This was a brilliant read. As soon as I started reading this book I just knew I was going to love it. Highly recommended

I love this series. This author has such a talent for drawing you in to the world's she creates. It was great to return and read about familiar faces but also get to see more about other characters. Can't wait for the next.

When Isobel rents the first of the little cottages on the hill it is so that she can get away from everything and concentrate on her music so the last thing that she wants is to get involved with the community.... but that starts to prove to be quite difficult! Tom is the thatcher and as soon as he sees Isobel he is taken with her but also had a strange feeling of recognition.... with his reputation with woman he is one Isobel should definitely keep away from! Both of them have a lot of pain inside but can they open up to each other and let their joint love of music help them?

Another lovely book in the series great to be back with all the original characters so really looking forward to the next one

I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book in the Little Cottage series as I felt that the plot wasn't as strong/engaging throughout. However, I did really enjoy that it focused on different characters to the first one, introducing the reader to new relationships.

I loved the introductory book to this series, where we met the gang at Joy’s Acre and see just how the intentions and atmosphere of the place, perhaps with a nudge from the people there, bring healing and lovely intentions to the forefront. Now a few months on with the core group in place, the first guest has arrived, having booked the Gardener’s Cottage for a month. Isobel is a violinist, there to compose in peace with few distractions and little contact with the outside world. Too slim, pale and appearing to be haunted and more than a bit prickly, she’s not making the kind of progress she hoped with her work, and things are made no better by the constant interruptions and attempts by everyone on the farm to make sure she’s got all she needs.

Tom is the thatcher for the farm, as well as a part-time musician in a folk band, with a reputation for hard partying, womanizing and often late to work. He’s been in a downward spiral for the past years after his brother’s death, leaving his friends concerned but cautious, accounting for his erratic behavior as “Just Tom”. But he’s found an emptiness in the constant merry-go-round of drinking, women and hangovers: the problem is facing the issues that brought him to this point.

Far different from the first in the series: Davies brought these two disparate yet similar personalities into a push-pull of emotion, support, challenges and even healing as the two find a tentative friendship that is full of missteps and spoken truths, progress and leaps backward, slowly joining into the creative energies and healing potential of the farm and the intentions of a creative collaborative place where all can be ‘a part’ of the new history being created. From deeply traumatic events for both Isobel and Tom, their communication that bounces from awkward to revelatory, their importance to one another, as the healing the relationship brings is lovely to experience: allowing a real sense of the hurt and despair that changes to hopeful optimism as both find their way: separate and together, all under the gentle. and not so, interference and sharing of the family that has come to be the hallmark of Joy’s Acre. You don’t need to read the first to love the second – but with the intentions of old working their magic on the present, the atmosphere of Joy’s Acre will enchant, entrance and transport you to places you want to be – if only for the hours it takes to experience the story.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9ON/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

I did enjoy this book , it is not good as the first one in this series and can be read as a standalone so you don't have to have read the first book.

5☆ Perfect for Lifting Your Spirits.

Summer At The Little Cottage On The Hill is the second book in the series, and I was so glad to be back. I adore this series. It's such a feel good, warming read. The perfect book to snuggle up with.

It was so wonderful to see all the characters back.
This time we meet Isobel.
Wow is she a character. She's mysterious, not too friendly, but she has a passion for music and it shines through.

She arrives at the little cottage on the hill, she is there only guest, which suits her perfectly. See she is working on something private and demands absolute peace and no interruptions.

But unfortunately for her Tom the Thatcher has taken a shine to her and is convinced they are kindred spirits. He too is passionate about music.
But can he win over this ice queens heart with his harmonies and make sweet music with her or Will he crash and burn!!

I adored the colourful characters, they were believable and I was instantly drawn to them.

Summer At The Little Cottage On The Hill, is an absolute joy to read, it's Warm, funny and feel-good, the romance fizzes along just perfectly.
The story line is endearing, engrossing, irresistible and perfect for lifting your spirits.

You can easily read this one as a standalone, but I do think if you read the first one you get a chance to really connect with the characters as they really are memorable.

