I think I'd like to live in Honeystone village and become a Honeystonian. It is such a fabulous village, full of community and friendship, and slightly hard to explain occurrences.

And this I'd say is more of an ensemble piece as within each chapter we are focusing on many of the residents of the village as their lives entwine in new and fascinating ways.

My complete and utter favourite character is Clover, she is just brilliant. She is only a child, has a disability that she copes with admirably, only has her father and she is a keen baker and cook. And immensely personable.

On the other end of the scale you have poor Dora, who isn.t really and of the main focuses but has a very strong and serious theme in her plot.

I loved newcomer Anthea to the village, she is determined to stay at arms length, but to say that doesn't last long is an understatement.

And there are many other notable characters too, all so different, and all vital parts of this wonderful book.

I devoured the words of this novel, as I often do with Kate Forster books, and think this must be one of her best to date. A joy to read.

Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Book Review: The Honeystone Village Diaries

I recently finished The Honeystone Village Diaries by Kate Forster, and I can’t stop raving about it! This charming novel whisked me away to the picturesque village of Honeystone, nestled in the Cotswolds, where the warmth of community and the magic of personal transformation beautifully intertwine.

The story centers on Anthea, a renowned perfumer who, after losing her sense of smell, finds herself as the new owner of Spindle Hall. Her reluctance to make new friends made her character relatable, especially as she navigated her feelings of isolation. Watching her journey from solitude to connection was truly uplifting, and Forster captured that internal struggle with grace.

Then there's Peony, who returns to Honeystone with a freshly bruised heart, and her story resonated deeply with me. Her bond with her father, Robert, who is struggling with his pub, added an extra layer of emotional depth. The interplay between their challenges and the warmth of familial love felt authentic and poignant.

Izzy, caring for her niece Clover while contemplating her own future, brought a refreshing perspective to the narrative. The arrival of a new doctor in town added a hint of romance and possibility, making me root for her as she explored what she truly wanted from life.

Forster has a gift for creating vivid characters that feel like old friends. The dynamics among the villagers were rich and engaging, making me feel like I was part of the community. The underlying themes of healing, friendship, and second chances resonated with me long after I closed the book.

Overall, The Honeystone Village Diaries is a heartwarming tale that perfectly balances humor and emotion. It’s a celebration of ordinary lives filled with extraordinary moments, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good read that leaves you with a sense

Do not judge a book by its cover but this cover is so joyous you cannot but smile at what might lay between the pages. In this case it is the story of Andrea the new owner of Spindle Hall, and someone who wants to keep them self to them self. Not an easy thing to do in this village. But she is not the only one we get to meet.

Peony, with her broken heart has returned to Honeystone, to the pub her father runs, he is struggling and Peony thinks being at home with her dad might help heal her. But she soon discovers she will not be alone.

Peony’s friend Izzy, never left the village, she works at the local farm, caring for her niece whilst her brother, Connor does a lot of the manual labour. Connor and Peony have some history and it seems all that was long and buried is about to be brought to the surface again.

Dora, occasionally helps in the pub but the façade she puts on in front of everyone, is starting to take its toll. Her husband, Barry the village stalwart is not what he seems. Dora has the most to lose and gain and can the new friends she is making help her find herself.

This book, full or quirky characters that the readers can love, despise and hate in pretty much equal measure make this an classic tale of good overcoming all problems. Of course their stories might not be pleasant but they are handled with compassion and warmth and show how village life is always a good vehicle to tell a story within a book.

Another great story to warm the heart and fill the soul. For fans of such novels, you cannot go wrong with this author.

What a lovely Cotswold setting and a lovely book to read. I love Anthea and the Spindle Hall, love Peony and the pub and of course Izzy Raspberry Hill Farm. These three women are all different for so many reasons yet their lives come together in this marvellous read/story. This is a story about friendship, life changes, community and life and what it throws at you.

