Gardens, artists, Tuscany, Oxfordshire, golden retriever, peacocks, old houses being revitalised, this book is a delightful blend of so many elements that I love. Frankie’s journey to self awareness is sensitively and believably handled. Well written and i thoroughly loved it. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really couldn't get into this book. I tried several times to pick it up and give it another try, but after only making it 21% in a month, I just don’t think it’s for me. The characters felt forced and inauthentic, and the dialogue was very cringey.

Frankie has returned to her crumbling family mansion after she split with her artist boyfriend. She is notorious for having a fun-filled lifestyle fuelled by drink, but she wants to give up that lifestyle. Her father decides to invite a garden designer to work on the manor gardens and have him mentor Frankie to see if that helps her recover from her heartbreak.
As usual I have managed to start a series on the second book, with the first one sitting in my TBR list, however it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book. Frankie comes across as a wild child, although she is trying to change her life for the better, something I struggle to relate to. Nathan, on the other hand, is much more reserved, bordering on boring which I can unfortunately definitely relate to. It was interesting seeing how these two learnt to appreciate the other's strengths and weaknesses, although nothing is straightforward. The Manor house and the family certainly sound amazing and definitely a place that I'd love to visit, or even move to. 4.5* rounded up to 5*,definitely recommended for those who enjoy romances set in small communities as I do.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Escape to the Country Garden by Hannah Langdon is a delightful, feel-good romance that promises to wrap readers up in a warm embrace. The story follows Frankie Carlisle, who returns to her family’s dilapidated manor, Feywood, after yet another heart-breaking breakup. Seeking solace from her supportive sisters, Juliet and Martha, Frankie struggles with the feeling that life has never quite gone her way.

Everything takes a turn when a charming stranger enters the picture, throwing Frankie's world into turmoil. This unexpected encounter offers a glimmer of hope that it might be the key to both mending her fractured heart and reviving the faded beauty of Feywood. But with past wounds still fresh, Frankie faces the question: can she truly find happiness this time?

This book is a lovely, light-hearted read, perfect for a sunny holiday spent lounging by the pool or on the beach. Langdon’s writing effortlessly combines humour and heart, making Escape to the Country Garden an ideal companion for those looking to escape into a sweet and uplifting story.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

3.5/5.

I have read all four of the Feywood sisters books by author Hannah Langdon. I think this is probably my favourite of the four with its garden design and romantic themes. I myself am a professional gardener and have been a allotment owner for over 25 years. Looking forward to more adventures of the sisters. Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.

this is book two with this series. and i was more than happy to return to this beautiful and quirky family. the first book centred on Juliet and her frenchman and i was eager to find out if they were ok! the setting, the family, the other characters are all brilliantly written i felt like i had the image of them in my mind from the get go. like i was somehow immersed in and around them as they went about the plot of the book.
this time we are onto the next sister. and sadly she too has to return to the family home because of heartbreak. along the way her sisters try to comfort her. but her confidence has been knocked. and seemingly shes been knocked one too many times to not think this is something to do with HER.
on the side we still have the problems with the family home. and the ever present need to keep it going and how to do so. then a strnager rocks up. could he heal the home and Frankie's heart?
i wanted to help Frankie so much. i hated to see how her low she was and how her sense of self had been knocked. i loved being back with these sisters and cant wait for more from this series. im only sad that there is only 3 sisters therefore will the next be the last?
a cozy feel good snuggle in and dont move kind of book. bliss.

The second book in this series, I have read the first one so knew the characters and there are loads. It’s a good small town romance which was lighthearted and easy to read. It was good to find out what some of the characters was doing. Will Frankie find romance this time? A 4 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

I didn't read the first book before reading this one (oops).

It's a very relaxing story without any big drama.
So it's a good book for someone looking for a cozy little romance without any stress. A healthy relationship with characters who are not toxic (thank you, it happens too often in romances and I find it annoying).

So I wouldn't recommend the book to someone who wants drama or a bit of action or toxicity, because they might be disappointed.

No spicy scene in this book, which I rather liked?? On the other hand, I would have put more emphasis on the first kiss, because it's pretty much the "big" moment of the book, but we quickly move on to something else and there's not really any description. I even reread this passage to be sure I didn't skip something.

I really liked the gardening theme! The author brought this theme in a really interesting way.

Will definitely read the first book of The Feywood Sisters

This was a sweet and enjoyable romance which picks up the story of the Carlisle sisters, who live as part of an extended and eccentric family in the historic but run-down Feywood House.
It was a pleasure to return to this setting, and to follow Frankie’s story. She’s a wild child on the brink of growing up, having realised she was on a destructive path.
When she meets the solid, dependable Nathan, it’s inevitable that opposites attract. Each brings out the other’s better qualities and Nathan was a worthy romantic hero. Throw in a trip to beautiful Tuscany and the result is an entertaining read.
If you enjoy curling up with a cosy romance with a gentle, considerate hero then this book is for you.

