I received an early preview of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I had not read any books by this Author before, but the cover appealed to me, so I decided to read it.
Flick fled her Heartcross, her village in the Scottish Highlands after her relationship break up with Fergus.
Eight years later, she returns after her Grandmother dies. She finds that a lot has changed since she lived there, except for Fergus's hatred of her.
When a storm hits Heartcross, and she can't leave the village, she finds that she has to face her past and try to rebuild friendships.
I loved the setting of the book in the Scottish Highlands, the fictional town of Heartcross sounds lovely. It was great how the community all joined together to help one another when they faced big problems. It would have been nice if there was a wee bit of Scottish dialect, but this was all I could find to fault in the book.
It was interesting how Flick and Fergus's past was revealed slowly, so there was a build up to it.
I enjoyed reading this book, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

I knew that as soon as I had read the first chapter that I was going to like this book. Plus it's the start of a new series which I can't wait to read more about. Christie Barlow has written some absolutely beautiful and warmhearted books and this is definitely one of them for me.

We are introduced to Flick Simons as she is getting ready to go back home to the enchanting village of Heartcross in Scotland. Unfortunately she is returning with a heavy heart as her beloved Grandma has passed away and she hasn't visited home in some years. She arrives home and immediately realises how much she has missed her gentle , village way of life - a complete contrast to the bustling streets of London and her retail job.

Following the illness of her grandma she discovers the heart of the village, her Grandma's beloved cafe, has closed. Determined to make her and her mum proud she sets about re-opening and also hoping to get some kind of life and hope back or herself.

This is all shattered when during a terrible storm, the entire village is cut off when the bridge collapses and we see another side of Felicity as she is determined to be a part of the village once more. I adored this book and loved the storyline as we follow Felicity in her life in London to her life once more in the village. Her character has almost given up any hope of happiness. When she arrives back home, we begin to sense a change in her and this is where the story and the character really came alive. We slowly learn more about her past and what made her flee to London - get the tissues on standby....!

A beautiful story that I really loved. I'm really excited about the books in the future series!

This was a perfect cozy winter read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was heart warming and very well paced. The writing was lovely and I savoured reading it. The characters were all well developed and engaging and the story itself was strong and interesting. I highly recommend this book.

I’ve read at least one book by this author before so when the email for this blog tour popped up in my inbox I was excited, it sounded fresh and fun and just what I was needing.

Overall I enjoyed the story, the book is set in Scotland and living there myself I can certainly appreciate the wild weather in the book as it’s a fair representation of how our weather can be at times. There were a lot of characters in the book and they were well developed, for me they each had clear personalities, which isn’t always the case when there are this number of characters. I have to admit though, that I didn’t entirely warm to Felicity. I liked her but there were things that she said and did that I found quite immature and inconsiderate. Some people will no doubt argue that I’m being too hard on her but that’s how I felt although I did feel she matured somewhat during the course of the book.

The village has to deal with a lot in the course of a few weeks, a timescale that I felt was a bit short, but they rallied together and there was a real sense of community there, something that sadly is missing from a lot of places these days. It was lovely to see people being concerned about others welfare and helping out because it was the right thing to do.

This is one of those books that is perfect for a horrible weather day, one where you are all cosy with your choice of hot drink, I would recommend hot chocolate for this though. You can be sheltered from the weather outside and enjoy the book for what it is, a cosy read that is ideal winter reading.

I really enjoyed this story. It was full of romance, hope, drama and action and touched on some very deep subjects. The author did a great job of connecting the reader to her characters.

As I absolutely love Christie's books I love couldn't wait to read this. That cover is so pretty I thought I was perfect.
The story itself is just beautiful and very heart warming. You just become so attached to it. I couldn't wait till the evenings so settle and read Flick's story. I loved the location it sounded like a lovely wee place and I just love Scotland myself. The other characters are great too.
I had tears in my eyes a few times it is pretty emotional.
A wonderful start to the Love Heart Lane Series and I am so excited to read the next one.

This was my first book that I’ve read by Christie and I’m so happy about it. It was warm and cozy and just welcoming that I didn’t want to leave Scotland Highlands and this cute village. I would be glad to read more of Christie’s books in the future for sure.

