Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Rowan feels like she lived in the past. She is surprised to see Connor who wants to uproot her life a little bit. I liked the chemistry between Rowan and Connor.

Oh, goodness I loved this book! Lovering sprinkles comedy through the tragedy of Rowan and Connor's stories, and lifts the prose by doing so. And the flashbacks into the history of the Fairy Stane that Rowan is bent on protecting give a heart-wrenching glimpse into its past - especially when the penny starts to drop.

Lovering also uses some of my favourite tropes - rival-to-lovers and forced proximity - to good use. Being set in winter means there's a snow-in, of course, and I loved that as well.

Her depictions of grief are cuttingly spot on. Rowan is widowed, Connor has escaped Dublin after an ill-fated love affair, but both are hurt and lost. That touch of common ground is what brings them together. Winter is a perfect allegory for Rowan as well: she's buried in the snow of her grief but Connor brings the light and warmth needed to thaw her out. Though not without a few bumps in the road.

The Start of the Story is delightfully lacking in a third act break-up, although perhaps there are enough crossed wires to be going on with. I do think omitting one was a good call from Lovering, as the story really didn't need it. Plus I hate breakups that are shoe-horned in for the sake of "drama" and don't serve the story.

There is, however, a pinch point where the past and the present collide in a very heart-breaking way. I can't say more than that, as I don't want to spoil the story, but it's foreshadowed brilliantly. Not a shock, but a sad, nodding certainty that I sort of saw coming.

The only reason I haven't given The Start of the Story five stars is that things past the revelation feel rather rushed. There is an epilogue, but it's terribly short and, while it does give Rowan and Connor a happy ending, I felt a little short-changed.

This was a beautifully written slow and peaceful (though still full of ache and depth) walk through the trenches of grief, friendship, and love.

Rowan and Connor are both running from something. Rowan, running (or staying still?) from change after the too-soon loss of her husband. Connor, from the loss of his trust in others and sense of self after a relationship gone very wrong.

They begin as professional rivals. After Connor has to find new housing they are soon forced to walk each other through the hills around Rowan's isolated cottage and their grief together.

I would say this book was mostly about grief- though filled with hilariously dry wit and banter that made me laugh often. It was cozy and full of ache and depth but also the beauty of mundane daily life with those you love.

If you're looking for fast-paced or intense romance- this probably isn't for you. I did find just cozying up to a meandering slow story of love to be quite a beautiful change of pace for me, personally.

There is also a bit of mystery thrown in and a small dual timeline plot that adds whimsy and ties into the story so well in the end.

I loved this for a change of pace to my normal reads and once it finally started I LOVED the romance between Rowan and Connor. It was beautifully written and I would happily read more from Jane Lovering!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. It releases on 9/17/24!

I enjoyed the story but, although I liked the back and forth between Rowan and Connor, for the first half of the book she was so prickly she was almost mean at times. Conner was great, he just didn't take the bait! Rowan eventually starts to open up about halfway through and then the story gets really sweet. Their constant arguing over the fate of the Fairy Stane was amusing and the twist at the end where they describe what the Fairy Stane actually is, was quite sad. A good read, just don't be put off by Rowan's demeanor early on, it's worth finishing the story!
Thanks to Netgally, Boldwood Books, and Jane Lovering for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first thing I’ve read from Jane Lovering so I didn’t go in with any expectations. This was a warm, cosy sort of slow-burn love story - enjoyable but a bit slow paced for me.

Set around York and the Yorkshire Moors - as a Yorkshire lass myself, I enjoyed the setting and the lovely descriptions of the scenery and Rowan’s rustic cottage. And when it got to Christmas it got even more gorgeous and cosy!

However the story itself was a little thin on the ground. Rowan and Connor’s chemistry wasn’t setting me alight and they had a repetitive argument with a lot of mulling over the same ground that had me skim-reading ahead.

Rowan is working on an oral history project about the folklore in the region, in particular the stories around an ancient stone known as the Fairy Stane. Connor is a history professor in town for 6 months to investigate the possibility that there is a buried Roman settlement in this exact area - and he wants to dig up the Fairy Stane. And oh boy do they talk about whether that would be ok or not!

That being said, they were likeable characters and it all came to a nice resolution - fairy story and the present day romantic story alike!

I’m a huge fan of Jane Lovering, especially as many of her books are set in beautiful surroundings, and as a North Yorkshire lass myself I really hoped to love this book. However, it just missed the mark for me in some ways.

Positives were in the setting- atmospheric moorland with lots of stormy ambience. I also find Lovering has a very smooth style of writing and it’s easy to read.

