Puffin Island is a fictional island inspired by Lindisfarne, off the Northumberland coast, so I had an affinity to the book straightaway being from the North East.
It’s an emotional journey with believable characters that you can relate to.
Loved getting to know the community on Puffin Island with the added extra of a gentle sweet romance
Thanks @Christie_Barlow @onemorechapter @netgalley for the lighthearted eARC

To say I was gutted when Christie Barlow’s wonderful Love Heart Lane series came to an end would be a massive understatement. For several years, I completely lost myself in each book and the village of Heartcross in Scotland although fictional will always hold a special place in my heart as will all the characters that I encountered. With the series reaching its conclusion the question was in what direction would Christie next venture in and how could it possibly live up to the extremely high expectations that its predecessor has left in its wake? Well, the answer comes in the form of Puffin Island and the first book A Postcard from Puffin Island.

With echoes of Love Heart Lane resounding in my mind I began this new book with some small trepidation one must admit. After all when you love something so much it’s hard to change your perspective to a new setting, new characters and a whole host of new problems. But I needn’t have worried in the slightest because right from the opening chapter I felt completely at home and couldn’t bear to leave the book out of my hands. All the magic, comfort, familiarity, community spirit, friendship and sense of well being and togetherness was there in abundance right from the very beginning to the bittersweet end.

Verity Calloway is the first new face we meet. She is packing up and about to go travelling in her newly converted van nicknamed Hetty. Life hasn’t been easy for Verity since the discovery that her boyfriend Richard had been cheating on her. To compound that fact he has now moved in across the road from her with his new partner. This gives Verity even more of a reason to escape for several months and affords her the opportunity to have some fun with her friend Ava and to plot out her next move. As she wrestles with the rusted and long unused post box at her grandmothers cottage which she is just about to close up she finds an old postcard long delivered but never read. For 50 years the postcard from Puffin Island has lain in the post box addressed to her grandmother Henrietta from someone with the initial W which says the secret must have been too much to bear but he can’t imagine life without her. Verity finds this very intriguing as she feels she knows Puffin Island very well from all the stories her grandmother told her and her curiosity is piqued but there is little she can do to discover more as a ferry sailing and a rendezvous with Ava awaits.

As she sets off on her travels and stops at a service station at the port she glimpses a man who lingers in her mind perhaps more than he should have. All plans are set to go ahead until Ava has a bit of a mishap and her arrival in Amsterdam will be delayed. With the contents of the postcard still fresh in her mind Verity decides to grab the bull by the horns and take the ferry to within reach of Puffin Island. A day or two make just provide her with the answers to the questions that have arisen in her mind. Puffin Island is a tidal island which can only be safely reached at certain times and as she waits to cross in Hetty, all the memories come flooding back from the impactful stories she was once told by Henrietta.

Once again Christie has excelled with her descriptions of the island. They are so real and vivid that you feel the island exists in real life and you find yourself longing to be able to visit. It’s evident that it is a very special and unique place. It’s stunning, picturesque and simply perfect. A safe haven for those that need it and its residents are fiercely proud and protective of every aspect of the island life, history and community. Suffice to say its not easy to acquire a house there as once people settle they don’t leave. Rainbow cottages, busy restaurants, independent shops, clifftops, sparkling bays, the Beachcomber Bakery, the Café by the Coast, Puffin Pantry, The Sea Glass Restaurant, The Old Ship Inn, The Smuggler’s Rest Hotel, The Story Shop and so much more. Each place I wanted to know more about and I am sure this will happen in future books. Of course I can’t fail to mention the puffins residing on the clifftops. They play their part too.

Verity is here on the island although for a brief window of time and she will make the most of it. It seems to be calling to her, to chase a secret and a romantic dream connected to her grandmother. Verity, although she doesn’t yet realise it, has stumbled across the island at a time when she needed it most. She knows now that she has to embrace life and take chances and through an unfortunate incident which she was warned about by Sam (the man she had happened to meet at the ferry port) she finds herself having to extend her stay whilst Hetty is repaired if that can be achieved. I loved that this tactic was employed as a means of Verity continuing her stay. To be honest, I didn’t want to read about her holiday with Ava as by this stage Puffin Island had me enraptured and I wanted to learn as much about it as possible and explore it through Verity’s eyes as she takes the opportunity to dig deeper into the origins of the postcard.