First time I read a book from Christie Barlow and I am not disappointed! All the contrary! Oh I enjoyed this book so much! So much that I read this book in 2 days. This is a real pageturner, I just couldn't put it down! So much is happening in this story that takes place in the winter in a little village located in the Scottish Highlands. Please don't be fool by the summary/springy cover, the story takes place in the middle of winter, and there is a lot of snow and rain going on! It's a book full of village spirit, romance, friendship, family, trust, miscarriage, happiness... I can't wait for the second book to be released!!!!!

This is the first book I have read by Christie Barlow but having enjoyed this book so much, I am on the hunt for other books written by her.

Once I started reading Love Heart Lane I was hooked and couldn't put the book down. It was a joy from the first to the last page. The description of the village was so good that I could picture it so clearly and would love to call in at Bonnies tea rooms and be served by Rona and Felicity.

The main character Felicity left the village and moved to London eight years ago but when her grandmother dies she feels guilty that she hasn't visited more often. She takes two weeks away from her job and arrives in the village during a heavy snowstorm. Once home she realises that her mother has not been coping very well and her beloved grandmothers tea rooms have closed. Felicity has also neglected her two best friends who live in the village and is nervous about bumping into her ex Fergus.

During a freak storm the village loses the bridge over the river meaning no one can get out of the village and no supplies can get in. During the battle to rebuild the bridge Felicity finds herself becoming more and more involved in village life but not without some problems along the way. Not only does Felicity need people,to,forgive her for leaving the village so,abruptly and running off to London but she also has to,forgive herself.

I liked all the characters in this book whose stories linked with Felicity but I especially loved Esme. If you love a good book this is the one for you.

It’s always great news when a new Christie Barlow book comes out, but I really feel that this is her best yet.

The story sounds simple, but there’s so much more to this book. There’s family history, there’s community, there’s all of life’s happiness and sadness.

The sense of community in Heartcross is the thread that runs right through the book. The diverse characters are all connected by being from this charming village. The characters are wonderfully drawn, and make the book so real, and so readable.

I liked Flick. She had made some hasty decisions years before, and run away from her troubles, but deep down her heart was always in Heartcross. Fergus had been badly hurt, and is wary as a result, but he’s really a lovely person. As the novel progresses, both of them have to face up to their pasts.

I was delighted when I got to the end to discover that this is the first in a series! I’ll be looking forward to the next one.

This really was a feel good book which made me cosy inside. I read it this week while the weather was awful outside and it really lifted my spirits. The cover alone made me want to take a walk down Love Heart Lane and the characters are so well written.

Many thanks to Netgalley for my copy of Love Heart Lane.

I am such a fan of Christie Barlow, she definitely has the magic touch. She has created the most adorable and heartwarming story set in the Scottish Highlands.
Felicity returns to her roots from London to a remote village in Scotland. Felicity hasn't been home for a long while for fear of running info her ex boyfriend Fergus. However , she has to return after her grandmother Bonnie passes away. Felicity soon realises her mother hasn't been coping as well as she said she had. Felicity is so ashamed she vows to rebuild the relationship. Felicity also pretty much severed all contact with her friends when she left to live in London so the story also deals with her rebuilding her broken friendships too. I'm so glad this book is the start of a series because the characters are well written and I'm looking forward to getting know them a bit more. This is a short review because I don't want to give anything away but just know Christie has written a beautiful story and I urge you to read Love Heart Lane today.

Quite simply I adored this book. Heart warming, uplifting and with some fabulous characters. It was an absolute joy to read. I’ve already recommended it to my mum as she will love it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Impulse and the author for the chance to review.

Does it sound bad if I say that I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book so much? I guess part of me thought that I would be faced with a candyfloss style read what with the title being what it is, however I have to say that I couldn’t have been more wrong if I tried! ‘Love Heart Lane’ isn’t some ‘sweeter than candy’ type of novel in the sense that makes you eyeroll, its actually the complete opposite.

Felicity left her home village to start afresh in the hustle and bustle of London. Even though she missed her family and good friends, she couldn’t seem to brush off the emotions behind her real reasons for leaving. Until now. For some things, Felicity’s visit is a little bit too late, yet for other things her visit could be the start of something new. And by that I don’t mean the new bridge!

So yes, as I was saying, this novel is such a tender, gifted read which made me grin from ear to ear with happiness. There was nothing in the storyline which appeared false as, fictional they may be, all of the characters appeared to be genuine. I could tell that a lot of love had went into creating such colourful characters – I sure had my favourites!

