Member Reviews
Our Review A light hearted, pleasurable and easy read that comes highly recommended. I enjoy Darcie's writing style and always look forward to the release of her new books. They are exceptional and always enjoyable. The house at greenacres follows the main character Holly who returns home, after running away from home, to attend her grandfathers funeral at Greenacres. She returns with Luke, her son. Luke's father Rich, who broke Holly's heart, and he has a shock when he finds out he is a father. Rich, like Holly is a likeable character. When she left they were both young. Rich is far from perfect but then no one is. At the time he himself was grieving, from the loss of his brother and confused with dealing with his emotions. And has suffered with his mental health. Which is very well covered and written. What follows is a story of love, loss,possible new beginnings as Rich discovers he is a father. But, will the relationship realight when they meet or has too much happened? This is a story, where you get absorbed into the pages. You'll smile and feel a pull in your heart. So very well written. Thank you to Darcie, Ellie and Canelo for our advanced copy. Blog Tour Further details where you can read more reviews from the blog tour are below:
This is a gentle second chance romance, set in Cornwall and their vineyards.
It is cosy in style and written so as to be fairly contemporary in language but not explicit in behaviour - the behaviour is implied as we have 2 pregnancies before marriage in it!
It is very family oriented and lauds the benefits of living within a multi-generational household unit - even though this can be very problematic as my mother-in-law would have attested if she admitted it... her mother being a tyrant..
Overall a very pleasant story and style, but for me a little too sweet, I prefer more drama and bite.
If you have read one of Darcie Boleyn’s previous novels, you will know to expect a warm and uplifting tale. The House at Greenacres is no exception.
Set in a country vineyard (is there ever a better setting for any book!) in Cornwall. I couldn’t imagine a more appealing setting right now than a warm summer’s day in the green countryside, surrounded by grape vines, friends, wine and frolicking dogs! Penhallow Sands sounds like a marvellous place and there is a wonderful sense of community running through the story.
As Holly returns to her childhood home for her grandpa’s funeral, she is apprehensive. She hasn’t ben home for a year and now she is returning with a small baby in tow. A baby who some people aren’t yet aware of… The reasons for Holly’s departure from Penhallow Sands quickly become clear. Slightly less clear is whether or not Holly can tear herself away from her beloved family and leave Penhallow Sands once again.
The book contains a wonderful cast of engaging characters, from sweet and resilient Holly and her loving and eccentric Granny Glenda to conscience-stricken Rich and his apologetic mother Lucinda. All the characters are well-rounded and believable, being both flawed but likeable. Rich has acted in a terrible way towards Holly, however the reader is taken past his actions and to the man beneath (or at least to the man Rich wants to be). He has recognised his flaws, accepted his punishment and now will he be given a second chance to make things right…?
Despite predicting the ending pretty early on in the book, this does not detract from the tale. It is an utterly charming novel, a heart-warming and enjoyable tale of family, love and second chances. A great spring time read!
Okay, that is it – I am now officially broody. Like seriously broody. Not what I was expecting to feel when I started reading ‘The House at Greenacres’, I’ll be honest!!!!
Holly doesn’t quite know what to do with herself does she? Shes gone back home for her beloved grandpa’s funeral, trying her best not to think about the last time she stepped foot in her childhood home. Of course the massive difference to a year ago is that she is now a mum and her grandpa isn’t around to meet the little fellow. That in itself gets the ice around the heart threatening to melt!
If Holly thought that she was going to come back to the village on the down low, she had another thing coming. The reasons as to why Holly left soon become clear, and one of the main reasons ends up standing in front of her far sooner than she thought. Maybe I am just too harsh, but I wouldn’t have been so lenient on the person is question. I know Holly was thinking of Luke’s best interests, but if the person in question flew the nest at the first sight of a storm, what makes them think that a child won’t bring other stresses to light?
Okay I am being harsh. Rich has had an upsetting time, and so has his parents. I just couldn’t get over his idiocy at times. Maybe that’s just me, I don’t know.
I adored the community spirit throughout this book! As for the dogs, AWWWWWW!!!!! The fact that Darcie Boleyn always has a whippet/greyhound in her storylines is amazing and I always look out for that little detail whenever I read a book of hers. It may not be an important detail to some, but it’s the little touches like that which make Darcie Boleyn’s stories feel as though you’re catching up with friends, each and every time.
‘The House at Greenacres’ is a story which definitely makes you look at the bigger picture, as well as highlighting just how important communication is. Holly is living proof that things can be ironed out if things were spoken about and discussed. So simple, yet one of the hardest things to put into practice.