The island has a sense of calm about it which infuses throughout Verity. She takes time to explore and she once again meets Sam whom she discovers own Sea Glass restaurant. Sam has a hidden side to him and there are things that he is keeping secret. Just why does he detest Pete who resides at Cliff Top Cottage? Why is Pete so grumpy even though he has the wonderful job of caretaking the islands wild residents specifically engaging in the annual puffin census? Verity, wants to delve deeper and to learn more and you would think why would a visitor want to become involved in island life but the postcard is what is driving her on. She wants to know how it connects to her own family history and could it also explain why some characters act in the manner in which they do?

Verity’s confidence continues to grow as she is pushed outside her comfort zone. The island is making her do things she never dreamt possible and it was lovely to see her relax and embrace this new phase in her life. If at all possible, I wanted her to be able to stay for as long as possible and explore things with Sam as there was a definite spark between the pair but as she uncovers more through her continued quest maybe that can’t come to fruition at all? Puffin Island, starts to put Verity back together very quickly but the pace at which this occurs was just perfect as was the unfolding background story and let’s be honest the crux of everything that being the postcard is what is really driving her on. Everything else is just an added bonus all of which is very worthwhile, life altering and fulfilling. I loved the story of the past having a forbearing on the events in the present and the pace at which everything was revealed was ideal. I became as eager as Verity to see what answers she could find and in in doing so could she bring peace and forgiveness to the present but also at the same time find contentment and happiness in her own life?

Christie Barlow has done herself proud with this wonderful story and I hope the series will go on to be as long in length as Love Heart Lane was. Her loyal, long term readers will be left deeply satisfied and new readers will find lots to fall in love with. You won’t feel like leaving Puffin Island once the story ends and my only disappointed is that I had to. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Christie Barlow consistently weaves tales of wonderful feel good fiction of a ridiculously high standard and that standard rises with each book that she writes. A Postcard from Puffin Island is an utter triumph that will have me first in line to read future instalments. Thankfully the wait is not that long and two books will be published in 2025, The Lighthouse Daughters of Puffin Island makes its appearance in February and come June, The Puffin Island Bookshop will be added to the collection. I can guarantee there is another exciting year ahead when it comes to Christie Barlow and what she can achieve with this series after an epic start.

Wow what a start to a new series, and what a stunning new setting too.

I adore Puffin Island and can't wait to read even more books set on it. It's an idyllic tidal island, that is home to a rather large puffin population.

And when Verity who is on the verge of a big adventure discovers an old undelivered post card from Puffin Island and realises the place in her gran's stories is real, she makes some decisions that change the course of her life totally.

I adored getting to know a whole village of new characters, and to discover just why there seems to be tension between Sam and Pete. Also various other long almost forgotten secrets started to come out too.

This is a warm-hearted hug of a book that I instantly felt at home with. Just brilliant.

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

When it became clear that the Love Heart Lane series was ending, I was disappointed but put my trust in this fabulous author that she could and would create another fabulous community with the same level of warmth that had become so familiar to her legion of readers.
I felt an immediate affinity for Verity and her beautiful memories of her beloved granny. She had been raised on stories of the fabulous-sounding Puffin Island and the many inhabitants that made up the community as a whole. Of course, she believed that it was a product of her Granny’s vivid imagination, that was until she discovered a postcard amongst her Granny’s things and then saw the ferry that would be setting sail to the place where her imagination had been shaped with her Granny’s words.
I doubt that I would ever be brave enough to set out with my entire life packed into a camper van, but I would certainly enjoy getting out of my comfort zone, so who knows what the future may hold?
There was something rather special about the descriptions of the island, from the tidal trap that I associate with Lindisfarne to the pretty cottages that I imagined being reminiscent of Tobermory in the Scottish Highlands. I was enchanted and fully invested in the story before the first few chapters had ended. That speaks volumes about this author’s skill as she imagines people, communities and unique locations. As Verity searched for details of her grandmother’s time on the island, she discovered more than she had ever imagined and soon forged friendships that she intuitively knew would be long-lasting.
Of course, there is romance on the island, but I don’t include spoilers, so you’ll need to read it if you want to know more. I can promise you that you’ll be glad you did. I’m already looking forward to my next visit.