If you enjoy charming feel good reads, with quirky loveable characters then pick up the Summer At The Little Cottage On The Hill you won't be disappointed!

4.25 Lovely Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟.25

It was so lovely to return to the little cottage on the hill, in this second book in this delightful series.... I enjoyed this book even more than the first... loved revisiting all these characters and had many awwwww moments...

Isabel is the first guest at Joy’s Acre... she is there to get away and work on a top-secret project, she has no desire to socialize and be sucked in by the beauty of the place... Isabel was not terribly likeable at the beginning of this book... but you just knew this cast of quirky characters, these lovely gardens and the wonderful food would thaw her frozen heart... Tom was even more charming in this book than the previous... even though he may drink a little too much and is a bit of a player, deep down he is such a good guy... and that really came out in this book.... I really wanted this relationship to work out with Isabel and him... his feelings for her came through so well on these pages... on a personal note I absolutely love the part in this book about Peter and the Wolf... not a big classical music person, but I had that record (yes a record... a vinyl record, I am so dating myself here) and when they brought this up it brought back all the sounds of all the characters on that amazing record....

Along with the slow burning romance between Isabel and Tom, we are treated to all the wonderful characters from the first book.... Claire‘s gardens sounded so beautiful and Trixie’s food sounded so delicious.... now I want to go visit even more than I did after reading the first book... Love all these characters and how there they are for one another, it was quite endearing... quite simply this is the perfect summer time read...

Absolutely recommend to fans of a book filled with love, wonderful characters, and a beautiful setting🌸

*** thank you so much too Bookouture and Net Galley for a copy of this lovely book ***

Summer at the Little Cottage on the Hill by Emma Davies is the second book in the Little Cottage series but one which can easily be read as a standalone story. Our attention this time around turns to Tom the thatcher but also to a new arrival, Isobel who is a talented musician. She is the first guest to stay in the only cottage that has been renovated so far at Joy's Acre Farm. Maddie, Seth, Trixie and Clara all expected that each guest that visited would fall in love with the charm of the farm and its associated history, basically with everything they were trying to create there but Isobel is not your normal guest. Right from the off she was clearly hiding many things and was battling both internally and externally to cope with life in general. She came to stay at the cottage with one clear goal in mind, six weeks to compose a new piece of music on her violin. Six weeks to hopefully turn her life around for the better if possible. But will things be smooth sailing for Isobel and the people she meets or will there be many mountains to climb before peace and happiness can even be contemplated?

I'm enjoying how recent women's fiction books published by Bookouture that form a trilogy seem to be working on a common thread. That over the course of the three books two different characters are the main focus each time. We get glimpses of each character in the first book and then by the time their story rolls around I am more than eager to discover what lies in store for them. We had read briefly of Tom in book one but I was glad to see that Isobel was an entirely new character. She was my favourite by far in this book, simply because there was so much mystery surrounding her. She had a firm outer shell which she had built up around herself presumably for protection. She was such a multi-layered character that just when you thought you began to know her that little bit better, that you were beginning to scratch beneath the surface something else arose that threw you off track.

Isobel presents herself as very regimented and efficient. She is committed to her music and it borders on complete obsession. She has a clear purpose for her time at Joy's Acre and cannot deviate from what she has laid out for herself, routine and practice are the order of the day. As Maddie and Tom try to get to know her and be polite and help her settle in and join them she refuses all attempts at a welcome. To many Isobel would come across as a cold fish, but there had to have been a reason for this and I was glad that Tom and Maddie could see there was more to this girl than meets the eye and she is not someone to give up on that easily. Isobel, although she may not have realised it, was crying out for help and maybe coming to Joy's Acre could be the very tonic that she needed.

