Although the blurb gives a sense that Rory and Allie will get a happily ever after with the phrase “the place that will always bring them back to each other”; for a lot of this book I didn’t think that was going to happen. I got so caught up in the emotions that they were both experiencing in the moment that I forgot this is a romance.

We know romances always end up with a happily ever after. Yet Christie’s writing had me so involved and felt so life like that I totally forgot about it! In real life happily ever after’s don’t always happen. So it made sense that maybe it wasn’t going to happen this time either.

It’s not that common that a writer can get me so involved in a romance story that I forget it’s a book and not someone’s real life. Or am I just comparing that to Married at First Sight? (Yes, I watch it coz my partner loves it and its currently mid-way through the series.)

Either way. The troubles that Rory and Allie go through are so normal. Career changes, the progression of a relationship, living situations, family issues etc. Every couple will have gone through one of more of the issues which makes it so relatable. In a way it made me feel better about the times my partner and I have disagreements (so, like every weekend?) because every couple has those moments.

I loved getting caught up in the moment and being with them as they worked out their next steps while learning more about themselves and growing as people. They each had a valuable lesson to learn and they both learnt it and moved forwards with it. It was so amazing to read.

The only thing I didn’t really like about it was that it felt like there was one thing too many that they had to work through as a couple. When I got to it, I was like “I could see the set up for this, but really? ANOTHER thing for them to figure out?” It just felt like it was a tad too much and made me drop out of the story for a moment.

I adore this Love Heart Lane series and Clover Cottage is the third book, it can be easily read as a stand-alone, but why deny yourself of getting to know the fabulous village of Heartcross and its community.

The focus for Clover Cottage is Dr. Ryan Scott, the village vet and his girlfriend Allie MacDonald daughter of the local publicans and photographer. This couple are meant to be together as everyone in the village knows. When the chance to actually move in to Clover Cottage is laid before them, Allie is delighted. Ryan, however, feels as if things have been taken out of his control, he wants to make the decisions about his future with Allie.

He is in partnership with his father at Scott and Sons vets, this is another thing that kind of rankles a bit as Ryan feels like he cannot make any decisions as to how the practice should move forward.

When a TV celebrity arrives to film a series, and also judge the local dog show, it opens new opportunities for some in the village. I have to say I love the idea of a certain new breed of dog, it is still making me smirk! I’m sorry if you have no idea what I am on about… just read the book.

The author has yet again successfully created such a wonderful read. I felt like I was revisiting old friends as I once again wandered the lanes of this wonderful village and the people that live there.

While everything on the surface sounds idyllic there are some subtle nervous tensions loitering in the background. Dreams from younger days are starting to surface, dreams that had been pushed aside to do the right thing or to fill obligations. But now they are resurfacing leading to indecision and the feeling that things crop up just at the wrong time. Just like they seem to in real life.

This is a truly wonderful read, it is full of chuckles as close friends share in jokes and shows how well the friendships have been developed.It is a book to easily lose yourself into and read in one sitting. A book for lovers of contemporary fiction and romance, with a good humorous tone and also some heartwarming scenes. Clover Cottage is a book I would definitely recommend, as I would the others in this series.

It’s been a while since I read a Cathy Bramley novel and I forgot just how good they were.

Clover Cottage follows the story of Rory and his girlfriend Allie. When local vet Rory inherits a Clover Cottage, a house that needs more than just a little bit of tender loving care, Allie thinks all her dreams have come true. She loves the village of Heartcross and has visions of making the property a home for her and Rory. Until Rory drops his bombshell, his lifelong dream to work in Africa. Will this be the end for Allie and Rory, should she start making plans of her own? One thing that’s guaranteed is the other village residents will always be on hand to guide them.

I loved this book and devoured it over the weekend. Beautifully written and with some great characters I’m sure everyone will love this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins One More Chapter and the author for the chance to review.

Allie spent her younger years moving from place to place, but finally feels she has found somewhere to call home in the small Scottish village of Heartcross. Alongside helping her family to run the ‘hub’ of the village, the local pub, she spends her free time with her devoted boyfriend, local vet Rory. For Allie life is practically perfect, she is in love and ready to settle down with the prospect of starting a family.