Darcie Boleyn and the characters of ‘The House at Greenacres’, made me feel as though I was coming home. The warmth behind the authors words was incredibly power, and it blew me away just how much belief the author puts into her characters to make them come alive and tell the best story that they can tell. A huggable, emotive and humourous book which makes you think, ‘I want to be like Holly’s gran when I grow up’.
5☆ A Heartwarming and Touching Story!
The House at Greenacres is a wonderfully compelling story about Family, discovery, secrets, relationships, working together and new beginnings.
Holly returns to Greenacres for her Grandads funeral.
She run away a while ago and it's her first time home.
But Holly isn't alone, she has a baby boy called Luke and she's about to drop a bombshell on Luke's Father Rich!
He has no idea he has become a Father!
Rich broke Holly's heart and she run away to nurse her broken heart.
She found out she was pregnant but couldn't bring herself to contact Rich.
Now she's back can Holly stay this time?
Will Rich and Holly rekindle their relationship or will Rich let her and baby Luke down?
Rich isn't all bad he is a flawed young man, he was young, grieving, hurt, confused, was feeling guilty for feeling and living. It wasnt the right thing to do, run away, but it gave him time to grow up and come to terms with the grief of losing his brother and Holly.
I was thoroughly behind Holly and Rich's relationship the whole time, willing them to rekindle their relationship. Their connection was so apparent the sparks were dancing between them.
There was some subjects that was touched upon that was a lil sensitive, such as grief and depression but Darcie handles them with the right amount of sensitivity.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The House at Greenacres, it was a heart warming and touching story about Family, making mistakes, starting over, growing up, relationships and working together to save Greenacres vineyard.
The pace flowed along beautifully, the characters were very well written, complex, relatable and entertaining.
Another Gem of a Book by Darcie!
She always writes the most compelling, heart warming and enthralling reads. That sweep you away, time just whizzed by.
I adore Darcie's books and I'm excited to see if there will be more to come!
Thank you to Canelo for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
'The House at Greenacres' is the first book in the Penhallow Sands series and the second of the Boleyn books I am reading. This time we are transported to an idyllic countryside making it one of the perfect summer reads.
My only complaint with the blub is that it completely gives out the story. There are no surprises or heartbreaking incidents. Instead, we are taken on a journey of self-discovery and life-altering decisions that will make you ruminate a lot. The story follows a dual narrative evoking the views of Holly and Rich and we could not but admire the way Rich comes out his feeling of guilt to be the father his son deserves.
On the whole, an ideal story concerning family, forgiveness and fresh starts which is perfect for summer days.
I really enjoyed this book. A charming read about family, relationships, secrets and new beginnings. Heartwarming and touching I found this difficult to put down. I loved the setting and location of this book - a Cornish hilltop vineyard. I could almost see the stunning coastal and countryside views. I would love to visit Greenacres.
A lovely easy read perfect for an afternoon on the sofa with a cuppa.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a lovely story with lots of highs and lows running throughout. There are mini stories that fit in with the main book which keep your interest nicely and lots to think about. There were times I laughed out loud and times i cried.
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43837037-the-house-at-greenacres" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The House at Greenacres (Penhallow Sands #1)" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1549315059m/43837037.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43837037-the-house-at-greenacres">The House at Greenacres</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14419984.Darcie_Boleyn">Darcie Boleyn</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2716467016">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A beautiful family vineyard on the family's vast properties in Cornwall is the setting of this book. You can imagine yourself walking through the grape orchards at sunset while you are surrounded by the heady smell of grapes. The sunset captivates you in it's splendor with pinks,oranges and reds as it slowly fades into dusk. <br />All roads lead to home, at least for Holly Morton they do. She fled Penhallow Sands a year ago determined to put space between her and her thoughts of long time friend turned more Rich Turner. <br />The past has a way of catching up with us though, it always seems to though no matter how far we run. An unexpected loss and financial trouble have led Holly back to the place she had run from, home to the majestic vineyard. <br />It's time for her to come clean with Rich about something that will affect him as well. After both suffered loss is there still hope for a bright future, even possibly together?<br />My favorite character is the grandmother as much as I enjoyed Holly and Rich's story. The grandmother is a sweet encourager but yet a no nonsense type that will advise and listen while you talk. It's always a win reading this author I've enjoyed all the books I've read by her.<br />Published March 25th 2019 by Canelo Escape.<br />I was given a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
<br/><br/>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34916386-deanne-patterson">View all my reviews</a>
The story has all the right components. Background, romance, lovely setting and conclusion however it just felt a bit melancholy. I wouldn’t not recommend this book. It’s a cosy, easy read but there’s just something missing - a bit of spark somewhere.