I have read all Christie Barlow's previous Love Heart Lane series. I really enjoyed this first book in her new Puffin Island series. I always find it interesting to see how life on an island can work. Particularly one that can be cut off by the tide, and the challenges that presents. I enjoyed Verity's story and look forward to more in this series.

I have never read anything by this author, but I will definitely be looking out for this author! The pace was great and I was hooked from just a few pages in!

Christie Barlow came back with a new amazing series set on a lovely island inhabited by a close knit community.

Verity is a well structured woman, she doesn't do things on a whim, she likes her routine but when she breakups with her fiancé she quits her job and decides to go on an unplanned trip with her best friend. For a series of circumstances she found herself on the Puffin Island, where she'll undertsand what to do in her life.

Verity felt disoriented when the life as she had planned disappeared, but she still embarks on a new adventure to solve her family's secret.
I have slowly come to love her, because at times she is unnerving even if her hurt feelings are relatable. At the end I was so glad she found herself and her place in the world on the little island.

A Postcard from Puffin Island was an absolute pleasure to read. It's a quick read that I definitely recommend.

This island escape is to the island known as Puffin Island. For those adorable creatures and the postcards of the place, Verity finds herself drawn there thanks to something in her Grandmother’s past. So whilst waiting for an adventure of her own, Verity stops off to see what the place is like.

In her own little campervan, kitted out for adventures abroad, Verity is struck by the community she finds herself involved with. And the puffins are not the only thing to attract Verity’s attention. It seems her adventures are not taking her very far.

We get to meet members of the community, as this is the first book in what will no doubt become a long series of them, as she had previously done in her Love Heart Lane series (worth a read).

This is great escapism, and the sense of characters and community are what make this author write such great books which deal with of course the romance and funny moments, but also some tough issues too without making it too much of depressing novel.

I look forward to revisiting the island in the coming months and books and escape once more.

With its echoes from the 1970s, this romance set on the fictional Puffin Island, inspired by Lindisfarne off the Northumberland coast, takes the reader on an emotional journey with its believable cast of characters. Verity is making a new start after her long-term relationship ends with betrayal. A chance encounter and a long-hidden postcard conspire to lead her to a little island famous for its puffins to solve a family mystery. The gentle romance between Verity and Sam and the serendipity that inspires it is lovely. I enjoyed meeting some of the community on Puffin Island and getting to know Verity, who I immediately liked. The story has a captivating emotional tone.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Verity Callaway, seeking escape from her old life, embarks on a road trip to Amsterdam, only to find herself detouring to Puffin Island after uncovering a mysterious postcard from her grandmother’s past. As she explores the picturesque island she’d only heard about in childhood stories, Verity embarks on a quest to uncover long-buried secrets. Along the way, she not only unravels her grandmother’s hidden history but also discovers new paths for her own life. A heartwarming tale about family, adventure, and the surprises life has in store.

From the first chapter to the last I was riveted to this book! When your halfway through you believe you know what happened in 72 but was i ever surprised! This is one of those books that stick with you when you are done. Loved it wish I could give it ten star's

A Postcard from Puffin Island was a book that held me attention from the first word to the last. I am so glad it is the first book in a new series.
Verity Callaway is trying to change her life, and she decides to go on a six-month vacation with her friend Ava in Amsterdam.
Verity is on her way to meet up with Ava when a last-minute decision sends her to Puffin Island. Her grandmother had told her stories about Puffin Island. The pull of remembering the stories was just the thing she needed.
The cast of characters in the story fit together perfectly. I am so glad Christie Barlow has given her readers a new place to feel at home as we all read the books.
Thank you NetGalley, Christie Barlow and One More Chapter for the book A Postcard from Puffin Island. This is my personal review.