This is such a charming and uplifting read adn I couldn't stop smiling throughout. The book felt like home, likes friends and like I was on the same journey with these wonderful women. I loved it and not just for its charm but for it's realness as life is just like that and the book reflects the things that do happen in life. A wonderful read and I highly recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

From the moment I found myself laughing on the first page, I sensed potential in this book. However, I wondered if this initial charm would endure. A rare wind swept through the village, situated on the less-traveled side of the Cotswolds, often overlooked by tourists. How could I not be ready to devour this book?

The curiosity is sparked among the villagers when the long-abandoned Spindle Hall is sold. The new owner, Anthea erects fences and “keep out” signs. She appears to be rather cold and distant is a charade as she is actually in financial ruin. After a rather severe bout of COVID-19, which robbed her of her talent as a perfumer. She no longer has the ability to associate fragrance with colors and nature. I can only imagine how this must have made her feel.

Of course she is not the only person showing up in the village. Peony (love that name) has returned after her relationship Fergus ended. Rather burnt out as a social worker she comes home to help her father run the pub. Of course she also manages to reconnect with Connor, who runs Raspberry Hill Farm.

Connor’s sister, Izzy and his daughter Clover are both wonderful characters that I enjoyed so much. They certainly added to the book. I will admit to having a fondness for children in a book regardless of their age.

Then there is Dora who is married to Barry. Barry is a control freak who I would throw off the nearest cliff. Her story line could touch a nerve with some but I will say that I loved her as a character. All in all this was a great read.

🌸 Book Review: "The Honeystone Village Diaries" by Kate Forster
🌸Genre: Women’s Fiction
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

✨ Blurb Insight:
Escape to the charming village of Honeystone, where the air is sweet with the scent of change, and the lives of its residents are anything but ordinary. In The Honeystone Village Diaries, Kate Forster weaves a tapestry of heartwarming stories that explore the magic of new beginnings, the bonds of community, and the healing power of love.

🌿 Why You'll Love It:
💖 Heartwarming Storytelling: Kate Forster excels in creating a world where the magic of ordinary life shines through. The intertwining lives of Anthea, Peony, and Izzy will make you believe in the beauty of second chances and the comfort of community.
🌸 Richly Drawn Characters: Each woman’s journey is filled with emotional depth, from Anthea’s search for purpose to Peony’s quest for closure and Izzy’s path to self-discovery. Their stories are relatable, making them feel like friends you’ve known forever.
🏡 Picturesque Setting: The village of Honeystone itself is a character in the novel, with its cozy pubs, lush farms, and the ever-present sense of history and tradition. It's the perfect backdrop for a story about finding your place in the world.
🌟 Themes of Healing and Growth: The Honeystone Village Diaries is more than just a feel-good read; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The characters' struggles with loss, love, and identity are handled with sensitivity and care, making their triumphs all the more rewarding.

🎯 Perfect For:
✨Fans of cozy, character-driven novels with a strong sense of place.
✨Readers who enjoy stories about community, love, and personal growth.
✨Anyone looking for a heartwarming escape into a world where hope and love bloom in unexpected places.

The Honeystone Village Diaries is like a warm hug in book form. Kate Forster’s storytelling is rich with emotion and filled with characters you’ll want to visit again and again. Whether you're a fan of gentle romance, stories about self-discovery, or simply in need of a comforting read, this book will find a special place in your heart. Thanks to @rachelsrandomresources and @netgalley for the #ARC #BlogTour


#TheHoneystoneVillageDiaries #KateForster #BookReview #CozyReads #VillageLife #HeartwarmingFiction #ReadersOfInstagram #IGReads #InstaBooks #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #BookstagramCommunity #Netgalley

This is a heartwarming story which brings together several inhabitants of Honeystone which is some ways, is the central figure. Family ties are strengthened and friendships are renewed. I enjoyed how the generations were mixed together and there was an inclusive flavour to the story. There was humour to be enjoyed, especially thanks to Clover with her observations and questions which put the adults on the spot.