Negatives for me were mostly in the form of Rowan as a main character. I didn’t understand why anyone would want to be around her, let alone Connor show her the decency and courtesy he does regarding the Fairy Stane. She appeared moody and miserable for the best part of the story. I must admit that the background for her was sad and I was hoping this revelation would make me empathise with her more, but sadly it didn’t!

As other reviewers have stated, the build up of Rowan and Connor’s relationship is slow and, at times, sweet. However, I thought the repetitive nature of their conversations was boring at times. There was not much banter or other conversation around anything except the Fairy Stane so I didn’t feel the kind of romance building as I would’ve liked to.

I really wanted to love this book and there were things about it that kept me going and that were enjoyable. However, overall, it was not my favourite read as it was just too slow.

Thank you for opportunity to read ahead of publication.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

After losing her husband three years ago, Rowan, a folklorist in England, was set in her ways - work, sleep, remember, repeat. With no intention of entering the dating scene, or making any solid connections, she threw herself into her work. But when a historian comes into her office and threatens the preservation of a folkloric site for his own research, Rowan is more than unsettled.

Connor neither was ignorant to the feeling of loss and grief, having been lied to and burnt by a past lover. Both with scars and hesitancy to fully trust in another relationship again, the pair find themselves snowed into a cottage where stories are shared, and new memories are formed.

Wow okay this was my first Jane Lovering book and I must say before I jump into this review, how absolutely beautiful her writing is. I was completely entranced and hooked from the very first chapter. Her writing, as I would describe it, is a perfect example of ‘show don’t tell’ and I felt transported to the moors and mill cottage.

This book beautifully illustrated the pain of loss and its long-lasting implications while also highlighting the beauty of moving forward. Rowan was stunningly complex. While I did find her unnecessarily snarky at times, I do believe it was all a defence mechanism to ensure her heart was safe and she would not be vulnerable to loss again. It was evident throughout the book that she had one foot in the past, while the other foot in the present was only grounded enough to keep her going rather than keep her living her life. Meeting Connor allowed her to experiment with more firmly placing that present foot on the ground and slowly lifting and levitating that foot she kept in the past.

Connor was very sympathetic and very humorous. There were a few times were I chuckled at their interactions. Honestly, the book was genuinely funny which added some lightness to the heavy feelings being experienced. His patience with Rowan when she was feeling guilt or being overwhelmed with her grief was so sweet. He helped her to begin moving on with her life, but she also helped him move on with his. Connor, in his own right, experienced a loss and it was evident that his coming to terms with it took a toll on his views of his own judgements when it came to relationships. His self-awareness but also his openness to feedback and advice from Rowan was refreshing.

I really enjoyed the dual timeframes, and the sense of mystery regarding what people were doing at the Fairy Stane stone. I did not guess that ending at all but I felt it tied in so well with the themes in the book. It was also a little haunting but I actually really liked it!!

I will admit, this book is a bit slow regarding the romance, however is nicely filled in with both characters navigating their grief. The romance is sweet, slow and heartwarming as they embark on ‘new beginnings’ together. Their interactions are funny and cute, and the over-arching theme of loss and remembrance is beautifully intertwined. Honestly, this book was super quick to read as well and kept me constantly engaged.

Despite having experienced different losses, the pair shared a common grief: the loss of a future, which played a major part in them confiding and falling for one another.

For my first Jane Lovering book, I really really enjoyed it and will definitely be checking out some of her other works. I highly recommend reading this book in bed, with a hot drink while its raining outside 🥰

Read if you like:
💌Industry Rivals
💌Cosy, cottage vibes
💌Forced Proximity
💌Unexpected love

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC of ‘The Start of the Story’ by Jane Lovering! Releases on the 17th of September!💘

I feel I’ve been wrapped on a huge fairy tale hug, what a gorgeous story. It’s probably the best book I’ve read in recovering from grief in a humorous, kind and empathetic way. I’v smiled and cried in equal measures, the loveliest of characters in a wonderful setting, the end of the story concludes beautifully with an unexpected ending wrapping up the mystery of the fairy stane in a sad but uplifting way. Just glorious!

Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC copy.

I loved this book and was so glad that it didn't solely center around the romance in it. I loved watching Rowan and Connors relationship grown and loved the sweet simple ending to the book. I also loved the way it talked about different kinds of grief and relationships

The Start of the Story is a heartfelt romance set in North Yorkshire. It follows Rowan, a folklore expert and Connor, a historian investigating an ancient Roman settlement. The clash between Rowan's belief in local myths surrounding the "Fairy Stane" and Connor's scientific approach creates a bit of tension, but as they spend time together, their relationship deepens….. as expected in a slow-burn romance read 🥰

The book features the beautiful Yorkshire setting and explores themes of loss and healing. It is the perfect
read for those who enjoy gentle romances with a touch of history and a bit of fokelore.