If a review saying nothing really happened was acceptable then that would be my review; however, that is too short so I have to add that I kept reading and waiting for something exciting to happen and kept thinking it will be on the next page and it just... never was. It is a fast fun read to kill time, but nothing exciting.

Frankie and Nathan are both artists/aspiring artists/former artists, I am not really sure which, but they convene on her family’s aging estate to work on revamping and redesign their garden. It’s very clear that this will be an opposites attract situation and they will fall for each other by the end.

The overarching theme of this book is that I left with tons of questions and no answers. There were too many plot points without resolutions. Many people, places and things mentioned in passing that were made to feel significant and then they were never mentioned again. There was also some timeline issues, multiple weeks would inexplicably pass by in the same chapter.

Not bad, the romance itself was perfectly cute. I was just unable to overlook the structural issues.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

Escape to the Country Garden by Hannah Langdon is a great, cozy read. Frankie Carlisle is a prodigal daughter of sorts who returns home to her family's manor house, Feywood, for a fresh start on life. Known for being a bit 'wild,' her father volunteers her as an assistant to Nathan Brooks, a garden designer, who travels from Italy to study under her father's tutelage while bringing new life to the crumbling estate's gardens. This is a classic tale of opposites attract, while each brings their own misgivings and past traumas into their perceptions of one another. Frankie has abandoned her own artist's journey after being put down in an abusive past relationship, while Nathan has stifled his own creative dreams due to his parents' 'wild' artists' lifestyles. Both characters experience growth throughout the book which helps bring them together in a beautiful ending.

I enjoyed this book overall. While there was a slow start, once the foundation was established the book began to move a little quicker. I enjoyed learning about the different aspects of garden design throughout the book. I also enjoyed the myriad of side characters and the two different families, and I hope to get Martha & Will's story soon. I didn't realize this was a series when I started reading so I'll have to go back and read Juliet & Leo's story.

I appreciate that this was a cozy and comfortable read, minimal spice (hand holding, brief kissing, etc.), and had a happy ending. If you're looking for major plot twists and drama, this might not be for you, but if you are looking for a feel-good book to cozy up with this would be a great pick!

Thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for the ARC Ebook!

This novel follows artist Frankie and garden designer Nathan, two opposites brought together to restore a crumbling estate. Frankie, recovering from heartbreak and past mistakes, is reluctant to embrace her talent again. Nathan, cautious and reserved, prefers stability over risk. As they work together, they gradually open up, overcoming their differences and falling in love.

While the story offers a charming small-town romance with themes of growth and second chances, some may find the writing too detached, making it hard to connect with the characters. It’s a predictable but cozy read, best suited for fans of slow-burn love stories.

This is a beautifully written story by Hannah Langdon, I have to admit that I haven't read the first book in the series so a lot of the flesh is missing from the characters but that is my bad.
This is a story of two people living in different countries, with totally opposite personalities falling hopelessly in love.
Artist Frankie Carlisle returned to Feywood with her tail between her legs, her family had tried to warn her about her romance with famous, arrogant artist, Dylan Maddison but wild child Frankie ignored their worries and her life of parties, drink, drugs and hangovers spiralled out of control........and then Dylan broke her heart.
The Carlisle family were asset rich and cash poor, the rambling estate and manor house were crumbling but love was in abundance with Rousseau, the father, Silvia the beloved Aunt and sisters Juliette and Martha
Now teetotal, Frankie hid herself away in Feywood, she had no interest in her art but her father had an idea.
Nathan Brookes lived with the wealthy family of his brothers wife in Italy, he was renown for his brilliant, award winning garden designs, but, eager not to emulate his late parents decline, he decided to be safe and do mundane jobs for the council that paid well.
When famous sculptor, Rosseau Carlisle offered Nathan a job renovating the once beautiful gardens at Feywood in exchange for sculpturing lessons, Nathan at once agreed, the only fly in the ointment was that he must take his wayward , youngest daughter, Frankie, as his assistant.
This story follows Frankie and serious Nathan's journey as they learn to work together, as they learn each others secrets, as they learn each others fears as they gently fall in love.
I really liked the main characters and I loved how patient safe Nathen suddenly saw the light, I loved how Frankie realised that fun didn't have to include drink, I loved the connection between them and their families.
Of course the ending was obvious but that didn't matter
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary

Escape to the Country Garden had a lot of potential, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Frankie’s journey of self-discovery was relatable, especially with her family drama and the messy aftermath of yet another breakup. The setting of Feywood and the family dynamics were charming, but I felt like the pacing dragged in places, and the romance didn’t feel as compelling as I hoped. The charming stranger was an interesting twist, but I didn’t fully connect with the way the relationship developed. It’s a cozy read, but I found myself wishing for a bit more depth and excitement.