Not all the characters were likeable and there is a darker undercurrent in Dora's marriage. Not every pairing end with a happy ending but most have a hope for the future and you feel that the characters have moved on and developed as the plot evolves. This is a story which puts a smile on your face and I would welcome a return to Honeystone sometime in the future to see how everyone is getting along.

In short: lifechanging moments and uplifting characters

This author is a new one to me, and one that I will read again. The writing was a lovely style with easy to read chapters and characters that I enjoyed learning more about.

If you enjoy sweet cozy romance reads this might be a good one to try out this summer.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

A village setting is something that will always appeal to me, so I was keen to know all about the village of Honeystone and its residents. Initially, I loved the cosiness and the simplicity; the feeling that everyone knew each other, and this was simply a story about a village, and the lives of those who lived there.

I think the character that I identified with the most was Peony, but I liked and appreciated all of the characters. At times, I somehow had the curious feeling that I was learning about Honeystone and its residents through someone who was an outsider, or an observer, but it was a feeling that I liked. The combination of the narrative and the dialogue allowed me to get to know these characters on a deeper level. The more I got to know about them, the more intrigued I became. I felt that I wanted to stay in Honeystone with these characters and be part of their lives.

This book was a delightful escape, and I really enjoyed my visit to Honeystone.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.

The Honeystone Village Diaries is a lovely, characterful slice of village life that is emotional, humorous, and poignant. Told from differing villagers' viewpoints, some are new to the village, others return after years away, and some have never left. The story explores contemporary issues and relationships. Some relatable characters have an endearing quirkiness; others are heartbreakingly sad. There is also one sinister character. They all add to the story's authenticity and make this an engaging read. I enjoyed getting to know the villagers and invested in many of their stories. I enjoyed the community dynamics and the vibrant village setting.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

*Blog Tour Review*
If you’re looking for a feel-good read that wraps you up in the charm of small-town life, then The Honeystone Village Diaries by Kate Forster might be just what you need. At first, I wasn’t sure I’d get into it—there are a lot of characters and backstories to keep track of—but after a few chapters, everything just clicked. The way the lives of Peony, Izzy, Anthea, and Dora intertwine makes for a super engaging story, and before I knew it, I was hooked. ❤️✨️

The village of Honeystone is the kind of place that feels like a warm hug. Picture cozy cottages, rolling fields, and a community where everyone knows each other’s business—but in the best way possible. Forster does an amazing job of bringing this setting to life, and you can almost feel the fresh countryside air as you read.

Peony’s return to her hometown after years away is a major plot point, and it brings up all sorts of old emotions and new challenges. Then there’s Anthea, who’s trying to rebuild her life after losing everything, including her sense of smell—a pretty big deal for someone who used to be a top perfumer. And let’s not forget Izzy, who’s balancing life on her farm with caring for her niece, Clover. Each of these women has their journey, and watching them grow and support each other is what makes this book so special.

What I loved about The Honeystone Village Diaries is how it blends light, heartwarming moments with deeper, more serious themes. You’ll find yourself smiling at the charming interactions between the villagers and tearing up at some of the more poignant parts. The relationships—whether they’re familial, friendly, or romantic—feel real and relatable.

So, if you’re in the mood for a book that’s as comforting as your favourite blanket on a chilly day, give The Honeystone Village Diaries a try. It’s a lovely escape to a world where community and connection are at the heart of everything.

The village of Honeystone, just outside of the Cotswold is about to experience a wind of change. Anthea arrives in the village as the new owner of Spindle Hall, determined to keep herself to herself and not get involved in village life. Peony is returning to her Dad and home in Honeystone having stayed away for years. Izzy has never left and her life revolves around the family farm and caring for her young niece. Each of these women’s lives are about to change.

This was the first book by Kate Forster that I have read and I really enjoyed it. It was easy to read, and perfect escapism about ordinary characters whose lives are changing for the better.