As for Tom, I thought initially he came across as a rogue. He loved his work as a thatcher whilst playing in a folk band on the side. He had a good life but similarly to Isobel I felt he was haunted by something. The reputation he had created for himself as someone who enjoys a good time, a ladies man who was known for his one night stands didn't seem to be the real Tom. More so this smoke screen had been created to mask something that he didn't want to realistically deal with. With the arrival of Isobel, Tom starts to see things in a new light. In her he sees a kindred spirit and maybe they can help each other. I loved how even though Isobel at first rebutted Tom at every corner that he never backed down. He saw something in her that he wanted to help and wouldn't give up until he had achieved this. I had my suspicions as to what had happened to both Tm and Isobel to make them be the way they were. With some elements I was correct but with regard to others I was way off track. But it wasn't about guessing the exact cause of what was tormenting the pair, this story was more an exploration of how with cope with things when times get tough. How we seek out those we need, who can inspire, comfort, advise, offer solace, friendship and hope.

The development of the story was paced just perfectly and I felt there was even more of a concrete storyline here than in book one The Little Cottage on the Hill. I think I just enjoyed the setting and story much more overall this time around, maybe because both Tom and Isobel's story really affected me. The connection developing between the pair felt real and genuine as did the struggle to reach some acceptance, to admit their fears and what was disturbing them and causing them to suffer. Maybe perhaps Isobel ever so slightly more than Tom. Perfection was what Isobel strived for, what she was driven to achieve, endless rehearsing and practising the same piece over and over again. But what was it all for? Was it really necessary? Hopefully Tom and Joy's Acre could work their magic and in doing so Isobel may come to a realisation and may be healed. The journey to attempt to teach this point would not be without its challenges but that's what made this book so interesting and enjoyable.

Summer at the Little Cottage on the Hill is a story of transformation, of shedding one's old skin, to find the direction lacking in one's life. Tom and Isobel may have been polar opposites with different problems but perhaps this would work in their favour. Barriers needed to be broken down but this give and take couldn't have all been one sided and it was a joy to read how the pair with help from Maddie, Clara and Trixie as an extra support system were enabled to do this. The beautiful setting of Joy's Acre and its associated history and spirit added such flavour to the story as did the power of music.

Overall this book was a captivating read with two main characters who will tug at your heartstrings and be reluctant to let go. It has plenty of life lessons and messages for not just those involved in the story but for the reader too. Summer at the Little Cottage on the Hill is a lovely, gentle, easy read perfect for enjoying during the summer months. Roll on book three, I'm keen to discover who will feature next at Joy's Acre Farm.

This book was enjoyable, nice to be back with some of the characters. it was nice to see Tom take the lead in this book compared to the last and seth and maddie in the background. it had a few twists and turns yet was predictable. typical romance book. but would be a good beach read

After a fabulous first book in the series, I was so eager to get stuck into the next instalment from Emma Davies, and what an instalment it was!

The very first paying  visitor to the cottage at Joy Acres farm was musician, Isobel. With her icy cold exterior and patience of a toddler, Isobel found it quite difficult to gel with the people on the farm. She didn't want anyone to get close to her, yet the local thatcher completely disregarded that and made it his own personal mission to get her out and about. Of course that wasn't as plain sailing as he had hoped it would be, but Tom wasn't going to be giving up anytime soon, especially when he realises that he understands Isobel a lot more than she gives him credit for.

At first, Isobel has the type of personality that would make anyone run a mile, or, in our case, raise our eyebrows and think 'what the....'. I did cut her a bit of slack though when it became clear that Isobel was struggling with several things. Could Tom get her to open up to him? Would he even be able to help her? And, if he could help her, would she even let him?

Seeing as Tom's past includes coming face to face with the bottom of a pint glass, when he thinks he knows Isobel from somewhere, he isn't sure whether it is mind playing tricks on him thanks to the drink, or whether he does actually know her. Maybe there's a good reason for that?

Tom and Isobel both have a lot of skeletons in their closets, but it seemed that Joy Acres farm was doing what it was supposed to do by bringing everyone 'joy'. My opinion of Isobel changed drastically the more I got to know her, with me feel quite empathetic towards her by the end of the book. She has had a tough time and thanks to seeing the light with her mother, I think Isobel realised just how far she has come.

