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

Love Heart Lane is a gorgeous start to a new series by Christie Barlow with a set of brand new characters, an idyllic setting in the village of Heartcross in the Scottish Highlands.

Felicity, aka Flick, had left Heartcross 8 years ago, but now is returning because her Nan Bonnie passed away. She is wondering what kind of reaction she’ll get from her friends and her ex Fergus, who still live in the village. While she’s back in Heartcross, the whole community needs to come together when their small village is cut of from the rest of the world.

I knew I would fall in love with this book from the moment I started reading (as I had done with Christie’s previous books), I ended up reading this in one sitting. I’m so glad I have the next few books in the series to get stuck into. I adored every minute of it.

Christie Barlow has a new fangirl! I adored this heart-squeezing and emotive story from beginning to end. It was well-paced, highly engaging, insightfully written and easy to follow despite containing a small Scottish village of unique and quirky residents. Felicity had abandoned her small village and loved ones while in despair over personal tragedy, and in her embarrassment, did not reconnect with them again for eight years. Fleeing her sorrow for London hadn’t been the solution she had hoped for, and a visit to her mother was reminding her of what she had left behind. The grass always seems greener…

I enjoyed everything about this story, the writing style, the characters, the storylines, the tangled issues and messes Felicity kept stepping in, she meant well but her tenacious and somewhat impulsive tendencies of jumping in to help was a double-edged sword. There was a bit of everything to be found in this lovely tale as it hit all the feels with humor, heartbreak, danger, regret, adorable children, community involvement, romance, family issues, bad weather, and small village life. All the elements were well incorporated along with the idiosyncrasies of the village.

I hit the mother lode of idioms and new terms for my Brit/UK word list with fairy cakes which appear to be small cupcakes; the big smoke – London or other large cities; wetting the baby’s head – father and friends celebrate the baby’s birth with alcohol; get a shifty on - to get started on something; and not on your Nelly - there is no chance at all of something happening. Thank goodness for the Urban Dictionary, Google, and Wikipedia!

Loved it. Christie writes the best kind of feel-good fiction.

Comment / Quote provided direct to publisher.

The first and probably the best of this series, although I enjoyed all three books and would definitely read some more

A Definite Feel Good Factor....
Book one in the Love Heart Lane series. An endearing tale of village life, it’s inhabitants and a community spirit. Engaging and uplifting, a pleasant read laced with humour, well drawn characters and a definite feel good factor.

Lovely cover that drew me to the book. The book was lovely. A feel good read perfect for this time of year lazing on holiday or in the garden. It was easy to read and well written. Great read

I hate to say how long this has been sitting on my Kindle shelf, how could I have not devoured this before now? It seems unbelievable that I left this untouched, but I got there eventually and it was well worth the wait as this book is so cosy and heart-warming, it’s like being wrapped in a huge snug blanket, its comforting as well as heart-warming.



The story follows lead character Felicity (Flick) as she returns home to Heart Cross village after eight years away, she really only planned to stay for a few days, maybe a week most as the village and more importantly the people bring back far too many painful memories for her. But, as we all know nothing goes plan all the time, there are always hiccups with any well laid plan, and the hiccup here is that once Flick reaches Heart Cross there is a huge storm that cut the village and the people off from the rest of the world – slightly over dramatic, I know but it’s the truth, the only bridge leading in and out of the village is destroyed so Flick is essentially stuck.



It is here that you really see the good in people, it is so heart-warming to see how the community pulls together in it’s hour of need. But, one of the reasons that Flick wanted to stay away is stuck in the village along with her, the man she has always loved deep down before things got complicated and she left. To say that Fergus is less then pleased to see Flick back in the village is an understatement. I love how they are forced to face one and other because there is no where to escape to, how we see them battle their emotions.



The thing that I really got from this book was a sense of hope, that no matter where you look there will always be something positive and pleasant waiting for you. Christie Barlow has a real gift at cementing character’s into the readers lives in such a way that it is very hard for us to let go, we become completely sucked into their lives and their world.



This is a wonderful story full of hope, second chances and more then that a real sense of community spirit that is so lacking in the world today. I love the characters each brings something different just as each one is just as important to the development of the story as the heroine; Flick. There are some wonderful, heart-warming moment just as there is some sadness, the writing is fluid and full of warmth.



A sweet and loving story full of hope and very recommended, I am looking forward to what comes next from the little village of Heart Cross.

A superb book that will make you want to keep reading, I loved the characters and the beautiful location that this wonderful book was set in. I can't wait to read more in this series as I thoroughly enjoyed the first instalment.

Quite a good read, kept me engaged, really enjoyed the plot and the characters and i would read more from this author.