This stories focuses around three main characters; Anthea, Peony and Izzy. Each of which are facing their own struggles and here we go on the journey with them as they discover who they truly want to be and what the future holds. They also form a lovely friendship which sees them encouraging each other to grasp their new futures.

There are also a number of other characters in this book, including Dora, Rob, Connor and Joe whose perspectives we also read in the book. I enjoyed how the story moved on with sections from each of the characters involved.

All of the characters from this book felt so ‘normal’ and relatable that it was easy to get lost in their lives.

I love the cover of this book, it is beautiful and so inviting.

A heartwarming read I would definitely recommend, and I shall look forward to reading more by Kate Forster.

4.5 upped to 5
I loved books by this author even if I haven't read one for some times. I fell in love with the great cover and was in the mood for a small-town, heartwarming and uplifiting story.
There's different story, there's Anthea who's suffering from the aftermath of COVID, there's a group of people with their issues and hopes.
I appreciated how the author was able to deal with delicate issue and the empathy shown towards the characters
It was a compelling read that made me laugh, root for the characters, and moved.
Read it if you want to travel to a lovely village and meet likable and realistic character
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Orion and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

A wonderful read with lovely, likeable characters and a utterly charming small town community feel! It took me a little while to get to know who was who as the many characters are introduced but the more I read the more invested I became in each characters well being. I was so excited that there were so many dogs in the story and even a cat. My favourite character was Clover I loved her outlook on life and her childish happy self. I love that she wasn't afraid to ask questions about what she didn't know and seemed to absorb what she learnt. I was sad when I reached the end of the book as I was enjoying it so much I didn't want it to finish. A modern read that left me with lots to think about!

I’ve only previously read one or two books by Kate Forster which I had thoroughly enjoyed. For some reason or other she had fallen off my reading radar but when I saw the beautiful cover for The Honeystone Village Diaries I thought this looks like something I would enjoy so why not give it a try. The fact that I was laughing within the first page is always a good sign but would this last? A once in a lifetime wind blew the streets of the village which lies on the wrong side of the Cotswolds and therefore is bypassed by visitors and tourists. The wind, well more like a mini tornado, harbours change but are the villagers ready for what is coming down the road?

From this point on, the wide range of characters are introduced and this makes for a very slow start to the book. I understand completely characters have to be introduced to the reader but this went on for too long and the book needed to going. Once, I did get past this point things did pick up but then I felt at times it went in the opposite direction in that things were glossed over and everything was dealt with too quickly and easily. There is definitely a quirky and diverse cast of characters in this story and there are some serious issues dealt with and this aspect of the plot was very well done and realistic. All of the people we met have things that they are dealing with and they each bring their own problems and issues to the story but it’s only overtime as they come together that these are slowly resolved and it proves working together sharing the load and establishing friendships and connections are truly worth it.

Anthea is newly arrived to the village having bought Spindle Hall which had been abandoned for 50 years. The villagers can’t believe someone has finally bought it and hope that it will once again become a focal point for the village. But soon fences and signs saying keep out are erected. Anthea, for the first few chapters, was cold, aloof and standoffish. She had made and lost her money thanks to her ex-husband and was now in recovery mode following a bout of Covid which had left her seriously ill and her unique talent was gone. What does the most successful perfumer in England do when you have lost your sense of smell? She had previously had synaesthesia, the ability to associate fragrance with colour and nature and to see scents. She is bereft that this no longer works for her and would rather lock herself away in the hall seeking a quieter existence than become part of the community.

I loved that initially Anthea had some angst to deal with and that she wasn’t all nice as pie and that she added a bit of drama to the story. But over the course of a few chapters all of a sudden she did a complete 360 and was there in the thick of things. I know this is what happens in a book of this nature and normally I love it but it was all too fast and didn’t feel realistic especially the romance aspect of her storyline. Again just too quick even by usual standards. I wanted a bit more toing and froing and more difficulties for her to go through before emerging stronger out the other side. A slowed down pace for her overall story would have worked better.

