I was so excited when I saw the author was writing another story set in Blossom Heath. I loved Always By Your Side, such a feel-good story. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on New Beginnings! Did I love it as much? Oh yes. So much so that I was sad when it ended…

When Tori returns alone to Blossom Heath from her travels, her confidence is low and with her planned future no longer something to work towards, she’s lost her way (and lost her faith in relationships). It’s not long before she’s in contact with the friends she went to school with and when her mum makes a suggestion, she starts to feel excited about life in Blossom Heath.

I loved the bond she has with her mum Joyce – so nurturing, caring and looking out for each other. The same can be said for Tori’s friendship with Rose too. You know when characters make an appearance from previous stories in a series it’s often just a passing reference? Not so with Rose. Brilliant to see her involved in Tori’s life and as a result, how things are with Jake and her school job. I really liked this continuity.

I enjoyed the Cosy Cat Cafe taking shape with all the planning, support and conflict with the village. Plenty happens to provoke emotions 🙂 There are scenes that made me want to rage but balanced so well with heart-warming scenes. Adding new items to the menu alongside customer favourites is not only a hit in Blossom Heath but inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I haven’t been disappointed yet!

The stories that thread through of customers and the impact of being with the cats (and adopting them) is really touching. It was great to see Mason and his mum Hayley pay a visit 🙂 I loved that the resident cats have their own personalities. The welfare of the cats, Grace (the vet) and the charity are so cleverly woven through the story.

The ‘will they won’t they’ isn’t forced at all for Tori and Leo. I’ve got to say, Leo is pretty hot! Not only does he have the looks but when we meet him (might not have said the same before haha) he is considerate and thoughtful. And those sparks between the two of them… Leading up to the barn dance I did wonder if the past would pull her in though and kept shouting at her to go with her instinct, to trust herself. There’s more than one romance building up too.

Blossom Heath is a community I would live in. Now my thoughts are turning to who could be the focus in the next story (fingers crossed there is more!). Nina would be great and even though I dislike Claire, her growth as a character would be worth reading about. Or maybe Jess. I’d like to see her stay and not move away.

You don’t need to have read Always By My Side to enjoy New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe although I would recommend that you do.

An easy 5 stars from me!

It was so good to return to Blossom Heath and reconnect with so many of the characters from the first book as well as being introduced to some new ones to tell this story.
It was lovely seeing Tori setting up the Cosy Cat Cafe and seeing all the work that she put in to make it the best version of a cat cafe that she could. As good as it was to see Scout mentioned occasionally, we met her in the first book, it was great to get to know the cats in this one and see some of them go off to their furever homes.
This was a lovely story of a village coming together for a good cause as well as a sweet romance. I really enjoyed this book as it was very easy to read and kept me engaged from start to finish.
Now I just have to hope that we will be visiting Blossom Heath again in the not too distant future!

Oh, I absolutely loved this book!!
This is Julie’s second novel and it’s safe to say, she is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors!

I love Julie’s writing style, her characters and the setting (both her books are set in the same idyllic Sussex village). It was so lovely to return to Blossom Heath and hear how the characters from ‘Always by your Side’ were doing.

This time the story is about newly single Tori who has just returned to the village after her boyfriend, Ryan, dumped her whilst they were travelling around Asia.
Heartbroken Tori, soon settles back into life in Blossom Heath, helping her mum run her cafe. But at a loss what to do long term, Joyce (Tori’s mum) suggests they turn the cafe into a cat cafe just like the ones Tori enjoyed visiting whilst on holiday! Cue cute cats, renewing friendships and the possibility of new love, life is starting to feel good again - until Ryan turns up!!

Oh! I really want to move to Blossom Heath!This book gives you the feeling of a warm comforting hug and is such an addictive read - I just couldn’t put it down, desperate to find out what happens and urging Tori to make the right life choices! Hurry up with your third novel Julie! 🥰

Thank you to @simonschusteruk for providing an advanced digital copy of this book, in return for an honest review via @netgalley All opinions are my own.