This is just an enjoyable read with a lovely love element .Set in North Yorkshire and York where I live. You have two conflicting professors and a sad loss and flash backs. You will love it . Read it

Oh my, what a gorgeous and inviting front book cover. I just needed to see what this story was about. It was sweet and told well. I thought it was a 'nice' relationship exploration compared to the spicy books I usually read. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

A sweet love story about over coming grief and letting go of our past told in a heartwarming way with well-developed, complex characters. While enjoyed reading the book, there were moments when it felt like things were moving to slow or not at all and that kind of made it a little bit hard to avoid pauses. The plot had its interesting parts and also some parts that I didn’t understand or connect with that much. Overall, it’s a sweet story that might be better suited to someone who enjoys the historical aspects of the book and doesn’t get distracted from the enjoyment of the storytelling by them.

A beautiful story of love and loss, working through grief and some beautiful scenery thrown in for good measure!
Actually a really poignant story about what happened years ago to poor bereaved mothers. It did take me a while to work out what was happening with the stane though. I’m so glad it wasn’t like that when I lost my son.
Anyway, the writing in this story was wonderful, the descriptions so beautiful of such a lovely part of the country.
I would highly recommend this book

I like Jane Lovering's books anyway and this is one of my favourites.
Rowan is still grieving the loss of her late husband, Elliot. She is keeping herself busy by recording the local folklore around an artefact on the moors known at the 'fairy stane'. Local lore has it that fairyland is under the stone and if you lift the stone, the fairies will come out. (These are the nasty, elemental fairies, not the cute gossamer winged ones).
Connor is a historian and he's been sent across to help with an archealogical excavation looking for a hitherto unknown Roman settlement. He thinks the stone on the moors is a Roman marker, so he wants to lift it to see what (if anything) is written on the underside of it.
As always, there's an unusual house - a restored mill - and some interfering wildlife.

On the surface, this is a book about a folklorist vs a historian and the symbolism of a stone. Underneath, it's a story about grief and loss and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive when things are difficult.
This book made me laugh and cry in places. I really enjoyed reading it.

I received an ARC from Netgalley (Thank you!). This is my honest review.

Rowan Thorpe collects folklore, she's even got a grant to collect folklore local to her home in Yorkshire, much of which centres around the Fairy Stane which is said to guard the entrance to fairyland/keep the little people trapped underground. She lives alone in a small cottage on the moors.

Then one day her academic research is rudely interrupted by an impossibly handsome Irish historian (the sworn enemies of folklorists). Connor O'Keefe has come across to Yorkshire to explore whether there may have been an ancient Roman town on the moors and he is convinced the Fairy Stane is the key.

Despite her better judgement, Rowan agrees to let Connor use her spare room, since he doesn't drive and there are no B&Bs close to the Stane. Rowan finds herself opening up to Connor, in return Connor shares his own reasons for leaving Ireland.

This didn't really work for me. I failed to see what Connor found so interesting about Rowan, he seemed to fall for her from the start - why? There were also a few historical vignettes which were randomly inserted and interrupted the story. I now know why they were put there but frankly they didn't add anything for me.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

A gentle romance that brings together Rowan Thorpe, who’s still healing from a difficult past, and Connor O’Keefe, a historian with his own emotional baggage. When a snowstorm traps them together, they’re forced to confront their stories and open up in ways they hadn't expected. The cosy winter setting and the unfolding of their relationship make this a sweet read, though the plot may feel familiar to seasoned romance readers. It's a comforting story of second chances and new beginnings.

This book progressed slower than molasses in January. I was so tempted to DNF this book, because it went ABSOLUTELY NOWHERE until the last 40 ebook pages. Then, suddenly, a corner is turned, and everything is neatly resolved so quickly, it nearly made my head spin. Calling this a “romance” is a stretch. Boring and dry as all get-out. It took me 12 days to finish this book, which is far too long for me. If a book is good and I like it, I can plow through it in 5 days or less. Ugh.

•𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.•

A fun and quick read, this is a great one for fans of grumpy/sunshine and enemies to lovers. I didn't care for Rowan at first but the character development was quick.

This was a fabulous novel! I have been a huge fan of Jane Lovering for soooo long and I’m so chuffed to have read this novel. The characters were fantastic, the story was gorgeous and I loved the setting. Jane is such a natural storyteller and this was an absolute delight!

Readers are going to absolutely lap this up and I could not get enough of this, I finished it in one sitting!