit his family in Wales on weekends. Nan and Robin have 5 year old twin girls - Ceri and Elin. Robin tells Nan that he will be away a lot and that she will be responsible for running the house and taking care of the girls. Nan happily agrees because Wales and that house are her happy place.

Robin is not a very likeable character. He constantly makes Nan feel that she is not good enough, that she is struggling. She struggling with depression when he first met her at uni and now he continually makes her feel like she is still that person. He's mean to her and quite rude at times. He says ridiculous things like "you dramatize everything and you're very wearing" when all she's trying to do is make him see that he promised to be with the family on weekends but most of the time he doesn't arrive or when he does he just picks a fight with everyone. He almost doesn't show up for Christmas, making Nan feel that the girls are not important enough to him.

Nan starts to suspect that Robin is spending beyond his means and living a double life - to the point that Nan might lose the house she loves so much to cover his debts. His mantra seems to be that this life was not what he bought into when really he was the one that changed and never really wanted to live in Wales.

With the help of friends she makes in Anglesey she realizes that she is a strong woman and very capable of taking charge of her life. Nan's mother has been keeping secrets that have eaten at her all her life and ruined her life. With a bit of a push from her twin brother she realizes that she has to tell Nan about the past so that they can all be happy in the future.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book (even though I did not like Robin) and I'm looking forward to other stories that Ms. Young will share with us readers.

I loved the title of this book and hoped it would as good as it sounded. In fact, it was amazing. A lovely, cosy read for those autumn nights. Thank you for the ARC.

The Forgotten Farmhouse By the Sea by Caroline Young is a moving family drama set mostly in Anglesey, Wales. It has plenty of twists and turns, surprises and a touch of romance. There’s a mystery at its heart, too, but it is mostly about a woman on a journey of self-discovery who is missing something in her life and returns to a place that once made her happy as a child.

Nansi Green has a dream. She wants to move to the country, have a dog and find some inner peace and contentment. Her married life is far from perfect and when she asks her husband Robin to embark on this new adventure with her, the cracks in their marriage really become exposed. The only way to make this financially work and for Robin to agree to selling their Cambridge home and buying the run down farmhouse that holds happy memories for Nansi (who also gives up her job), she must agree to his terms. He will mostly live in the previous city (in a room paid by the company) to earn a living, she will move to the country farmhouse with their twin daughters and try to restore it. And find some part time work. He is to visit as much as possible to see his wife and children. But things do not go as planned. There are arguments and he stays away and calls less with time. His new arrangement allows him the freedom and the chance of partaking of the temptation he desires.

Not long after moving to the old farmhouse, loneliness sets in for Nansi. She finds it hard to make friends in the Welsh community. Outsiders are not trusted initially but eventually she makes a friend in two unlikely persons: Gwenno and Harri. But when husband keeps making excuses not to come home for visits she begins to suspect something is going on and embarks on her own sleuthing. She is unaware at first that their finances are in trouble but Robin drops a few hints and it gets her thinking. He is the one in charge of that so what she finds is shocking and heartbreaking. I will say no more lest give anything away but Robin, from the start is easily disliked. He is very harsh, demeaning and controlling. He carries a dose of arrogance, too, that he may have learned from his parents. As the story unfolds we see more and more of his faults and the source of Nansi’s depression.

But all is not lost as Nansi grows through their separate lives and finds her own feet and friends who support her like Harri, a single dad who has his own story to tell. And Gwenno, who is outspoken but caring. Plus her uncle Dewi who is a gem. He has been a great source of strength, guidance and love in her life and continues to be there for her in her new home. But soon it is evident his health is failing and not long for this world. But he leaves her a legacy of hope that will change her life.

This novel covers many issues that a person can encounter on life’s journey so it deals with relatable realistic topics. But one of the shining themes at the core of this story is the importance of forgiveness. There are a number of characters in this novel who must realise that they must not only forgive those who have wronged them but also themselves. Each one must become the forgiver and receiver: including Nansi’s own mother. As a result, major hurts that have resulted from poor actions will be dealt with fairly and each person can move forward freely.