I loved the community atmosphere and the sense of forgiveness, despite how many years had passed since emotions were frayed and relationships and friendships were tested. It gave me such a good feeling watching the villagers all come together, thus being the perfect moment for me to think ‘you know what, the title totally fits’. And it does.

I am so very pleased that my original thoughts of the book were completely and utterly wrong, as ‘Love Heart Lane’ was such an uplifting, magnetic, huggable read which left me wanting more. If you’re after a novel which makes you feel like you’re floating on air, surrounded by duvets and pillows, whilst also filling your heart with joy and gratitude, then this book will be right up your street….well, or lane like the title suggests.

Prior to picking this book up I had never read a Christie Barlow before....did I just hear the crowd gasp in horror? Fear not I'm now on a mission to rectify this sad fact after devouring Love Heart Lane. Christie's writing style is like being wrapped up in a huge warm blanket. The welcome I felt when I digitally opened the first page was a welcomed relief on a cold January day and I fell in love with the story that unfurled before my eyes.

There's something special about the atmosphere a small village can bring to a book and Heartcross did not disappoint. Eloquently described as a 'place untouched by time' this village added charm in a bewitching nature and I found myself ready to pack up and move to the Scottish Highlands.

Each character played their parts to perfection but I do have a soft spot for Fergus who captured my heart with his fierce protection over his daughter Esme. Flick was the perfect character to lead this story and I felt she was instantly likeable in charm and manner - someone I could be friends with in another lifetime. Her story takes you on an emotional journey with highs and lows, but they all add to her engaging nature and I found myself willing her on to succeed in life and love.

The sense of community spirit rings out loud and true in this story with a keen sense of rallying together in the face of adversity. Heartcross's charm is the shining star of this story and I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment. If you haven't read this delight of a book yet then tell me what are you waiting for? A story with love, heart and spirit.....the perfect recipe for a cold January day.

Right off the bat, I knew this would be a new series I would fall in love with, not just the characters but the community would warm my heart on the cold nights.

Felicity aka Flick, left HeartCross under a huge black cloud 8 years ago, only returning because her nan Bonnie has passed. How will the community receive her? When she left, she left Fergus behind, the broody hero of the story and boy does he have the right to be broody.

Despite loving all the characters especially the cute Esme, Flicks behaviour did sometimes rile me. She is very head-strong, which is a great trait, but she would do things without thinking of a certain person feeling, ignoring the advice of other people and pushing at it. It did annoy me, but then I reflected and thought to be fair I would do the same and then I annoyed myself. I mean how far would you go to get your Fergus back? Let’s face most of us has a Fergus in our lives I know I do.

In spite of that quality, Flick is the only person I would have chosen to be the ambassador for the village when they lose their bridge, the only connection to the world. She gets the community geared up as they all support each other as they battle the snow and the other horrid elements. She is the epitome of community life, now that she’s back from the glamour and glitz.

The story is now just about the villagers and their plight, but the village itself. Bonnie's teashop, Hamish shop, Allie and her parents and the pub and Rory and the vet, they are all prominent, they have a lease of their own. They are where the community meet, there is a lot of laughter and love and a lot of smiling.

So I have been a bit emotional lately and not going to lie when I was reading this a few watery eye moments happened. I felt for Flick and her heartache and break, her loss of leaving the place and people she loved the most, Fergus dealing with Esme and a potential new threat, Isla and her babies and family being snowed in at the most inopportune time and Allie allowing her heart to thaw and accept her best friend back in the fold.

I do love reading books when the character changes their entire life, a thing I could only dream of, so l live vicariously through them, Flick and her teashop. If it was that simple I would do it! The book made me smile and I can not wait for the next story to get stuck in and meet up with old friends.

This is my first book by Ms Barlow and I don’t know why it’s taken me so long! The writing flows so easily, and you get caught up in the moment, the words and I couldn’t put it down. I want to jump back into her past books and get caught Up in her writing. I read love heart lane in one evening, I burned the midnight oil, I couldn’t rest until I knew everyone would be ok…I mean who else worries that the characters in a book won’t be ok? Just me??

You’d be mistaken for thinking you’d parachuted into the midst of a disaster movie but actually this book is a rollercoaster of excitement, family ties and romance.

So many sub plots easily anchored around the main story. This book was a joy to read and I cannot wait for the next instalment. This book is somewhere you want to live in real life!

Thank you Netgalley.