Thank you NetGalley
I love Darcie Boleyn her books always reel me in and make me want to keep reading and this book was no exception, I am excited that this is the first book in the Penhallow Sands series. A fabulous light hearted read about love, trust, loss, heartbreak and moving on.
Holly fled her beautiful home the previous year due to heartbreak but the loss of her Grandfather brings her and baby Luke home to help her Father & Grandmother at her childhood home.
A lovely light hearted read, set in a beautiful location that will make you smile and leaves you with a magical fuzzy feeling. Another superb read by Darcie Boleyn that I didn't want to end and I am already looking forward to the next visit to Holly at Penhallow Sands.
I’m always so happy when I see a new book from Darcie Boleyn as her books are guaranteed to bring a smile to my face, I couldn’t wait to start reading!
There’s a wonderful mixture of humour and heartfelt moments as the characters deal with life, loss and maybe even second chances. Then add in a gorgeous setting and it all combines to make a wonderful story! I have to admit there were a few giggles when reading this book especially the conversations that Holly had with her gran! I think that we would all love a gran like Holly’s!
The House at Greenacres really was a joy to read and along the way I really hoped that Holly would get her happy ever after. I did on occasion have to shake my head at the characters but this all goes to show how involved I became in the story. There were also some minor characters that brought a lovely feel to the story such as Fran, Bruce and of course Holly’s Gran. Then add in the addition of rescue dogs and my heart definitely melted. Once again Darcie Boleyn has created an uplifting and beautiful story with characters that have flaws and feel realistic. Showing the effects of grief and how raw it can be but also forgiveness, love and support that comes from friends and family.
I’m so glad that this is the beginning of a new series and can’t wait to catch up with everyone at Penhallow Sands and get to know the characters even better!
This lovely romantic comedy combines second chance romance with an unexpected pregnancy. Set in coastal Cornwall with a host of realistic characters, this is the perfect holiday read.
Holly is a strong female lead, empowered by the birth of her son, she faces up to her past when she returns home for her Grandfather’s funeral. Rich’s life has not been easy, and losing Holly through his actions makes him keen to explore whether they have a second chance at happiness.
The plot is simple, but the characters make it enjoyable, with romance, humour, and more than a little angst making the path to true happiness for Holly and Rich peppered with conflict both internal and from external interference. The outcome is worth the rollercoaster ride and you’re left with a heartwarming feeling at the end.
If you’re looking for an escapist read, with vivid characters, a delightful coastal setting and a lovely blend of angst, humour and romance this is the perfect fit.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
A new Darcie Boleyn novel is always a major cause for celebration and she is on brilliant form with her latest charming, uplifting and wonderfully romantic tale, The House at Greenacres.
Holly Dryden felt that she had absolutely no choice but to flee Penhallow Sands and to put the past firmly behind her. Holly needs to put as much space between her and Rich Turner as possible. She is determined to start over and to make a fresh start for herself as far away from Cornwall as it is possible to get, but fate seems to have other plans in store for her. Holly’s new beginning hits a snag and after suffering a significant loss and looming financial trouble, Holly realises that she has no other choice but to go back home, face the music with her past and reveal to Rich Turner a secret which she has kept from him: that he is a father…
Coming back home leaves Holly with no room to hide. She comes face to face with all the anguish, anger and pain which she feels towards Rich, however, as she begins to settle back home, her feelings for Rich are still as strong as ever and the wrath which she felt towards him fades as she realizes that he is an excellent father to their son, Luke. With the family vineyard in jeopardy, Rich steps in and selflessly helps the family from going under. As Holly and Rich find themselves getting closer and closer, they cannot help but wonder whether they might give their love another chance….
Will it be second time lucky for Rich and Holly? Can they be the family they were always meant to be? Or are there simply too many obstacles standing in their way?
Darcie Boleyn never fails to pen touching, emotional, funny and feel-good romantic reads full of charm, heart and pathos and she delivers this in spades with The House at Greenacres. A mesmerizing tale about going home, taking chances and healing from the past, I fell in love with Holly and Rich’s love story and found myself completely unable to put this outstanding tale down.
Full of vivid Cornish colour, delightful moments that will make you chuckle and nail-biting emotional drama, The House at Greenacres is another triumph for Darcie Boleyn that has got winner written all over it!
Yes, another novel by Darcie Boleyn. I adore all her books and have reviewed so many of them.
In The House at Greenacres, we meet Holly who is back home in Penhallow Sands after having lived in Exeter. She's back with her baby son Luke in tow, and also so much hurt. She'll never forgive Rich for what he did. She has a close support network comprising her dad her gran and her friend Fran who are all glad to have her back.