When I finished reading 'Summer at the Little Cottage on the Hill', I sighed a contented sigh as, for characters who appear to be quite flawed, their journey to patching their flaws was such a beautiful thing to watch and be a part of. It was as though something just clicked, making me think to myself 'you know what, maybe they will be okay'. I hadn't quite realised how invested in the storyline I was until my mind conjured up those thoughts.

I adore Emma Davies' story telling and her least novel is proof that this author is incredible at her craft. I loved watching people come together in the most unlikeliest of circumstances, and I loved being 'involved' in a fictional family who, instead of tearing each other down, they helped each other up every single day. It's books like this which make me think that the world is actually an alright place to be, especially if it contains people like the ones in this book.

Yet another magnetic, enchanting, relatable, and beautiful read - never mind 5 stars, this book needs a bucket full of pixie dust!

Really enjoyed revisiting Joy’s Acre. In the previous book, we met Seth, Mandie, Clara, Tricia and Tom. Each has their own backstory. In this book we also meet the first paying guest, Isabel. Over time, Tom the thatcher discovers her story - and reveals his own sadness.

A giant hug on a summer’s day, this is a delightful tale for a sunny afternoon in the garden.

4* from me.

I absolutely loved the return to Joy Acres farm and the new cottages. Isobel has rented the first cottage. She is a very talented violinist who has booked a cottage to complete a new piece of music. We gradually hear more about her and what makes her so guarded. Tom, the thatcher, shows a softer side as he gets lost in the music whilst he is working.
I just love the characters- we meet up with our long lost friends and can imagine sitting in the beautiful garden sharing meals with everyone. It sounds so blissful. They are busy getting Thatcher's cottage ready and I really can't wait to read more in the next book.
The book is full of a gentle romance, a thawing of the ice queen and the most wonderful group of friends working together to create a community that feels so real, you are reaching to visit the website and book a weeks break.
I have always enjoyed Emma Davies books- this series has to be my favourite so far. I remember feeling so excited when she said that there would be follow on books! The covers are so inviting.

I have read and reviewed a few of Emma Davies’ books now and I have enjoyed every single one of them. ‘Summer At The Little Cottage On The Hill’ was no exception as I really enjoyed reading it but more about that in a bit.
I must admit that it took me a fair while to warm to Isobel. To start with she is downright rude, insensitive, arrogant and ignorant. However as the book continued and we learnt a little more about her history, I found myself warming to her. It’s obvious that something has happened in her past which has greatly affected her and still affects her to this day. I am not going to go into specifics because that would be giving too much away. I think that it’s fair to say that she has created a massive wall around herself to protect herself and to avoid letting anybody get past that wall and potentially hurt her again. She has moved to the area to concentrate on her music both practicing and composing. When she moves to the area, she doesn’t intend to meet anybody nor socialise let alone possibly fall in love. Tom is another damaged soul. He is the local thatcher. It’s obvious that something has happened in his past that still affects him to this day and has led to him shutting certain people out. He feels as though Isobel is a kindred spirit in a sense because they are both damaged by past events and they share a love of classical music. It’s obvious that there is a spark there between the pair of them but will it develop into something more? Will Isobel and Tom find a way to deal with their past? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
I have to admit that it took me a little while to get into this book because I was irritated by Isobel’s attitude and just kept wanting to shake her by her shoulders. However as the book continued she began to open up and we learnt more about her history, I found myself thawing towards her. After I warmed to Isobel, reading this book became like an addiction. As I am a nebby Nora, I just needed to know what had happened in Tom’s and Isobel’s past to make them like they are and whether or not they were going to find happiness. It’s a wonder that my Kindle didn’t blow up due to the fact that I was turning the pages so quickly as I raced to the end of the book. Blimey oh riley I didn’t realise just how quickly I was reading until I literally got to ‘The End’. I had mixed feelings about finishing this book. I don’t mean that negatively far from it – I was pleased to finish because at least I knew how the story ended but I wasn’t pleased to finish because I was enjoying the story and the writing style so much that I just wanted the book to continue. This book is really well written and the author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn into the story. Reading this book was much like being on an emotional rollercoaster. There were moments where I found myself want to shout, want to cry, want to cheer and well you get the picture.
In conclusion I have to say that Emma Davies has another winner on her hands and I really did enjoy reading it. I would definitely recommend this author and her books to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.