Peony was one character who I loved as she had been running from the village for so long believing it wouldn’t offer her what she needed in life. But when her boyfriend Fergus steps up to the plate when Peony dithers for so long and calls time on their relationship. Well this as the push she needed and coming back to the village and deciding to live with her father Robert again and help run the pub. Being a social worker in a hospital has burnt her out and she needs time out but there is a surprise in store for her and she must decide is the best thing for her. Returning to the village stirs up old memories and even more so when she meets her old friend Connor who runs Raspberry Hill Farm which ironically grows apples as its main focus.

There was a connection between Connor and Peony which was evident from the time they set eyes on each other and we learn of their past history. I desperately wanted for them to get together and perhaps they should have been together ever since they were teenagers but there had been so much water that flowed under the bridge and there is a lot of extra baggage that they have to deal with. It was lovely that Peony’s father Robert got to feature and has his own mini storyline but again it felt too rushed and that it almost occurred without it being said. It was almost as if with a turn of the page there was a resolution for him and another character and I thought oh did I miss a chapter where this happened. As nice as it was more detail was needed.

Izzy is the sister of Connor who helps him rear his daughter Clover ever since her mother abandoned her at the hospital once she had given birth. The relationship/bond that Clover and Izzy had went way beyond that of aunt/niece and it was so lovely to see. Clover had a physical disability but this didn’t let her stop her doing anything and I loved her determination. The way she spoke she was wise beyond her years and I think she knew an awful lot more that was going on than she was given credit for. Something niggled at me the way Izzy was written and the way she spoke and thought about things. Nothing was ever specifically said but I did wonder about her personality. She was the truth teller of the village, abrupt and very literal hen speaking. She was exactly what she said she was and did what she said she would. The new doctor seemed to be quite taken with her but given she was so caught up in the life she led with Clover and Connor at the farm I wondered would she be ready and willing to break free from Honeystone.

For me the best written character was Dora. Hers was a very serious storyline and it was deftly handled throughout the book. She is married to Barry who more or less thinks he owns and runs the village with his expectations, rules and regulations. A perfect life and marriage is presented to the village but behind closed doors things are very different and I found myself really engrossed in Dora’s chapters as things slowly start to make themselves known. Despite the issues I found with this book Dora’s storyline made up for them and this was one aspect that was dealt with well and sensitively and it was given the time it needed. The last quarter or so of the book, I enjoyed how the individual storylines started to come together and in doing so the characters showed their true natures, some good, some bad. The sense of community and friendship really did start to emerge and I was glad of this as it had been there but lacking until this point.

The Honeystone Village Diaries was very different from the other books that I had read by this author. It’s very busy and by that I mean there are so many characters to get to know. The majority of the first quarter of the book is spent introducing the characters and there is a lot of information for the reader to take in and get straight in their head. At one point, I thought ok this is enough, let’s get on with the story because it was slowing things down before they had even gotten going. Each chapter is told from a different characters perspective and as there were so many at it felt like things were overstretched a bit and that we barely scratched the surface of some them and they needed more development. But look pushing those issues aside this was a lovely, charming and quick read which although at times it did suffer from the influx of characters. It did turn out to be an enjoyable read even if things were solved too quickly or glossed over and therefore character development suffered. It’s not my favourite from what I have already read from this author but I was glad I gave it a go as it would be a perfect light-hearted holiday read or even just to while a few hours away in the sunshine in the garden.

Honeystone is a quaint English village overshadowed by the nearby Cotswolds, causing tourists to overlook it. However, the true charm of Honeystone lies in its villagers, particularly the women. The book follows Peony, Izzy, Anthea, and Dora, with perspectives from Robert, Connor, and Joe.