Just like Christie Barlow’s other books, this one did not disappoint. It is romantic, without all the fluff. There is true heart in this story that will make you believe in true love.

Felicity ‘Flick’ has moved back to her hometown, the small village of Heartcross after learning of her Grandmother’s death. After living in the big city of London for the past couple of years, she is nervous, scared, and anxious to rejoin the life of her past…especially when it comes to her one true love she left behind (Fergus). To add to the anxiousness, Fergus now has a 5-year-old little girl who is the center of his life.

When extremely strong storms hit the small town, tragedy strikes and Felicity takes charge to help the town survive. And take over she does! She is an amazing character, strong and fierce in so many ways yet vulnerable at the same time. She has an amazing heart when it comes to her neighbors, friends, and families, never hesitating to lend a hand where needed. While she is still in love with Fergus, she looks at the full picture and the magnitude of her return after all these years. She is unselfish in all of her actions, a true gem!

I fell in love with this book! The small quaint town is the picture perfect image of where I would love to retire. Everyone knows everyone. Neighbors help each other and share a bond so strong, at times they can be viewed as family. I felt so good while reading this book, even during the traumatizing instances. The author does a great job describing the scenery you feel like you are right part of the action, or skipping down Love Heart Lane! The best news? There is a sequel! I’m so excited!

Go out and grab this book…it will instantly cheer you up!

This author is new to me so didn't know what to expect. The setting of Scotland intrigued me as I have never been. This is a feel good book which warms your heart and makes you glad to be alive. Felicity has been through a lot and her character charms you from the very beginning. Everyone needs to feel needed and the community spirit does just that. Can't wait to read the next installment later in the year. I will be looking out for this author.

Love Heart Lane is the first book based in Love Heart Lane, and I am pleased to confirm that it will not be the last! It is the first novel that I have read by Christie Barlow, and I really enjoyed exploring the village of Heartcross and getting to know its inhabitants. As you all know, I am a fan of authors who revisit places in future novels, as it often means that we get to learn about new characters, or find out more about characters we have fleetingly met, whilst also hearing about the characters we already know and love. So as I'm sure you can imagine, I am already sitting waiting to read Foxglove Farm so that I can revisit Heartcross!

Anyway, back to Love Heart Lane. Flick Simons is a woman living in the city, far away from her home, escaping a past full of tragedy and loss. When her beloved Grandmother passes away, she finds herself back in her childhood home with her mother, grieving and faced with regret about the time she has lost with her Grandmother. When the village finds itself cut off from the outside world, and Flick finds herself unable to return to the city, she is forced to face up to what, and who, she left behind. Flick finds herself in the centre of a village which is pulling together to rescue itself, surrounded by friends and loved ones who, despite her running away years ago, welcome her back into their fold with open arms.

Fergus Campbell is Flick's childhood sweetheart, and father to the beautiful Esme. He is less pleased to see Flick again - when she ran away to the city, she ran away from him too. Having finally recovered from his heartbreak, he is less than happy to find her back in the village, forgiving her seems an almost impossible task.

This is a novel about love, friends and family. Its about loss, but it's also about what you can find when you are forced to re-evaluate your life, whilst overcoming obstacles. It's about forgiveness, and it is about admitting when you were wrong.

I really enjoyed Love Heart Lane. I loved watching a wealth of characters pull together in a time of need, forgetting past wrongs to really achieve something together. Of course I love a bit of romance thrown in, but this was also a novel about how important friendships are, and family. It is about discovering that you do not have to cope alone - there is always someone there if you are willing to let them in. I am more than happy to recommend this novel if you enjoy a light read, full of family, friends and romance!

Heartwarming and sweet, this feel-good romance will leave you feeling extremely satisfied. The writing is strong and the pacing is perfect. I haven't read much from this author before but this one book was enough to convince me I need to read a lot more. Simply delightful!

The story is written as a narrative with a third person omniscient point of view. The characterization is done indirectly and the conflict is a mixture of self, nature and other characters. The theme is a mixture of love, death, coming of age and survival but also family and what it means to be a family to each individual person.

Felicity Simons, or known as Flick, has ran away from her small town for a big city and is now dreading having to go back home and face all of the demons that she has took off from. She is the main character who is a round character that goes through a dynamic change in many ways. Rona Simons acts as mother and confidant for Flick and as a guide throughout, she remains mainly static as most of her change has come before the story. Fergus Campbell acts as antagonist and main love interest for Flick, they have a history as the both grew up together and we were once madly deeply in love. Fergus has gone through many things since Flick has left that has left him jaded, though he does come off round and also goes through a dynamic change. Aggie Campbell acts as mother bear and protector but is a main stock character, Jessica acts as his confidant and helping hand but mainly is a stock character. The exposition shows us where Flick is now and where she has to get to in order to come to terms with the death of her grandmother. The rising action brings the tension of Fergus and Flick reuniting and the impending snow storm. The climax is reached when a natural disaster has hit the town leaving them all stranded and depending on one another. The falling action shows what happens when the town comes together and also reunites people. The resolution is all about coming to terms with the here and now and look towards the future.

