Member Reviews
Another enjoyable and easy novel from Sherlock, readers return to the sleepy village of Cranfield which, as the series is demonstrating, is starting to wake up with local businesses and the younger generation attracting tourists. This time, it is Flora in the limelight as readers see how she, with the help of Nico, turn around the fates of Strawberry Hill Farm.
This farm is struggling. It has been in Flora’s family for decades and, true to life, she and her grandmother are unable to make ends meet. Spiralling costs and the impact of climate change has left the fields sodden with only strawberries being able to grow. Flora and her grandmother are acutely aware that their farm is on borrowed time and the reality of having to sell up is on the horizon. When Italian hunk, Nico, arrives at the farm, his entrepreneurial ideas gives Flora and Grams hope that Strawberry Hill Farm might live on… even if it is in a bit of a different guise.
Yes, this is another boy-meets-girl romance sort of story but I really enjoyed it. Fans of Sherlock will notice that this book follows a similar formula but hey, if it works and we readers like it, what’s the problem? I was ready for an easy, spring to summer read and liked seeing the characters move from struggling farmers to successful business owners. This definitely seems to be a theme in this series and one that does not get tiresome to read about.
I liked how Nico’s character is introduced. Flora decides, for the first time in forever, to act spontaneously: shed her clothes and go skinny-dipping in the farm’s natural lake. Yet, this is the exact moment that Nico appears and this cute-meet makes Flora’s cheeks burn with embarrassment. Flora tries hard to keep her distance from Nico, believing him to be a stereotypical Italian lover who cares not a jot for women. However, Sherlock portrays Nico as far more vulnerable with a depth to his character and genuine affection for others. I really enjoyed seeing how their relationship grows, especially as Flora is so determined to keep a lid on her attraction – even if it is at the cost of her own happiness.
A great read from Sherlock, I am excited to see what happens next in this series. The story concluded with a surprise engagement, so I really hope this features in the next book. The setting of Cranfield is so pleasant to explore that these books transport readers to a quiet village that is now bubbling with life and laughter. A lovely series.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love this series, and this is another totally wonderful addition to it.
I found I couldn't read this fast enough, as I felt so at home back in Cranfield, and I love seeing how this little town keeps regenerating itself.
This time it is Flora who is taking centre stage but we see plenty of the other leading ladies of the series, and I also know I'm looking forward to reading Libby's story in the final book of the series.
Flora is trying her hardest to save Strawberry Hill Farm but is practically out of ideas. She is not a huge fan of change, nor is she that bothered about romance, so the arrival of Nico Rossi is a huge adjustment for her.
I loved Nico, he is trying his hardest to prove he isn't like his famous father, and some of his interactions with a young teen in the village are really sweet and it's clear he is a very caring person. He is also determined to help Flora save the farm.
I loved seeing the dynamics between Flora and Nico, even if I did want to knock their heads together many times.
This is heartwarming, its friendly, the sense of community is strong and its an all around pleasurable book to escape into. A total joy to read, and I can't wait until I open the next book in this series.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
A gorgeous, heart-warming read. Beautifully developed characters, a delightful setting.... just a truly feel good read!
What a lovely and heart-warming story that is so warm and fuzzy I just couldn't put it down. Loved the characters and how different they were, loved the setting and the story flowed so well it was easy to loose yourself in it.
So easy to read, so cosy to cuddle up with and so enjoyable and entertaining to read. What more can I say. Love the book, Love the writing and love the characters. Everything you need in a great book.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Alison Sherlock is an amazing writer, you become immersed in her characters and imagine yourself becoming part of their friend.
Lovely feel good story that will leave you wanting more!
A fabulously book to escape the daily grind. Lots of loveable old characters mixed with exciting new characters. This series is fabulous as a whole but all books can be read as standalone stories. Warm and cosy, this book could be considered as predictable but I don’t care, I like the intricate story of the journey. Great read.
Thank you Netgalley
I absolutely adore a good British romance and this book checked off all my boxes of what makes one great. I loved the story. I loved all the personal conflict the characters had. This book was a definite 5 star read!
I just reviewed Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm by Alison Sherlock. #SunriseoverStrawberryHillFarm #NetGalley
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Wonderful, I love Alison's books they are easy to follow and a wonderful escape. I enjoyed it very much and would definitely recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book. It was different than anything else I've read recently. I couldn't put it down! I will keep an eye out for this author's future work!
Part 2 of this series!
Flora loves her strawberry farm, but she needs a new business idea because strawberries arn't paying the bills alone anymore.
And then Nico arrives in his fancy car and will stay for a little while.
people aren't always what they want you to see, sometimes the characters are differnt.
Have fun reading!
Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm by Alison Sherlock
A nice enjoyable read if not a little predictable ( however sometimes that's exactly what you need in a book). Good characters and setting was delightful. I particularly enjoyed Nico's character and his community spirit. This was a new author to me and I would read more from them in the future. It was a nice uplifting read for the start of the year. Thanks so much Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the e-arc in return for my honest thoughts and opinions.
Flora Barton, raised by her grandparents, faces the challenge of saving their deteriorating farm after her grandfather's death. Feeling overwhelmed, she encounters Nico Rossi, an Italian playboy with a plan to rescue the farm. Initially wary, Flora eventually warms up to Nico's charm, while her grandmother plays matchmaker. As their romance blossoms, they work together to revitalize the farm with the help of their supportive community. Despite uncertainties about Nico's departure, their love story offers warmth and tenderness, making it a captivating read.