'Love Heart Lane' is set in a small but picturesque Scottish village called Heartcross. As a village born and brought up girl, I approached the book with trepidation since I am not a fan of the romantic concepts of village life that clearly has its origins from Wordsworth. The ideas of natural beauty, fresh air and comradeship are sure to be there, but it's also the place where people refuse to change and there will be a few who are only interested in poking at other's personal lives. Ya, its no heaven on earth.
But a clever writer can always make us forget this dark side and for a moment we are persuaded to follow Coleridge's dictum of willing suspension of disbelief. Clearly, Christie Barlow is quite talented in making us immersed in the story. She is a master writer, and I savoured every bit of this delightful novel.
It will capture your heart from the very beginning and the moment Flick reaches Heartcross, things start spiking up. So be prepared to read it with some spare time at hand, because you won't be putting down your Kindle any time soon once you start. Felicity (Flick) is not someone to shy away from dangers and her capable hands and strong mind eventually take the village out of the huge crisis. I never thought she was a coward for running away in the past, it might be a bit rash, but something that also needs a lot of courage to do.
I loved the way the novel ended. Even with the cliffhanger, this is a perfect happy ending for the first book in the series. Can's wait to read more about Flick, Fergus and also about their angelic kid.

I’ve got a soft spot for Christie Barlow’s writing since I read The Misadventures of a Playground Mum. So when I heard she was writing a series, I was rather excited but also apprehensive. So far, all Ms Barlow’s books have been standalone. Would I enjoy a series as much as her previous books?!

I’ve got to say right from the start Barlow has written an emotional read as Flick returns to Heartcross and encounters ghosts from her past. I felt Flick’s guilt for not taking the time to see her gran before she died. And then I had a lump in my throat for her as she reminisced about her time gone last with Fergus – they seemed like love’s young dream, how could it possibly have gone so sour?!?

The level of snow Heartcross would fill me with fear! I’m not a lover of snow unless I don’t have to leave the house and in the suburbs of a busy city, it’s difficult to avoid leaving. Saying that, the picture Barlow paints with her words didn’t fill me with dread. A small village with a community spirit, a pub and a level of amenities made the snow like an inconvenience that was manageable (despite the lack of deliveries to Hamish’s shop).

I was an emotional wreck by the end! I don’t know how she does it but Barlow manages to press all the right buttons to make my heart tighten for her lead characters. This book is packed with emotion but also there is suspense to keep you wondering. I am so looking forward to being reunited with the community in Foxglove Farm later this year.

I rarely follow a book series – and worry not, this book is the first in a planned series, but a self-contained standalone – but I’m already really looking forward to visiting Heartcross again. There’s little I enjoy more than a book set in the heart of a community, the interactions between well-drawn characters, maybe a little intrigue and upset, and a romantic interest or two – and this lovely book was everything I hoped and wanted it to be.

The characters, major and minor, are just excellent. I really took to Flick, returning home after a long absence, finding it difficult to re-establish the connections she once had, then suddenly finding herself right in the middle of the action as the community pulls together after the dramatic collapse of the bridge connecting Heartcross to the rest of civilisation. She has an edge of real sadness about her – the reasons she originally left for London walking away from the love of her life, the recent loss of her much-loved grandmother and the fact that she didn’t visit before she died, her mother Rona’s struggle to make ends meet and the abandoned tea-shop. I just loved the way relationships were tentatively – and very realistically – rebuilt: this is a wonderful story of second chances, told with a very sure emotional touch. And her fractured relationship with Fergus quite broke my heart.

But Flick’s personal story is only part of this book. It’s a great story about a community pulling together in adversity, every individual beautifully drawn, full of tension and drama and misunderstandings, people behaving well and rather badly (as real people do) – and the way the story builds warms your heart and makes your heart sing. There’s a tremendous sense of place – Heartcross became a place I felt I’d visited, and the descriptions of the snowbound village really make you shiver. The writing is excellent – the dialogue is particularly well done, always realistic and moving the story forward. I liked the focus on social media too – its downsides, but also its power for good – and it turned what could have been a timeless story into one with a refreshingly contemporary edge. The pacing is perfect too – a few steps forward, a setback, then a few more careful steps – and it was a book I raced through and thoroughly enjoyed.

I have no idea why it’s taken me so long to pick up a book by Christie Barlow – she’s very much my kind of writer, and I most definitely want to follow this series. Total enjoyment, a few tears, and a wide smile as I left – I loved this one.