Member Reviews
This book somehow slipped through my review list and I’ve only recently finished it. Firstly I didn’t realise it was part of a series but that in no way too away from my enjoyment of this book. This was an excellent read and I would recommend this book.
Lizzie is trying to remake her life. She's moved to a Rowan Hill, a bucolic estate. When things there start to go away, she, as the newcomer, falls under suspicion. An interesting read with a twist.
I never read the first book, but having read 'Turn Towards the Sun' i hope to do so soon. An enjoyable book, which i have also downloaded from Kindle Unlimited. My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy.
A very good story, but stalls a bit in the middle, but quickly picks up again. I had a little problem mixing up Lizzie and Ellie, as the names are similar. I have not read the first book in the series, and I see from other reviews this makes a difference. Overall though, I enjoyed the story, and liked the basic premise of the plot. Would recommend this book and author.
Emma has written another great book!! Will definitely be recommending to my book blogger friends 😀
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Unfortunately I've been unable to get stuck in to this novel but hoping the next one will grab me.
This book is okay with an unexpected twist, but the character, Lizzie annoyed me. I had such a hard time liking her. It is a story of friendship, family, and drama in life. It's a nice, easy summer read.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of this book
I really enjoyed Letting In Light and so I was excited to start Turn Towards The Sun and I wasn't disappointed. Extremely well written I was immediately drawn into the story. It was good to catch up with characters from the previous book and to meet some new ones too. Lizzie is a new character who arrives for her job interview on the bus - I enjoyed her story and was hoping things would work out well for her. There are a series of twists and turns and it is not obvious who the villain is.
This book could be read as a stand alone novel but I would recommend reading Letting In Light first.
I really loved the friendships in the books and would love to visit the craft studios. A fantastic read - can't wait for Emma's next book!
This is a wonderfully written novel told about a place anyone would want to visit. Rowan Hill is a lovely, sprawling English countryside estate open to public visitors and operated by a community of skilled, young artisans . . a dream of a place where down-and-out Lizzie MacDonald would give anything to work. The fact that the job comes with a place to live and the nicest employers one could imagine feels too good to be true. But when fate hands Lizzie that golden opportunity, all she can keep telling herself is NOT to mess it up!
I love the way the story unfolds giving away the plot and revealing each character bit by bit continually drawing you forward. It nearly reminds me of Downton Abby where plot and characters are so intertwined that you must listen carefully to the words spoken by each character because they so intricately drive both plot and the character development. That is indeed one of the most special (and rare) elements of the book, that the characters seem very well developed. In fact each member of the artistic community is portrayed to be so very kind, trusting, ready to take a chance on you that I almost envied Lizzie's nearly destitute state just to have the same opportunity of living and working at Rowan Hill . . almost.
In fact, all of the artists who operate their studios at Rowan Hill work together seamlessly, the whole idea of the community is that theirs is more of a lifestyle than just a job. There is a woodworker, a gardener, a florist, a jewelry-maker, a stain glass maker, a jewelry-maker and a beautiful tea room. Each looks beyond the labors of their own studios to each other's needs and are extremely happy, having a lot of fun doing it!
You just begin to believe that this place is just too Stepford to be real when strange things begin to happen, things out of place, missing, confusion . . and it all seems to point to Lizzie who has been trying her best to prove herself, because this is a place and these are the people she never wants to leave.
A very pleasurable book that needs not depend upon gimmicks, predictable plots, or flat, soulless characters.
Thank you, Ms. Davies. Hope to come across your next novel.
Lizzie is everyone at some stage of their life. Who hasn't felt out of place or unwanted and tried hard to prove themselves to others. In all honesty I wasn't interested in reading this book after I had dowloaded it and it was on my shelf and I thought I would start it and see where it went and I am so glad that I did! I really loved this story and how smoothly everything was played out. Once I started the book I found it hard to put down even though I had my strong suspicions of who was causing all the havoc at Rowan Hill.
A very enjoyable book. It kept you wishing the best for the characters.
Enjoyed this book, very engaging. good story found it hard to put this book down.
It’s nearly two years since I read and thoroughly enjoyed Letting in Light by Emma Davies: I really enjoyed one of her “shorts”, Merry Mistletoe, too. But when I realised that her new book – Turn Towards The Sun, published on 9th Feb by Lake Union Publishing, available in paperback and for kindle – would mean more time at Rowan Hill (much as I loved Appleyard…), the book jumped straight to the top of my pile. There are times you want a literary and challenging read, other times when only an edge-of-the-seat thriller will do – but if it’s a warm cuddle and time with friends that you’re looking for, no-one does it quite like Emma. This book was just gorgeous.
If Rowan Hill was real (and, in so many ways, it really is…) I’d be brushing up my crafting skills and applying for one of the units. The people who live and work there have become my friends, and I’l love to have my slice of lemon drizzle cake brought round by Ellie to break up the afternoon. I loved Letting in Light, but I did say at the time (I read an early version) that you could just sometimes tell it was a first novel. With a few “shorts” under her belt, this is almost the work of a different writer – the same talent for drawing characters, the wonderful descriptions, the easy flowing style, but with a great assurance and deftness of touch that wasn’t previously there.