Rory works as his Dad’s second in command at their family veterinary practice. Whilst he loves both his job and Allie, he also has a tiny nagging feeling in the back of his mind about the hopes and dreams he had to leave behind. Rory dreamt of travelling as a young man to treat animals in far flung places,; dreams he still secretly harbours.

Unexpectedly Rory’s parents offer the loved up couple the opportunity of a lifetime; a home to call their own. But whilst Allie is already planning colour schemes, Rory just isn’t ready for the commitment, leaving Allie with nothing but doubt over the future of their relationship. However, a visit to the village from TV star Zach Hudson brings their relationship trouble to a head when Rory is offered the opportunity of a lifetime, but will the couple be strong enough to survive?

I can’t tell you how excited I was to immerse myself back into the lives of the Heartcross inhabitants! This book focuses on the relationship between Allie and Rory, however like the rest of the series it was wonderful to catch up and see glimpses of those characters whom I already knew their backstories; it really helps add substance to each book as the series has progressed.

Christie has a such an easy writing style that draws you into the story and helps make the characters so real and relatable. This book was very focused on a single relationship and the hurdles that they face, in particular their lack of communication which is something I’m sure lots of people can relate to. Barlow never shies away from the human flaws we all possess and writes them openly as part of her characters make-up which makes them so endearing and likeable – their emotions just drip from the page.

I particularly enjoyed learning more about Rory’s parents, especially his Father. in this instalment as they aren’t really prominent in the previous books. Their inclusion in the story did provide some rather emotional and poignant revelations, however these were carefully balanced with some hilarious, laugh out loud moments – the dog show being a particular favourite!

Clover Cottage proved to be another winner for me and I sincerely hope there is another book in the pipeline, as know Heartcross has so many more stories to tell. Barlow’s writing and stories just seem to get better with each book she releases and I for one want more!!

Whilst this book is part of a series Clover Cottage could easily be enjoyed as a standalone, however I would recommend reading the it from the beginning for a full, all round enjoyment, plus I am personally a stickler for reading series in the right order!

Clover Cottage is the latest novel by Christie Barlow of the Love Heart Lane series.  All of our favorites from the previous books are back: Felicity, Isla, Drew, Allie, and Rory!  In the third book of the series, this one revolves around Allie and Rory.

Their relationship is going strong, and for Allie the next step is marriage, children, and living on Love Heart Lane.  So, when Rory's parents offer them a cottage of their very own, she is beyond thrilled.  However, Rory has other thoughts.  While he loves being the town vet, he has wild aspirations to travel the world....especially to Africa and care for endangered lions.  Lo and behold an opportunity presents itself and it's almost too good to be true.  This puts a large spike in Allie's plans for the future.

Like the previous two books, I loved Clover Cottage.  The stories are so sweet, yet deal with obstacles which bring out the true inner characteristics of everyone involved.  Allie does so much soul searching in this book.  I loved how she realizes there is a life outside of Love Heart Lane, how she can survive without the people around her, and her true hopes and dreams.  I loved watching her grow.

My emotions were off the chart while reading this book.  From laughing about the Alpacas in the dog show to on the verge of tears as Rory learns the truth about his mother and his father.  Parts of the story hit a little close to home, and I felt the pain and sadness that bled off the pages.  The author did a fantastic job describing the early onset of a disease that so many people are suffering from.  I applaud her honesty, not only with the actual character herself, but with bringing out the sadness and confusion others felt while learning the truth.  I'm purposely being illusive as I don't want to add any spoilers.  However, in dealing with same situation in my own life, I could relate and Ms. Barlow's writing was spot on.

While this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone.  However, I highly suggest reading the other two prior to this one.  This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites!

Christie Barlow has rapidly become one of my favorite cozy romance writers and now she is back with a wonderful new addition, Clover Cottage.

When local veterinarian, Rory, is gifted Clover Cottage by his parents, his significant other, Allie, is thrilled. She sees this as a new beginning for the two of them in the town in which they grew up and fell in love. However, Rory is extremely reluctant to take on the renovations of the house, to the point that Ally is worried that it is their relationship in which Rory does not want to invest. Instead, he wants to travel and study abroad, to expand his horizons – and then come back to Allie. Allie, of course, is devastated. As the book unfolds we begin to see that neither of them really knew the secret hopes and desires of one another and we wonder if there is any way this couple can survive.