The author really did take us on a journey as the ideas flow smoothly from one aspect to another and the organization made it all logical. The word choice was perfect even though the story takes place in the English countryside, us non Brits could still follow the story. Yes, I would recommend this book. Especially to those who love cute country love stories, enjoy towns coming together and families being reunited in more ways than one. This book is not for those who do not enjoy reading stories of births, miscarriages, leaving with no goodbyes, or a small bit of drama turn huge.

When her beloved grandmother dies Flick realises that she needs to return to her home village of Heartcross in Scotland for a proper visit for the first time in years. When she gets home she is concerned for her mother who doesn't seem to be coping and why is the teashop closed? The next problem is facing her best friends that she ran out on all those years ago.......... and not forgetting Fergus the real reason for her flight! When a freak storm hits the village and washes away the bridge which is the only link to the outside world Flick realises that she will have to face her past at last as there is nowhere to run to.

Another lovely book by this author, heartwarming and a book that draws you in right from the beginning. There are so many great characters that I can't wait for the next book to catch up with them!

This has all the ingredients for a great series. I loved the range of characters and the setting is superb. It all hangs together so easily, you really get a sense of what living in a remote village like Heartcross would be like. I took to Felicity from the start. There are some sombre issues in the background, especially around Felicity and Fergus' past but nevertheless, it is a heart-warming and hopeful read.

Felicity is so proactive, without being overly pushy. Not afraid to step forward in an emergency, she certainly proves her mettle to the village. In addition, there are some great supporting characters in the village and I am hoping that we will find out more about them in future books. In Love Heart Lane, we get to see how friendships and family ties have formed strong, unbreakable bonds. There is a touch of humour in the story and some romance of course but ultimately I loved it because of the great, fluent writing style and the beautifully observed characters.

In short: Bring on the next one!

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

Such a fun, sweet rom-com! I read this book in one sitting and really enjoyed it. Love Heart Lane left a smile on my face. Loved it!

Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

A huge thank you to Netgalley, Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for allowing me to read and review this wonderful story by the amazing Christie Barlow. Ahhhh my squishy heart is all full of love for this book right now!

The book cover is a welcome delight to gaze at during these cold winter months! I am a huge fan of Christie's books and without even reading the synopsis I just knew straight away I was in for a treat.

The story features Flick who after hearing some sad news decides it's time to return to her home village of Heartcross situated in the Scottish Highlands. The journey to Heartcross for Flick is an awful one through a winter storm and waiting on the other side of the bridge to the village are painful memories that Flick would rather not face especially one man in particular, Fergus Campbell.

As a reader we are not aware of Flick's past and the pain that comes with visiting Heartcross but it soon becomes clear and it just made me warm to Flick so much more. I really liked the character of Fergus too, a quiet and mysterious character but you could totally tell that behind the barriers he puts up deep down there is a soft, caring and loveable side to him.

After a destructing winter storm which passes through the village causing chaos and leaving behind a broken swept away bridge that connects the village to the main land. The villagers have to work together to ration food and keep morale up while they wait for help in the form of a temporary bridge to be constructed.

Flick uses this distraction to help her settle back into village life making new friends and mending past friendships that she left behind when she moved to London. When the snow disappears and it's time for Flick to leave her homely village again, does she want to and will she?

I absolutely adore this story, I love Christie's fabulous writing and how she can make you feel so involved in village life and have you feeling like have known the characters forever. I enjoyed all the little twists and heart warming moments.

This is most definitely one of those books that you rush through to get to the end and before you know it you are there but you haven't mentally prepared yourself for the story to end and leave the village and all the lovely people there but it's ok because we can return to Heartcross real soon in Christie's next instalment 'Foxglove Farm' YAY! I am counting down the days for this and June cannot come quick enough!

What I love about this author's books is that she is a true storyteller, she introduces you to a community full of interesting characters, highlights serious issues affecting women. Particularly, the general perception of what's expected fo women in given situations, and shows through Flick's experience, how emotionally damaging it can be for the woman. Especially, if she feels she cannot express her grief or true feelings because of what people may think. There's also a lovely second chance romance and a beautiful rural setting.

This promises to be a heartwarming series, with a realistic mix of humour, poignancy and romance.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.