Just Wow!
What a great start to a new series, A Postcard from Puffin Island has been a fabulous introduction to this new series.
When Verity decides to go travelling fate takes control and takes her to Puffin Island an island her granny told her stories about that she always believed to be made up.
This leads Verity to cross paths with Sam, Sam is everything verity could want in a man but will circumstances stop them from being together.
A magical book can’t wait to see which character Christy decides to write about next.
A definite five star read.
Thank you NetGalley for sharing this amazing book.

A Postcard from Puffin Island by Christie Barlow was an amazing, heartfelt story, I loved all the characters and the author wrote the story really well. It definitely made my heart happy.....
The characters are all so warm and the setting is vividly drawn in your mind.
This is certainly a book that will pull you in from the first page and keep you entertained.
A delightful story and I simply loved it. So much so, that I finished it in one sitting.
Another wonderful read from Barlow.

Thank You NetGalley and One More Chapter for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion

I had not read any books by this author but the title of this one caught my attention.

Perhaps its a shame that real life places were not used instead of completely fictional ones especially as it obvious where the real life places are. Maybe that's because I live on the North East coast.

This is well written and heartwarming. As one would expect there are characters to love and those you don't like so much.
It was an easy read but enough to make one turn another page.

I will certainly look out for more adventures from Puffin Island.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of htis book in exchange for a review.

I thoroughly enjoyed Christie Barlow's Loveheart Lane series so was delighted to be able to read the start of her new series. Puffin Island sounds like a wonderful place to be and I look forward to being back soon. This is Verity's story who has heard stories of Puffin Island from her beloved grandmother and is about to embark on adventure to Holland with her friend but takes a slight detour......

I absolutely love this author so was super excited to discover they had a new series out especially after love heart lane coming to an end. This was such a beautiful read with engaging characters and a fabulous setting and I was fully invested from the first page and read in practically one sitting. . I now want to go and escape to puffin island

This author has done it again and created a remarkable story to start a new series and I am already looking forward to reading more about the community of puffin island in the future.

I just loved this book from start to finish as I just couldn’t put this book down. It’s just so heartwarming and has wonderful characters in it. I just wish that Puffin island was real as I would love to go there as it sounds amazing and I look forward to the next book in the series.

I would highly recommend reading this book as it’s just amazing and so heartwarming.

I would like to thank One More Chapter and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book early.

Verity has only heard stories from her grandmother about Puffin Island, she decides to take a trip there, it is better than she imagined. loved the story.

"To her amazement, the postbox contained mail! There were various local business leaflets, from handymen to painters, an outstanding week’s milk bill written in shillings and pence, and, right behind the rest of what she would call junk mail. a postcard. Holding it in her hand, she took in the colourful picture on the front, which featured two puffins sitting on a rock, looking out over the sea."

One of the last jobs Verity does to prepare her grandmother’s cottage for the renters she’s arranged is to prise off the unsightly mailbox stuck on the front and get it open to see what’s inside. She’s about to go off on a trip with a friend in her trusty van, which she’s converted into living quarters, complete with a pet shower borrowed from her vet assistant job she hopes can act as a human one, after her boyfriend has cheated and then moved in over the road with his new girlfriend.

But Verity’s emotions, and then her path, are diverted by finding this card and realising that the stories her grandmother told her about a magical “Puffin Island” and its inhabitants were all true stories – and there’s a mystery to solve in the form of said postcard, signed “W”. Of course there’s then a hunky islander to flirt with, but there’s also friendship extended from two other young women and a curmudgeonly old naturalist, puffin counting to do and a risky trip over a causeway.

Will Verity learn to stop poking her nose in? Might she be able to stay on the island? Why do two residents really not get on? We’ll find all this out in this lovely, gentle and atmospheric read – and I can’t wait to read more about this community in future books.

Blog review published 27 Sept: https://librofulltime.wordpress.com/2024/09/27/book-review-christie-barlow-a-postcard-from-puffin-island/