Holly is sensitive but strong-willed and the love she has for her son Luke shows and is the driving force in the book. She is such a devoted mum. We learn that Luke was premature but nothing of the effects of this. As a person who was born prematurely myself, this fact fascinated me and I felt it was something I could identify with and was interested in. I feel more background about Luke's birth and how Holly was affected by that or struggled to cope would have given much more depth to what both Holly and Luke had been through.
A chance meeting between Holly and Rich sets the past back in the present and the way this was done was effortless and realistic. Holly's gran is a real character with her love of fashion, cocktails and young-at-herat attitude.
Fran was a wonderful friend and I was so glad Holly had her, after all, it's often not so easy to keep up with friends after an absence and they have to be pretty special to stick around. Fran was bubbly fun and welcoming as well as a good listener. I kept asking myself if we'd see more of her story. Maybe in a sequel?
Funny, heartwarming with some realistic and raw moments for everyone. This will show you the true meaning of family and real support.
Another book to make you feel warm and fuzzy and totally relaxed, the pace is gripping but easy. I was glad to have found this book during a hectic time in my life when I needed to relax.
Thanks to Darcie Boleyn and Canelo for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review as well as a spot on the blog tour for the title.
5 stars.
As Darcie Boleyn is my favourite author ever I was so excited to read her latest novel and my goodness just when I think she has written her best book yet she comes back with another bestseller!
The opening chapter had me hooked, I was trying to work out the story and what was going on and who was who and it didn't take long. There is a whole handful of characters in this book and I adored every single one they were all lovely and I would love to know them all but the main character Holly she had to be my favourite. She has been hurt in the past and has been through a hell of a lot most on her own so I just really felt for her. Its so nice to see her returned to the family home and business and see her slot back in as if she had never been away. Baby Luke is such a wee cutie too! Of course it wouldn't be a Darcie Boleyn book without a dog and the wee pup in this is so lovable. You know this whole book has just captured my heart and I have loved every single page. Such a beautiful story!
While at times predictable this was a really quite charming story with engaging characters (I especially like the way Holly was portrayed), a lovely setting and well thought out plot. It was very sweet and heartwarming and I recommend it.
The story of Holly and Rich. After a bad break up they both left the area, and now both are back. Holly has a secret she can't keep for long.
Great set of characters, especially Holly's Granny!
Wondering if this will be a series and if Fran will get her own book - I hope so!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
Falling into a gorgeous feel-good read is the perfect way to while away the hours and I couldn't have asked any more from this book. It pulled me in from the opening paragraph and kept me hanging on, with baited breath, until the concluding page. I loved each and every moment of my time spent in the glorious Cornish setting.
I particularly enjoyed how the story line unfurled in soft layers to slowly reveal moments from the past. This kept me reading on in a state of wonder to eagerly await what happened. The characters were created with charm and I now have a soft spot for Granny Glenda and her penchant for an innuendo.
Holly was a strong and beautiful character with a past that has left her hurt and closed off. I loved her bravado and fierce strength, that only newfound motherhood can create. Rich has had his fair share of trials and tribulations in life to overcome and conquer to find his way home and I was cheer leading from the sidelines for a happy ever after.
The House at Greenacres is a story that captures love and the need for family in life. Sticking together through life's greatest hardships is what cements lasting relationships and this book portrays that to perfection. I wholeheartedly loved my time spent at Penhallow Sands and I can't wait to see if there will be another installment so I can prolong my stay in this gorgeous pocket of the world for longer.
Another wonderful read from the fabulous Darcie Boleyn, and it's great that this is the beginning of what promises to be a marvellous series.
Holly Dryden left her home, the family business at Greenacres, almost a year ago with a broken heart. When circumstances bring her back she's not alone, bringing along her son, 3 month old Luke. In no time at all she comes across the reason she left .. ex-partner Rich who is Luke's father - although he doesn't know it yet. Will Holly stay at home, or will she and her baby son leave again?
There's something really comforting about a tale of someone returning to the family home; this is a beautifully created story with lots happening! As well as the relationship between Holly and Rich, there is the family business to consider as well as the other family members, Rich's parents and Holly's friend Fran. Plus, of course - and no story from this author would be complete without them - the most wonderful rescue dogs! I already feel myself immersed in the wonderful location and look forward to learning so much more about everything connected to Greenacres. I'm delighted the author has resisted the temptation to educate our palates on the different wines which the vineyard produces, and has stuck to the emotions of the story. This is a fascinating tale, and it has room to grow. The cover deserves a mention too - it's just perfect for what the pages contain! Overall, this is a luscious read and my mouth is already watering for the next in series! Most definitely a super 5* read!
My thanks to publisher Canelo for my copy via NetGalley. As always, the opinions stated here are entirely my own honest view.