Clover Cottage is the third book in the Love Heart Lane series so readers will be somewhat familiar with the couple already. What I love most about these two, and all of the residents of Heartcross, is how important their family and friends are to one another. Rather than giving rash advice to Allie – or to Rory – they support them and offer a different perspective which helps this couple get through this difficult time. There are heartaches, illness, secrets and plenty of small town happiness throughout this book for it is the type of story that draws you in from beginning to end. You come to love these people as though they were real which is due to the marvelous character building and writing skills of Christie Barlow.

Although it is the third book in a series, Clover Cottage can be read as a stand alone. To get the feel of the characters, however, I encourage you to read the series as a whole. They are short, heartwarming, quick reads and I know you will be glad that you did.

There's pretty much nothing I want more now than to escape to a small Scottish town and live in a cottage! Sure it might need some work but what a dream! Despite this, Rory, the hero feels pushed into a future that's not his, while Allie is far more positive about all of it. Cue the drama and the big ol' bump in the road for these two.

This story is sweet and cozy and a nice escape from the wild reality we are all currently living in.

This is book 3 in the heart lane series and can be read as a standalone. 

I loved this book and I didn't put it down until I finished it. 

It's just a heart felt and sweet romance story it put a smile on my face throughout the whole thing

This may be the third book in a series but reads perfectly as a standalone - I hadn't read any of the previous books but thoroughly enjoyed this!

Christie Barlow has an exquisite style of writing, which draws you into her story and fall in love with the characters she has created. The friendships and kindness of the residents of Heartcross had me jealous!

I felt like I was thrown into the story immediately with Rory and Allie, an established couple going through a patch of conflict. Rory and Allie seem to want completely different things in life with Rory determined he wants to go to Africa to help injured animals but Allie is happy in her small Scottish village. When Rory's parents offer the pair Clover Cottage an idyllic cottage that is desperate for a lot of much needed renovation, Rory feels like he's been pushed into a future he doesn't feel ready for. Rory must decide if being a small town vet is enough or if his dreams are too big for Heartcross...

This was a fab read but I kept feeling really frustrated with Rory and his attitude towards his partner at times. I felt he was oblivious to the world around him. I really empathised with Allie and her poor anxious heart throughout.

It's a warm, cosy read which lets you sit back and just be absorbed in the story. A really lovely read.

Review to be posted onto my blog next Sunday.

A cosy and heartwarming read, exactly what I needed now.
I love this series and I loved this entertaining installment, well written and with a cast of likeable characters
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc, all opinions are mine

Such a lovely heartwarming story, about following your heart and choices we make. I adored this and they are such a happy, safe read for me, perfect for this current climate, a safe happy place. This is a book you can pick up and know you’ll leave happy. This book is part of a series set in a Scottish village, but can be read as a standalone story as you won’t really be missing anything that will confuse you. It’s just a lovely romantic story, that will make you smile and god knows we need it.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Allie and her boyfriend, the local vet, get the chance to live in a dream cottage. Unfortunately they are both not seeing this as a happy ever after. Rory isn't ready but can he risk losing Allie? A great setting within a community that you would want to be part of. Will they, won't they? Read it to find out.

Just looking at the lovely cover for this title is so soothing in our current troubled time. I felt as if I wanted to escape to this village immediately.
Clover Cottage is the home that vet Rory's parents have offered to him and his partner Allie. To Allie, this house signifies a chance to settle, to think about having a family and to stay put. However, Rory still has things that he wants to do, especially working in Africa. Allie does not want to hold him back. What will Allie learn about herself while Rory is gone? Will the two find their way back to one another?
If you are looking for a gentle and heartwarming escapist read, pick this one up. It is part of a series but I read it as a standalone.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t know what it is about fictional cottage settings, but I gravitate toward them. I suppose I’ve romanticized the old-fashioned cozy feel a cottage holds within its walls. Place that fixer-upper cottage in a beautiful village with warm community and I’m completely sold!

Allie and Rory have lots of love, but they have different callings in life. One wants to settle into a family life and the other yearns to see and do new things. I love how the author makes it easy to sympathize with them both. And the village of Heartcross holds so much charm that it’s a character in itself. The community feel is authentic and warm, and I want to go there!