In Hannah Langdon 's latest installment of the wonderful Feywood Sisters series, Frankie retreats to the family home nursing a broken heart, following the breakup of her disastrous relationship with badboy artist Dylan . Newly sober, uncertain if she will ever create artistically again, and struggling to reinvent herself, Frankie reluctantly agrees to her father's suggestion that she assists and trains with a visiting garden designer who has been commissioned to restore the grounds of the manor house. Enter Nathan, a talented creative in his own right, who has, however, spent his adult life actively rejecting the chaotic insecurity his artistic parents raised him in, opting for financial stability, box plants and the reliable commissions of town centre garden designs instead of chasing the dreams that inspire him. Working together in the Orangery, Frankie and Nathan are strongly attracted to each other, but seriously unsure if a relationship between them would be a good idea or could ever survive. Is Frankie just too much a reminder of the chaos Nathan has spent his life trying to escape? And is the kindness and comfort Nathan offers ultimately just a little too well, dull, for ex wildchild Frankie? As we watch the two characters struggling to find out who they really want to be, we root for them to discover just how right they could be for each other. The portrayal of Frankie's rediscovery of herself as a somewhat shy nature lover once alcohol is removed from her life is particularly well drawn. As with Langdon's previous books, the characters are all so human and so likeable that you wish you could give them a hug, whilst the settings are so evocative and beautifully written that to turn the pages is to be truly transported. Whether breathing in the scents of an English country garden or drinking in the sun-soaked vista from an Italian villa, this is pure, glorious escapism. Addictive, highly enjoyable reading. I have just one complaint- we need to hear more from Feywood sister number 3 Martha! More please.

This is the second book in the series, and there was a lot of characters to keep up with. My favorite character was the dog which pretty much came at the end of the book.

Frankie and Nathan are very different people placed together to work on a garden design. Of course, it was obvious they were going to fall in love. This is the reason I wanted to read it - the cover was so sweet looking. This book fell very flat for me though. I didn’t feel like I had an idea of who the characters really were causing me not to really care about them. The romance just didn’t seem strong and fleshed out, just kind of something inevitable that occurred. This book was a lot of telling - this is how she felt and what he felt, this is where they went, etc. Frankie even won an award for the gardening design, and I was like where did this even come from? It just seems like the story was not connected well; the events just happened and the characters were along for the ride. There was no real connection or emotional depth within the story. I am saddened I didn’t enjoy this one more.

This book would suit someone who enjoys a small town story of two people who fall in love and navigate life despite what they think are vast differences. It would probably also be better read after the first one to ensure one knows all of the characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!

"Escape to the Country Garden" by Hannah Langdon is the second book in the Feywood Sisters series. This book is a cute story that talks of going after what makes you happy.
Frankie is coming off a breakup and goes back to her family home. Her family is a mixed of skilled artist and Nathan wants to work under her father. When they make a trade, Frankie finds herself working with Nathan. As they spend more and more time together they start to develop feeling for each other. Nathan and Frankie even each other out. She makes him let loose and he calms her chaos.
Recommend for people that love a good cozy romance.

Escape To The Country Garden
The Feywood Sisters Book Two
By Hannah Langdon

Frankie Carlisle has come back home to Feywood after a break up with her boyfriend. Not sure what to do with herself , her father suggests her to use her talent to create garden designs. In doing so she meets her teacher, Nathan. Nathan not only holds the grand champion title of having an amazing green thumb, he is also pretty good in the art of mending broken hearts. Frankie is unpredictable and her life is chaotic and that is putting it lightly. When Nathan and Frankie begin working together, they give each other the courage they both need to make themselves better. This was a very quick and easy read, only 268 pages. I found it very witty and endearing and I know when it is released on March 13th 2025, it is going to do very well. Hannah Langdon has a way of bringing her characters to life so well that you half expect them to jump off the pages. Thank you to Netgalley as well as Storm Publishing for the advanced reader copy . I have left my honest review voluntarily

The story about any member of the Carlisle family is always entertaining and endearing at the same time and Frankie’s story definitely didn’t disappoint.

Frankie is the youngest of the Carlisle sisters and her passion and creativity makes her feel and perceive life intensely, which also makes her fall for artists with unhealthy habits. She’s always surrounded by a “fun” crowd where people tend to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but after the last experience with her ex-boyfriend, she is ready to turn her life around and physically and emotionally support her family, even if she’s lost about her future.

Nathan Brooks is a talented landscaper who is contacted by Rousseau Carlisle, the patriarch of the family, to enhance the gardens and the old orangeries around the house. Rousseau proposes a mentoring in sculpting in exchange for Nathan’s brilliant ideas while also offering his youngest daughter as his assistant for the project. At the beginning Nathan is more than reluctant to accept due to Frankie´s reputation but as soon as they start working together, he realizes that not everything he read about her is true.

The first book of the series offered a glimpse of Frankie’s past and way of life but Nathan’s past is something that is mentioned in short conversation with his brother or superficially explained when he´s in the middle of remembering his parents or talking to Frankie. I felt there were more to his story than what we get from the book.

Overall, I enjoy reading about Frankie and Nathan’s story, it had great supporting characters plus the information about what landscaping involves was very interesting. The beautiful places described in the book made me want to pay more attention to the gardens and parks in my next trip, especially sensory gardens.