This is a heartwarming series with a cast of likeable characters and an idyllic setting. However, look below the surface and you discover that there are difficulties even in this gorgeous place and Flora has a fight on her hands to save the family farm. I loved the relationship between Flora and her grandmother and there some lovely friendships between the generations.
Flora has her own secret dreams as to what she wanted her future to entail and in many ways she has put them on one side and compromised for the good of her family. Family duty is important to Nico as well and there are many similarities in their past stories. Of course at first glance they seem very different with Nico's playboy image and flashy Ferrari. Familiar characters from this series and the earlier Riverside Lane series add local colour but this can also be read as a standalone.
In short: uplifting read with gorgeous characters
A lovely read. Flora is trying to keep her grandparents family farm afloat after many hard years having to sell land.
Nico, is related to her grandparents old friends and turns up to pass on a gift. He's facing his own demons coming to terms with his own family troubles.
He offers to stay for a while to help them with new plans and Flora's nan is keen to matchmake!
I loved the glamping site coming to life and their plans to involve the community and give back. The local characters are wonderful and love the relationship between Flora and her nan.
Book 5
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the chance to read this book.
This is the third book in the Railway Lane series by Alison Sherlock. This story focuses on Flora and the family farm she runs with her Grams. They have faced many struggles trying to keep the farm alfoat and are feeling very low. Their friends rally to try and help come up with ideas, but it's with the help of Nico, the grandson of one of Grams' friends, that they have a chance to diversify. There is chemistry and curiosity between Flora and Nico that they eventually give in to, even though both of them have reasons to distrust others.
Each book in this series has been enjoyable, and I've felt really drawn into the characters' lives and their daily struggles.
I love the way each story is revitalising the small town and the happiness it's bringing to the characters.
This is a fantastic series and I can't wait for Libby's happily ever after!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun, cozy, heartwarming book that I enjoyed a lot!
A gorgeous romantic escape perfect for snuggling up with, Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm is the enjoyable new novel by Alison Sherlock.
Flora Barton is desperate. She is in danger of losing her beloved family home and needs one good business idea to keep Strawberry Hill Farm afloat. Flora is determined to do everything in her power to keep the farm, but thus far all of her plans have failed to come to fruition and she can feel Strawberry Hill Farm slipping further and further away from her grasp. But could help come from a most unlikely source: Nico Rossi, freshly arrived from Italy with a plan that could be the answer to all of Flora’s problems?
The Rossi men are known for being ruthless playboys with a fearsome reputation. When Nico arrives at Cranfield with his crazy idea for Strawberry Hill Farm, Flora is initially hesitant. The handsome Italian is impulsive, impetuous and irresponsible, but with everything to lose, she knows that his plan is the last chance to save her home. With so much going on, distraction is the very last thing Flora needs, however, she cannot help but finds herself drawn to Nico, who has made it quite clear that he does not plan on sticking around Cranfield for longer than necessary.
Can Nico and Flora save Strawberry Hill Farm? Will Nico stop running, face his demons and put down roots in Cranfield? Or is a happy ending not on the cards for Nico, Flora and Strawberry Hill Farm?
Alison Sherlock knows how to write witty, emotional and hugely enjoyable contemporary romances and Sunrise over Strawberry Hill is another fantastic tale that will make readers laugh and cry. A wonderful story about new beginnings, second chances, healing from the past and falling in love sprinkled with hope, pathos and humour, readers will love losing themselves in this magical new novel by Alison Sherlock: Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm.
I didn't know this book was part of a series! Oh well. It was still good and made me smile and laugh which was I needed.
Flora and Nico were a joy in getting to know. Although, I must say Gran is my favorite character. I love her because she reminds me of my own grandmother whom I dearly miss.
I'm happy with the way this story ended.
A solid 5 stars from me for the wonderful read I enjoyed. I would read this author again. She has done a wonderful job with this novel.
I highly recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A lovely story although I guessed the outcome very quickly. A delight to read and it made me smile alot. My favourite character was Gran as she was so feisty and made gorgeous cakes. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Flora Barton and her grandmother are in danger of losing their family's strawberry farm due to the increasing effects of climate change that make half her fields unworkable.
Nico Rossi is the son of a famous football player, and his grandparents were once friends with Flora's family. After Nico's own family vineyard in Tuscany is sold, he arrives in Flora';s hometown of Cranfield with a red Ferrari and a reputation of a playboy.
Flora and Nico get off on the wrong foot, but soon realise they need to work together if they want to save Flora's farm from the same fate as Nico's vineyard. And so they create a "glampsite" that supports the local businesses around them for a magical camping experience for their guests.
This was a charming rural romance that covers everything from first impressions and misunderstandings, to community spirit, friendships and slow burn romances. There are lots of great characters in here, from warm-hearted Nico to "Dodgy Del" and teenage Tyson, and the banter between the friendship group is realistic and relatable. Flora herself was possibly the least likeable character, with her instant dislike and prejudice, but her pride softens through the story.
It's very much a slice-of-life story, with small quiet achievements alongside the big development of both the campsite and the romance. I wasn't aware this was book 3 in a series, but it easily works as a standalone.
A lovely summer read.
~ Many thanks to NetGalley for providing a coop of this book in exchange for an honest review~