The second book in this series is a very fitting sequel to the warmth of the first, which I recently read and reviewed. If you need something to put a smile in your heart this summer, this is it!

We continue the story from exactly where we left off in the last book by welcoming the first guest to Joy's Acre and those who have prepared for and dreamed of this day finally arriving are very excited to welcome Isobel to their midst. However, Isobel struggles with the friendliness of their welcome; she has come there to work, not to socialise.

Summer at the farm sounds delicious! Not only is the produce plentiful but accordingly the food will make your mouth water. Add in the sunshine, the country setting and the chance to get to know Tom much better than we did first time round plus the enigma who is Isobel, and this is another stunning read from Emma Davies. A full-length novel stuffed with people, places and events this will keep you happily enthralled until you reach the final page, when you can sit back with a sigh of satisfaction. A sumptuous read and a first class series, this is one for your reading list. Without any doubt, it is completely worthy of a full five stars!

My grateful thanks to publishers Bookouture for approving my request via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it. This the next book in the Little Cottage series and it does not disappoint! The story is about the thatcher Tom and violinist Isobel. They both have difficult pasts they are trying to run from and learn how to deal with, so they can move forward instead of always looking behind. Together they help each other in little ways that end up in ways they never imagined. I loved it and eagerly awaiting the next book!

Now I am a little bit biased when it comes down to it, but I have to say that Shropshire really is a pretty county. Makes for the perfect setting for a bit of romantic relief, or, in the case of Isobel, a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city in which she can create the musical masterpiece which will get her career back on track. Or so you would think ...

Wouldn't it make for quite the dull story is everything was as easy as all that? You see Isobel has her demons, things from her past which haunt her and have prevented her from truly fulfilling her promise as a violinist and those, perhaps more corporeal, who would seek to control her fortunes a little too closely too. When she happens upon Joy's Acre's website, it seems the answer to her prayers but little does she realise just how distracted she is or how distracting her new home will become. From her arrival on the small farm she is about to go on a journey of discovery, not only about herself, but also about the story behind the farm and those who live there, one which will provide her with unexpected inspiration.

From the very first time we met the folk of Joy's Acre I was hooked on this series. The way in which Emma Davies has captured the setting is a joy to behold (no pun intended) and is as peaceful and tranquil to read as you would imagine it would be to visit. On top of that she has created a cast of characters who you can really grow to love very quickly, each one individual and each one adding a different layer of interest and back story to keep readers engaged.

This time around, the story focuses upon Tom, the Thatcher,  part time musician and close friend of farm owner Seth. While he was only on the periphery of the first book, we didn't learn much about him, other than he was a bit of a tart, but it was clear there was something there - some secret which drove him to act in the way that he did. We learn much more about him in this book and to be honest, he is perhaps even more endearing that Seth was in book one. He certainly has hidden depths and a level of compassion and understanding which up until now had been well hidden behind a lackadaisical attitude towards life. His story is quite sad, and Emma Davies has painted it quite sympathetically so you will be willing him to come good. Despite his reputation his shyness or embarrassment when it comes to Isobel is actually quite endearing and it certainly had me smiling, if not laughing, from time to time.

Isobel it quite the foil for our Tom. Quite stand offish at the start, I did struggle to warm to her but as the story progresses and you learn more of her history, the more I grew to like her. As with everything in life, first appearances are often wrong and Isobel;s character, and your perception of her, is quickly reflected in the way she judges, and misjudges, others. Again, her passion for music, much like Tom's, has been captured perfectly by the author, that heady balance between simply playing the notes as they are written and truly feeling what you are playing captured perfectly upon the page. The passion of a true artist often overflows, and is echoed in the text, but ultimately you will, as I did, start to like Isobel.