Don’t be at all put off that this appears to be a sequel – Lizzie, the focus of the story as she makes sure she doesn’t “stuff it up”, is a new and wonderfully complex character. And it doesn’t matter one jot if it’s your first meeting with Ellie and Will, Ben and Finn and others, because you’ll soon catch up. There’s much loveliness to luxuriate in, but also quite a hard and dark edge as it becomes clear that everything at Rowan Hill isn’t quite as blissful and serene as it should be. The twists and turns of the story are brilliantly handled – some real surprises, some villainy you’ll never have expected, and the book brings a tear to your eye as readily as it brings a smile to your face. If you’re looking for a book into which you can escape for a few hours – but like your escapism well written, with a strong story and vividly drawn characters – do give this one a try. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
This is a book rooted in relationships and how we are all interconnected. We need to live in community and a community is what you find in Turn Towards the Sun.
I loved the way the story is centered around the owners of what is now a cooperative for artisans and their 'renters.' As the story is set in England, the need for daily tea time is there. This is something that is normal there, yet seen as a 'treat' here in America.
It is also the story of Lizzie, a young lady from the 'wrong side of the tracks' who is trying to make a better life for herself. However, it seems like bad things have followed here as when things go wrong people start to wonder if it is her.
With a new backbone in her, Lizzie uncovers who the culprit of all these 'accidents' is and sends a clue to her employer before going into hiding. She knows that the group needs to figure out things for themselves rather than just give them what she has found.
Turn Toward the Sun is an enjoyable read. The book is well written with a good plot and believable characters. I enjoyed the setting of Rowan Hill. A touch of romance and mystery just what I enjoy in a book.
When Lizzie is offered the chance to live and work at Rowan Hill she is over the moon - at last she has the chance to put her past behind her and be happy. Rowan Hill is a wonderful country house with a community of artists and is one of the loveliest most welcoming places that she has ever been - but things never go that easily for Lizzie and when things start to go wrong she is at the centre of it! What can she do to make things right again and discover the truth?
This is a lovely book and a follow on to Letting in Light so it is great to be back with Ellie and Will and the others - definitely a feel good book and Emma Davies is becoming one of my favourite authors
I enjoyed this book. The setting was an unusual place and I could just imagine being there; I would love to visit Rowan Hill. Lizzie is a bit of a lost soul looking for a new start. She applies for the position at Rowan Hill because it comes with a room. Ellie takes a chance on Lizzie, though she is late for the interview, because she sees potential in her. Once Lizzie is hired strange things begin to happen to Ellie and other shop keepers that Lizzie assists. Lizzie is the prime suspect in the disruptions, disappearances and vandalism that occurs. But is everyone, including Lizzie, missing something else? Is it really vandalism or just misplaced items, accidents and forgetfulness? Will everything be fine if Lizzie just leaves or is it her past coming back to follow and haunt her? There are many subtle twists and turns that keep the reader involved in the story line. The author's descriptions of the characters brings them to life and each is very unique and likeable in their own way. Though very different individuals they have found a way to come together and work for a common goal. I found the book difficult to put down. At times I laughed out loud and other times I wanted comfort and cry with the characters. The author does an excellent job of blending all the individual stories into one excellent story. I will be looking for more by this author.
Rowan Hill works its magic once again. Lizzie applies for a job for we she is woefully inexperienced. But Rowan Hill takes on those who need help and healing and she gets the job.
Her story of finding herself and a new life is wonderful and I cried more than once! Fabulous character and I really hope that's not the last we hear of Lizzie!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved Letting in Light and I was delighted to get a copy of Turn towards the sun. I love Emma's writing style and it was great to catch up with old friends in Rowan Hill. Lizzie is a new character who is escaping a very troubled background and she finds Rowan Hill the sort of family setting she's always dreamed of.
Strange things happen there and because Lizzie is new, suspicion inevitably points her way. She's devastated as she suffers with a dreadful lack of self confidence due to events in her childhood. You are willing for everyone else to realise what is going on and to get things settled!
I loved the friendships and romance in the books and the craft shops/studios sound so wonderful that I wish I could visit and while away a few hours.
An absolutely adorable read and an author to watch out for the next release. I can't wait for another book!
TURN TOWARDS THE SUN by Emma Davies is a beautifully poignant tale of love, family, and what is most important in this world. Lizzie has only ever known hardship in her life but she has always strived for more. So when she lands the job of general assistant at Rowan Hill, she will do everything she can to make it work. Always doubting herself, Lizzie tries really hard to do everything right, because at Rowan Hill she finally feels at peace. But when everything starts to fall apart at the seams and all roads seem to be leading back to Lizzie, it is as if the very soul of Rowan Hill is disintegrating. As Lizzie struggles to uncover the truth, will she be able to find the strength and self-confidence that she will need to help Ellie, Will, and all of those who have become like family to her?
TURN TOWARDS THE SUN by Emma Davies brings the picturesque community to life, and you will instantly take the characters into your heart. With many bumps along the way, the story never loses its pace, and I particularly loved Lizzie who is refreshingly blunt and sweet. TURN TOWARDS THE SUN is a wonderfully entertaining contemporary story and I highly recommend it.