Robert, the pub owner, is Peony’s father. Peony, back from London, is Connor’s ex-girlfriend, which complicates her relationship with Izzy, Connor’s sister. Connor has a daughter with cerebral palsy, adding depth to his story. Joe, the new village doctor, often interacts with Clover, Connor's daughter, with Izzy accompanying them. Dora works at the pub and is trying to escape her abusive husband. Anthea, a former perfume industry success, is starting over after COVID-related anosmia and a divorce.

Kate Forster's writing is light and charming, reminiscent of Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, capturing the essence of British village life with a magical touch. Despite its perfect ending, it's a delightful read for dreamers and hopefuls.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Honeystone is the typical small English village with vast fields and cottages all over. It’s a dream-like scenery that would be visited by many if it wasn’t so close to the Costwolds and looked so uninteresting in comparison. So uninteresting that tourists pass over it.

But the apparent lack of attraction Honeystone has is only the surface, because behind those garden walls hides a treasure and that is its villagers, especially the womenfolk. This is a charming little book, perfect for a summer read in the garden, by the sea or when the temperature won’t let us sleep. And the book contains many stories that merge in one. Peony, Izzy, Anthea and Dora are the main characters although there are other points of view such as Robert’s, Connor’s and Joe’s.

Robert is a middle-aged man who owns the village pub and he his Peony’s father, a thirty something ex-Londoner who is back home after ten years in the city. Peony is Connor’s ex-girlfriend, he dumped her many years ago and that’s why Peony and Izzy are reluctant to become friends, Izzy is Connor’s little sister. Connor has a daughter with cerebral palsy and despite everything she’s a charming little girl with a fighter’s spirit so there’s no need for Izzy to be mothering her. Joe is the new doctor in the village and it’s very likely that he will be seeing Clover, the little girl, often, and who will accompany her? Izzy, of course. Dora cleans the office and works at the pub while she tries to escape her husband, an obnoxious arrogant good-for-nothing bastard whom everybody shies away from. And lastly Anthea used to be a successful woman in the perfume industry who got COVID and got anosmia from it, her now ex-husband took everything away from her when she was too sick to fight so now she’s the new neighbour trying to start over. All of these lives are magic somehow, subtle magic in the English countryside.

As magical as the sparkly style with which Kate Forster writes. This is my first book of hers that I read and it was quite enjoyable. Light, charming and with that “je ne sais quoi” that books set in little villages have, just like Jane Austen’s books or Elizabeth Gaskell’s “Cranford”, these characters seem to be developed around cups and cups of tea and for some reason, little notes of Nigella Lawson and “The Great British Bake-Off” in the air. It is the quintessential British everyday life kind of book that really impressed me since it comes from an Australian writer.

On finishing this book you may think that seeing how it seems to have a too perfect ending to be realistic it might not be the book for you, this book is for the dreamers and the people who hope.

A lovely story with great characters in the glorious setting of the Cotswolds. Slightly slow start introducing all of the characters but it soon grabbed my interest and quickly became invested in the characters and storyline and I finished it in one sitting as I couldn't put it down. Perfect lighthearted summer read

This was a good read. It took a while to get into the story, with fairly extensive introductions to the many characters but worth it as the tale unfolded with the reader having an understanding of who was who and what each one's personality and character was. The story covered many themes of human nature: friendship, love, romance and also the less pleasant aspects of coercive control and selfishness. A book I'd recommend without hesitation.

In the charming village of Honeystone, where everyone knows everyone, change is in the air. Anthea, the new owner of Spindle Hall and a renowned perfumer who has lost her sense of smell, arrives with no intention of making friends but finds it impossible to resist the village's warmth. Meanwhile, Peony returns to Honeystone with a freshly broken heart, hoping to reconnect with her single father, Robert, who is struggling to keep the Hare and Thistle pub afloat. Izzy, content with her life at Raspberry Hill Farm caring for her niece Clover, begins to question her path when a new doctor arrives in town. As these lives intertwine, each must navigate personal struggles and new beginnings in this idyllic Cotswolds setting.