It is easy to see where this story is heading from the off and yet the journey that you are taken on is quite a beautiful one. You will feel the tranquility of Joy's Acre start to invade your mind as you read and relax into the story. Moments of misunderstanding are tempered with those of reflection and discovery. Most of all they are wrapped up in a heart-warming and often romantic tale. not all plain sailing, but slowly building to a point where two lonely souls find their stories intertwine in ways they had not foreseen.

Fun and romantic, this really is a story which will make you smile, laugh out loud at times, become frustrated on occasion too, but mostly smile. Emma Davies has a wonderful style of writing which really engages the reader, weaving a magical story of love and second chances which can warm even the hardest of hearts, set against a beautiful backdrop which holds the true essence of the story. 

Another heartwarming and uplifting take from Emma Davies full of the joys of summer. Music, friendship and romance. Who could ask for more? Apart from that cookbook. We still need that cookbook.

What a joyous occasion it was to be able to revisit Joy Acres farm and the wonderful cast of characters there. I had been missing Tom the thatcher since the previous book, so delighted to see he was one of the main characters this time around

The new character and first guest to stay in The Gardener's cottage is Isobel, now without a doubt she is a talented violinist, but it is also very clear that she is hiding things in her past, which she really doesn't want revealed.

I was gripped just wanting to know more about Isobel as she a rather intriguing character, added to her fledgling friendship with Tom and some great character development and you have a book with many high points.

I also loved that due to the nature of the series that I was able to catch up with all the key people from the first book. However if you haven't read The Little Cottage On The Hill then, well you have missed out, but not to worry as this one can easily be read as a standalone too.

With every book that I read from Emma Davies I am becoming more and more impressed with her ability to tell a story and well written descriptions that transport you to the heart of the action.

A thoroughly enjoyable book and I for one can only say, bring on the next book already, I want more from Joy Acres, as its a rather special setting.

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

Isobel has is the first to have rented a cottage at Joy Acre for six weeks. She is working on a music composition with plans of possibly jumpstarting her career as a violinist. She has a lot angst resulting from a troubled past. Tom is a thatcher who is working on the cottages at the farm. Isobel is quite uncomfortable around the affable Tom, who is quite drawn to her. Meanwhile, the rest of the folks there, Seth, Maddie, Clara and Trixie, as well as Tom, are quite like a family, one where Isobel doesn't fit in. These relationships are all important, however, and in time, Isobel begins to relax.

Tom has his own demons. He is finally overcoming them as he gets deeper involved in his work on the far. Meeting Isobel is truly a balm to his soul. Not only does his music affect him in a powerful way, her beauty, as well as her reticence makes her quite desirable to him. Their relationship begins to build as they develop trust in one another's feelings. At one point Tom is asked by Clara if he believes he has found a kindred spirit in Isobel. Indeed, they are perfect for one another, as they can read each other quite well, despite Isobel's initial reluctance to draw close to Tom.

Summer at the Cottage on the Hill is the second in a four-part series. I read and reviewed the first book immediately before reading this one. This helped me to feel strongly connected to all of the characters. Continuity in stories is highly favorable to me. Just as Tom, I was a strong fan of Isobel's violin playing. I sensed that I could hear the plaintive notes playing! I was also drawn to the intensity of emotion shared between Isobel and Tom. Kudos to Emma Davies for delivering such a powerful connection to her readers. Quite well done! This is truly a feel-good story. I so look forward, not only to the other books in this series, but to the rest of this author's work.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review.

I really, really loved this book. It's so full of warmth, it just leaves you feeling all gooey in the middle.

As the second book in the series, we get to meet Isobel, the first guest at Joy's acre and follow her story as we slowly find out about her past and what is stopping her from moving forwards with her life. We also get to know Tom, the thatcher as their stories entwine.

Emma's writing is so easy to read and her stories flow along at a wonderful pace as we get to know and understand the characters and feel their dilemmas. This is such a positive story about the opportunities that life presents if we can only learn to look and listen to our hearts.

I just LOVE this series and can't wait for the next one!