I really enjoyed this novel that was my first read of this author’s books. The descriptions were beautifully rendered, the moody Wales coast well depicted with its many fierce storms, nippy salt air and freezing waters. These elements act as a cleansing process for Nansi Green and help her feel alive again (and sometimes shock her system to awaken by going swimming in November with her friend!). The farmhouse holds some deep secrets that are revealed. There are unexpected connections between a number of the community members and the novel deals with each one graciously and effectively. Out of the ashes of despair, hope rises and new beginnings are possible. There’s freedom for those once caught in the clogs of unforgiveness and pain. The ending is truly marvellous and I felt everything was resolved. It is not a light story for it carries some complex issues of death, grief, abuse, depression, spouse control, parentage and infidelity to name a few. But there are also bright themes of love, forgiveness, restoration, emotional healing and new beginnings. All are handled well by the author.

I must also add I loved the literary reference to the W.B. Yeats poem 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree' and its place in the heart of Nansi. This tender and profound story was a delightful surprise that kept me pinned to the pages until the wee hours of the morning. I highly recommend The Forgotten Farmhouse By the Sea and sincerely give it 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy.

I wanted to like this but there was just something off about it. Nans whole agreement with Robin was terrible. Nan complaining about Robins looks also terrible. Nan basically hounding everyone for Harri’s personal business instead of asking him directly, terrible. And so much more really. Something just didn’t sit right with me about this story. But the setting was nice, and I appreciated the Welsh discussions.

One thing that was done wonderfully here was the writing. It was very descriptive, setting a vivid scene of the island and the home that Nan moved her family into. The setting was a fantastic part of the story! This story did a wonderful job exploring self-discovery within a unique setting.

However, this book was difficult to get into at first. I typically enjoy books with a melancholy feel, but in this case, it was more difficult to get through because I also did not connect with the characters. I definitely did not like her husband, Robin, from the start, which continued throughout the book. I unfortunately also found it hard to connect with Nan as well. I was able to gradually empathize with her as the book continued, but some of her early internal comments rubbed me the wrong way. Her relationship with her twins though was extremely endearing. I really respected how these characters were realistic in their struggles to find happiness throughout the story.

Overall, I believe this story is a good read for anyone looking for a realistic, emotional depiction of finding one's self.

Nan visited the island of Anglesey in Ireland as a child and has always found it to be a calm and peaceful place to be. When the farmhouse she remembers comes up for sale Nan convinces her husband, Robin, to buy it.

Once moved in Nan finds that is not all she had hoped for. With Robin spending less and less time at home and more time at work. Left alone to raise her twins on her own, Nan is in need of friends and wishes Robin to be more present.

I felt for Nan as she tried to find herself and her happiness. I disliked Robin right from the start. The way he spoke to Nan was so demeaning and conniving. I loved the unique people that she meets and who become friends.

As secrets from the past and present are revealed the story becomes even more interesting.

A story of finding happiness, love and forgiveness.

Thanks to netgalley and Storm Publishing for the arc.

This was a book that I found quite difficult to get into. I could tell from the start that Nan was being emotionally abused by her husband and I was outraged on her behalf at every insult and slur that came her way. Because of this I felt like I couldn't bear to pick it up again sometimes. I did continue though and the author has a lovely way of writing that redeemed the book as I read on. I'm glad that it all turned out the way it did and the characters all found peace. It is a hard task to talk and write about such abuse but I feel the author did a great job. Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Nansi Green, Nan, is selling up and moving to Anglesey, an Island off the North West coast of Wales.
This has been Nan’s dream for many years, and now she’s off to live it with her husband Robin, and twin girls aged five. Almost thirty years of age Nan is starting her life afresh, she hopes it’s all going to work out for them all, but will it?

After a troubled childhood Nan meets and marries Robin. She wants her twin girls to enjoy Anglesey as much as she did as a child, coming back to visit relatives. Her mother was from Anglesey, Wales is her heritage.
I found the book a very interesting read. I loved the vivid descriptions about Anglesey and the sights to see and beaches, I have only been once but it has awakened a want to visit.
I really liked the character Gwenno her friend, and very much disliked Robin.
Nan was portrayed as a very forgiving soul.
I was a little confused as the parents described in the book all seemed to be portrayed as very elderly, to have offspring around the age of early thirties.
That said it was a book I enjoyed reading.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of The Forgotten Farmhouse by the Sea by Caroline Young and published by Storm Publishing
I really enjoyed this novel, it was an easy read, great characters that were well introduced and described. I like the storyline and the happy ending, which I kind of saw coming.