Although this is the third book in the Love Heart Lane trilogy (I have not read the prior two books) it works splendidly as a standalone. I don’t feel as if I’m missing anything, but I certainly would love to read more. Clover Cottage is a sweet, heartwarming read that centers on love, dreams, friendship, community, and the sense of home.

#CloverCottage #ChristieBarlow #rararesources
I received a complimentary ebook of this story.

Three books into the Love Heart Lane series by Christie Barlow and I am continuously wishing wishing that Heartcross, the small village in the Scottish Highlands that Christie has created, was real and that I could visit it. The magic created by this talented author in book one is still evident in spades in this new book Clover Cottage and I loved every minute of it right from the opening paragraph. Family bonds, community spirit and friendship all feature strongly and these are the themes that cement the books as one of the best series I have read in a long time. I eagerly await the publication of each new book and Christie has not disappointed in the slightest so far, in fact each story just gets better and better the more we get to know all of the various characters.

I love that each story allows more characters to step to the forefront and share their problems, issues and the good times and the bad with us. Old familiar characters I have come to care about so much are always there in the background just letting us know that they haven't been forgotten. Whilst with each new book, people who perhaps lingered ever so slightly in the background waiting for the right moment are allowed to step into the spotlight to share their life story with us. This time around Christie has dealt with an issue surrounding the older generation which you rarely, if ever, see mentioned in books and she deserves to be applauded for the way it was handled with such sensitivity and tact. It's an issue which all of as have been affected by at some stage in our lives through close family relatives or connections with other families and friends. Rather than it becoming a pervading sense of doom and heartache it was something to be nurtured and cared for and all the community gathered together in the most compassionate and caring of ways to help a family through what will be a difficult time in the months and years to come. Everyone has had experience of this and I thank Christie for dealing with this and for the warm-hearted and sympathetic manner in which she did so.

Allie McDonald loves the bones of her boyfriend Rory Scott just as much as she loves the little village of Heartcross and she envisages her happy ever after moment not too far in the distant future. She works in the Grouse and Haggis pub run by her parents whilst Rory is a vet working in his parents practice. Everything she has ever wanted is there in the village and she could never contemplate leaving whereas Rory is the opposite. Up until now she thought things in their relationship were on an even keel and that they had one goal in mind. Marriage seemed to be on the cards or so Allie thought but Rory is growing more and more frustrated with his work life. His father Stuart can't see that changes need to be made at the practice. That the ways and methods they use are becoming outdated and that sticking to the way things are will only halt further progress and expansion of the business. When Rory and Allie are asked to meet with his parents they are surprised to discover that the family home is to be sold and that Clover Cottage, left to Stuart by a customer, is to be given to them both their reactions are very much mixed.

Allie views this new opportunity as a new start in life and a further step in cementing their relationship. To her it's natural but Rory has other ideas and she begins to question whether they are really right for each other in the long term given they have such different viewpoints. I was completely torn in two as to whose stance I favoured. I could understand Rory that by being given the cottage felt this was another way of trapping/keeping him in the village doing the same old thing every day with his opinions in regard to the business not being listened to. He wanted to get out and explore the world a bit before establishing firm roots. There was so much more he wanted to do with regard to his profession and when TV presenter Zach Hudson arrives to film in the village, new opportunities outside the lanes of Heartcross are presented to Rory. Many of which he feels he can't afford to turn down as for too long he believes his parents have a hold over him and that everything in life revolves around his parents long term aspirations for him.

All this makes it sound as if Rory was very selfish and narrow minded and to some extent I did feel he was only thinking of himself instead of the bigger picture as surely there was more going on than when you first begin to scratch beneath the surface. But at the same time Rory was young and had dreams he wanted to see reach fulfilment and to be honest he was stuck between a rock and a hard place as to what his ultimate decision should be. As I moved further into the book, I just hoped that he kept Allie, his parents and all the other friends he had in Heartcross at the forefront of his mind. Rather than letting fame and other distractions get in the way of what was really there waiting for him right before his eyes. If he really stopped and looked that little bit deeper he would see the signs and clues that were there and the reader does too as I picked up on something much bigger going on long before many of the characters did.