Nansi and her husband have sold their home and moved to a run down fixer upper by the sea, it's not what Robin wanted but he is doing this for Nan and their twin girls, or is he? And he lays down so many rules for Nan. As Robin stays back in the city for work and to support his family, his visits home become less frequent, Nan tires to accept this until there are too many red flags and her new friends suggest she get to the bottom of what is really going on

This is the first of Caroline's novels that I read and would certainly read more. It was a great escape and an easy read novel.

I enjoyed this book. The character development was great and immediately I knew the husband was bad news.
Watching him cheat through the story was painful. I loved the setting of the story and the reader can feel how much the house and area means to NAn. Watching her journey to save her beloved home and seeing her personal journey to heal and make a new start was the highlight of the book. She found strength she didn’t know she had.

Really enjoyed this book, reading about the life and troubles of Nan and Robin and the twins. The move to Anglesey and everything that came with it. When you try to imagine what a place looks like , the farm, Dewi and of course Coed Uchef it leaves a happy smile. This is the story of someone wanting to be happy and being unhappy even when she gets what she wants. Times change emotions change and like the sun the happiness comes out.
Really enjoyed this book and my thanks as always to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the early read.

In "The Forgotten Farmhouse by the Sea," Caroline Young tells a story about the search for happiness. It's possible that our original plans won't lead us to the joy we want. But by staying faithful and taking it one day at a time, we might find happiness in surprising ways.

I had the pleasure of reading this fascinating book that takes you to Anglesey small island off the coast of Wales. The author does an incredible job of painting a vivid picture of the setting, allowing you to visualize being there. One aspect that stood out to me was Nan's development and newfound freedom in the second part of the book.. By forging her own path, she discovers joy, fulfilment and final happiness. The conclusion is very satisfying and will leave you content with having taken the journey to Anglesey. This book was emotional and realistic with well-developed characters. I enjoyed the journey and appreciated the use of Welsh and English phrases.

Read in in one day when I was home sick with a cold as I just could not stop reading once I started the characters were on my mind.

This is the first book i have read from Caroline Young and will be reading more.
I really enjoyed this story.
Nan and her family are enjoying a holiday in angalsey were Nan's family come from.
Nan spots an old childhood house that she's always loved empty and deralict up for sale.
She pursuades her husband Robin to sell there family home in Cambridge and buy this old house.
On one condition he keeps his job in Cambridge and visits when he can.
Nan restores the old house with little help from her husband and makes new friends who she begins to get close to.
All of these friends have a troubled past just as Nan did. And as they begin to open up to each other begin to heal themselves from there past traumas.

Loved the book! Though I didn't like the characters much in the beginning, gradually I started empathizing with them. More than the characters,I just loved the setting. I requested for the ARC mainly because of that catchy title and the beautiful cover and it didn't disappoint me one bit! There's just one suggestion to the author though. The author could have thought of something else instead of making three characters suffer from the same illness. The storyline is quite predictable but I assure you, that won't affect your reading experience at all! Just go for it.

"The Forgotten Farmhouse by the Sea" by Caroline Young is like taking a leisurely stroll through a story of self-discovery, set against the stunning backdrop of a windswept beach and an old, creaky farmhouse. I literally binged it overnight!

What really shines in this book is Caroline Young's way with words. She's a magician at conjuring up vivid scenes with her prose. Reading this, I felt like I'd been whisked away to the seaside spots she paints so beautifully. I really want to visit Wales now!

At its core, "The Forgotten Farmhouse by the Sea" is a deeply resonant exploration of Nan Green's personal journey toward growth and self-discovery. While there's a sprinkle of romance in the story, its true essence lies in the rich tapestry of Nan's voyage, a narrative element that I found not only engaging but also relevant, as it delves into real and relatable issues.