As a result of Rory declining Clover Cottage, Allie feels all at sea in her relationship, the man she thought she knew so well perhaps she didn't at all as his feelings have really surprised her. She feels insecure and fearful and starts to fret over what the future holds and really you couldn't blame her. She doesn't like change and you sense that there is plenty of that in store for herself and Rory on the horizon. On the other hand Allie begins to question her own life and that maybe she has become too safe and secure in her job in the pub. It's the easiest and safest option surrounded by those she loves but should she expand her outlook too and perhaps take more of an interest in photography. This is something which she has always loved so much and she is good at it. Will some new moments come her way and will she be strong enough to grab them?

At one point I just wanted Allie to confront Rory and tell him exactly what she thought of what he was saying and doing with regards to their life. I thought she bottled things up too much and was worrying all by herself instead of sharing the load. I knew she loved both Heartcross and Rory so much as do many readers because Christie has created such a special and unique atmosphere in the village but Allie shouldn't have felt that she should settle for second best or that she too has become stifled. The arrival of Zach was the perfect catalyst to get both Allie and Rory thinking about their futures. I loved how both sides of Allie and Rory's perspectives were clearly presented to the reader and that's why I was torn in two as to what I actually wanted to happen. It would be selfish to say oh I am with Allie all the way when we first read about her viewpoint but as we venture further through the story and changes of heart occur and time is taken to step back and observe and contemplate everything the readers opinions and feelings do change as do Allie's.

Suffice to say there is a lot going on in this visit to Heartcross but throughout it all the author provided plenty of laugh out loud moments especially with the baby llama at the local show, a scene stealer for sure. Felicity and Isla from the previous two books do pop up every now and again and the friendship as a trio that they have developed with Allie is so lovely to read about. You just know that they have each others backs as does every resident in the village. Without a doubt, throughout this wonderful story emotional and deep moments are balanced nicely with fun, laughter and enjoyment but throughout it all community spirit, solidarity, love and friendship shine through showing the bonds established in Heartcross are firm and unbreakable.

Clover Cottage is a worthy addition to the Love Heart Lane series, the books have become so warm and inviting that you never want to leave. Starcross Manor, book number four, will be with us in July but in the meantime enjoy every moment of this brilliant book.

Liked this, though it felt very 'soft' to me. As in, this was a quiet meandering stream when I am more used to the drama and havoc of a storm-tossed sea in my other readings. Still, if you love that soft, quiet, gentle pace, then this will be the perfect book for you

Some authors just have that knack of grabbing your attention from the off, Christie Barlow is one such. Set in Heartcross, a lovely village in the Scottish Highlands, we follow the story of Allie and Rory (the dashing village vet). Allie dreams of settling down and when Rory's parents offer to gift them the eponymous Clover Cottage, she is over the moon. Unfortunately for her, Rory's long held dream to work in Africa is given a chance to come true. The ups and downs and twists and turns of their relationship ensue. I thoroughly recommend this unputdownable book!

This was very much a book about choices and following your heart. It was also about hearth and
home and the value of family, and also the ties and responsibilities that having a family have on you.
Told from several perspectives, the story is a gentle yet emotional one, and had a lovely ahhh for an ending.

There's a whole lot of indecision in it, though, and I'd like to have seen how it all panned out for Allie and Rory professionally-wise (in another book maybe?).

Oh what a treat this is! Allie is thrilled when Rory is given Clover Cottage by his parents but crushed when he tells her he wants to delay their wedding and head of to Africa. Yikes. He's a vet, Allie's a bar maid and while they seem to come from different places, they both have big hearts. And so do the people of the village of Heartcross where the cottage is located. This could have gone several ways but Barlow has written a sweet story not only of Rory and Allie but also of the people they meet and know. Good storytelling and nice characters made this a very good read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. There are chuckles and smiles here, which is just what we all need at the moment.

I was so excited to be able to read the 3rd book in the "Love Heart Lane" series by Christie Barlow! I haven't been disappointed! I found this book very very good and maybe even better than the 2 first books in the series! So much things are happening in this book that you would never guess. This is a very entertaining book (as well as two first books in the serie). I had a lot of fun reading it. It's a pretty big book but it's a page-turner so no worries! I gave this book a 4 stars out of 5! Very good! I can't wait for Christie Barlow's next book!!!