One particularly heartwarming aspect of Nan's character is her relationship with her twin daughters. Reading Nan's thoughts on motherhood and witnessing her boundless love for her children was a poignant contrast to the turmoil both within and around her. This added a layer of depth to her character, making her journey all the more compelling and relatable.

Let it be said, I hate Robin!! Young explores Nan and Robin's relationship in a way that's all too relatable for many. Robin's character serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges that can exist in relationships, as well as the dangers, making him a necessary, albeit infuriating, part of the story.

In a nutshell, "The Forgotten Farmhouse by the Sea" is a captivating and immersive read that dives deep into the realm of self-discovery. It's a story that invites you to ponder life, loss, growth, and uncovering your inner strength. If you're looking for an engaging and evocative tale that hits you right in the feels, this book gets a hearty recommendation from me!

This is one of my most favourite reads of 2023. So intense at times. Set in Anglesey . Nan wanted her twins to have a dream childhood so she and her husband moved back to the place Nan.loved. So many secrets and dark ones. You guessed what had happened to Nan. Men too powerful . A lot of hurt as well. But beautiful descriptions of the sea and the beach. Her husband wanted his cake and to eat it. He made you cross at times. You just have to read it. Absolutely brilliant.

The Forgotten Farmhouse by the Sea by Caroline Young is a delightful book. You will cheer for our main character and love the description of her life in Anglesey.

The island of Anglesey is heaven for Nan. Its her childhood retreat and where she feels safe.
She has had trauma in her background and needs to escape Manchester every summer with her family in tow to visit her favorite place. While on their vacation she finds a old farm for sale that she knows from childhood. After a heated discussion with her controlling ( and cheating) husband they buy the farm outright with no mortgage and renovations begin . Their agreement is Nan lives in the house with the kids full time and he visits once a week and stays in the city to work. He is a hypochrondiac with anxiety issues and Nan is happy to see him go and leave her to her peaceful new home with her children. Nan is making local friends and loving her new life with her small children. She soon finds out her husband has been cheating and wants a divorce. She loves her new home and plans on raising her children there with the local community on the island. She soon finds a love interest in a local man and finally is in love with someone who can understand the effects of her traumatic background and need for a simple quiet life.

This is a lovely read that sweeps the reader away to Anglesey . The author describes it perfectly atmospheric for the reader. I like the growth and independence in Nan once she is free of her controlling husband. Her life takes on a happier turn as she builds her ideal life. A pleasant read with a nice ending that will leave you glad you visited Anglesey. I look forward to the authors next book. I liked this book so much I read it in one sitting.





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A wonderful novel set on a small island off the coast of Wales. Nan (the main character ) has fond memories of this place after vacationing there as a child. When a house that she remembers fondly is listed for sale, she makes an agreement with her husband(Robin) that they can buy it and she will rennovate it while he keeps his day job in Cambridge. What follows is a discovery of secrets and what families and friends mean. Beautiful descriptions of this Welsh island ; I look forward to reading more from this author.

*spoiler alert** Small welsh island. Scandal and husband who wants a different life. A wife who wants a slow pace. Book about friendships and scandals from the past that lead to forgiveness.

Overall a really good book. Kept my attention however some of it was easy to guess what was going to happen. Honestly I did not like Robin from the start. I knew he would end up cheating on his wife. The tone he always took with her made me dislike him even more. Nan was like a typical woman in love at first until she found herself. Gwenno was one of my favorite characters and I’d love to see a book about her and her future.

The Forgotten Farmhouse by the Sea by Caroline Young

Nan Green has been visiting the island of Anglesey for as long as she can remember, drawn back to its windswept beaches and hidden coves every summer. The island is her refuge, a place where as a child she could escape her controlling father, if only for a few weeks.

When a ramshackle old cliffside farmhouse she remembers from her childhood comes on the market – complete with a wind-blasted hawthorn tree and endless sea views out towards the Irish coastline – Nan convinces her husband, Robin, they should buy it.

An unusual read , which in my book ( pun intended ) is a good thing.
Anglesey is a beautiful place and the author caught the atmosphere of it perfectly , I could imagine myself there .
The book had an almost haunting feel to it , a slow build , a kind of oppression to the house which is backed up by the locals and by Nans mother refusing to visit.
Why was this ? Your going to have to read it to find out !