Member Reviews
I would like to thank NetGallery, One More Chapter Publishing, and author Christie Barlow for a free E-Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While this book is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. I was immediately drawn to this book due to the premise of a small Scottish village romance. The characters throughout this book were so cute and heartwarming. This book really had me wanting to move to this village due the closeness and unity these shop owners had towards one another when they thought an outside was threatening their livelihood. Julia and Flynn were an amazing couple. I liked how they had somewhat of a history, but it did not overshadow the story line nor their developing relationships as both hotel/B&B owners and a little later in their personal life. I enjoyed the pacing of this book especially with the developments in their romantic relationship. The author allowed the readers to let the characters work out all of the misunderstandings and then slowly learn to work with one another before a relationship really got started. I found myself smiling throughout this book and was so excited to start and finish this book in one sitting. Overall, I really loved this book and will certainly be reading the previous books in this series!
Pretty cute read. Julia has never been my favorite Heartcross resident so I went into this kind of blah. She was a bit insufferable tbh so who knows what people see in her. Nice to see the other residents back though. I'll read the next book.
4 stars because I felt the relationship moved unnaturally fast so it didn't make a lot of sense.
3.5 stars. I received this book from Netgalley to read and review.
Really nice feel good story about Julie and Flynn. Girl meets prince sort of thing, I did enjoy the book however I felt it was a bit superficial and not deep enough. A bit too goody goody.
But overall a good beach book that leaves you feeling nice and warm inside.
This is the fourth part of the superb Love Heart Lane series by Christie. This time around we are introduced to Julia who runs the B&B and Flynn Carter (who we met briefly at the end of the last book Clover Cottage). Flynn is a millionaire businessman who has bought Starcross Manor which he is transforming into a five star hotel which the locals, including Julia, are not happy about. Will Flynn be able convince the villagers that he is not there to destroy their livelihoods? And how will Julia be able to repair the damage that she has inflicted up at the Manor?
Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for giving me the chance to read this ahead of publication. I eagerly await the next book in the series now.
🌄 Sweet village with teacup drama: not really for me
3.5-4 🌟stars
This story has its ups and downs for me. The book started with a good hook of an opening, setting the stage for animosity the heroine retained for the hero. Yes, community spirit, village life and fun friendship come through loud and clear. If you've already read earlier books in the series about little, rural Scottish Heartcross you will probably enjoy the updates provided on key characters from the previous stories about its residents but if new to the series those digressions might be confusing.
I actually thought Starcross Manor focused too heavily on describing the luxury hotelier Flynn brings with him to the town and, apart from some action and drama midstory at heroine Julia's bed and breakfast, the plot seemed a bit thin. Each new event or occasion just seemed an opportunity to ratchet up the unbelievable luxury Flynn offered to his guests and Julia's clique of helpers and girlfriends. I also found the revelation twist during Julia's birthday celebration highly contrived; I don't believe a close relative and friend would have kept mum for so long.
The love story portion is really low-key and tentative, so if you are looking for a sweet but full-fledged romance I don't expect you will find it here. I guess the story just did not meet my expectations; I was hoping for something heavier on the romance. This was my first time dipping into the Love Heart Lane series and I doubt I will be back.
Thanks to publishers Harper Collins/One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
An excellent addition to this series. It made me smile and root for the characters, a perfect read for a lazy summer afternoon.
The plot flows, the characters are fleshed out and the setting is lovely.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
And just like that I’m transported right back into the village like I’d never left! I love the way all of the past story lines all tie up and thread throughout this book.
Another excellent addition to the series, which can be read just as well as a stand-alone.
The dialogue and writing style flowed effortlessly and I loved reading about Julia and Flynnn and their journey. I was very invested in the storyline from the very beginning. I just only wish there was more of it... cannot wait to read the next one!
Another beautifully written book in the Loveheart Lane series and the village of Heartcross
Julia Coleman runs the local B&B with money she got when she sold her grandfathers house. However, selling his house for less than the market value and watching it being torn down caused Julia a lot of heartache
Also Julia was to be a bridesmaid at her friends wedding when it was called off within hours of the service. Julia blames one man for both -Flynn Carter. When Julia finds out Starcross Manor is not going to be retirement homes but a five star hotel that could threaten all the businesses in the village She has to act. When she finds out the man behind the hotel is Flynn sparks fly.
Forget the housework and the gardening. Sit down with a glass of wine and this book. You won’t be disappointed
A story of love and pulling together . You can read it without reading the others in the series . I loved the descriptions of the B and B and the manor. Also how every one helped when the B and B got wet
Some years ago, he jilted her friend on their wedding day. Now, he is in her small town, threatening her business and her heart.
Starcross Manor is a slow-burn romance between a couple in their forties with opposed business interests. It is set in a cozy small town with a lovely community.
Our thanks to the author, One More Chapter, and Rachel Random Resources for the advanced reader's copy.
Julia Coleman was the owner of a Bed and Breakfast in the small town of Heartcross, Scotland.
Business was good, and Julia was busy with her plans of expanding the B&B when Flynn Carter moved into town.
The last time Julia had heard about Flynn, was when he jilted her friend on their wedding day. She knew him to be a ruthless businessman and was worried to learn he was the new owner of Starcross Manor, a stunning Georgian manor house in the most beautiful part of the town.
But when Julia met Flynn, he seemed to have changed. He was kind, thoughtful, and so very handsome. Her mind kept telling her to be wary, but her heart refused to listen to reason.
I loved the fact that both Julia and Flynn were in their forties. They were reasonable and mature, and their relationship felt right.
It did not hurt that Flynn was gorgeous and so very sweet. He had that successful businessman allure without sounding overconfident.
Julia was also a lovely character, very determined to fight for her business and the welfare of her community.
Starcross Manor is a light and feel-good read. Great for a little escape.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 08/14/2020 as part of the book's blog tour*
What another absolutely fabulous read in the Love Heart Lane series, I was so glad to be back in the village of Heartcross and catch up with its residents once again. The focus of this story is that of local B&B owner Julia Coleman.
Julia is taken aback when she sees the rather handsome Flynn Carter back in Heartcross. She is not a fan of his after he stood her best friend up on her wedding day, and also that he paid far less for her Grandfathers cottage than it was actually worth. So what on earth is he doing back in the village?
Julia isn't a mean person, but she really does manage to alienate him after calling a village meeting. When the locals realise that Flynn's conversion of Starcross Manor into a luxury 5* hotel then what will happen to their businesses? How will they stay in business when those guests drive through the village to get to the hotel that literally has everything.
This was such an easy story to get into a short prologue led into such a wonderful story. The author really does bring the sense of community through in her stories, they feel right and give a great sense of belonging. Running alongside that are the gorgeous descriptions of the surrounding area and also of Starcross Manor, it sounds absolutely amazing.
I liked how the author wove Starcross Manor and the character of Flynn into this story. He is a main character right enough but also he seems to hover on the side stage as such. I think him living just outside the village and being busy with managing the conversion gives him more of a mysterious air.
We all know that being part of a community is all about doing the right thing when it really matters. It is also about admitting when you are wrong and trying to make amends. This story is about misunderstandings and there are some secrets and revelations that add to the drama that is unfolded.
A gorgeous one sitting read and one that readers of romance will adore and if you are already up to date with this series then you are in for another wonderful treat. I am absolutely recommending this book.
I feel like I’ve waited ages to be taken back to Heartcross and it’s amazing community. This time it focuses on an incredible sounding building known as Starcross Manor and property tycoon Flynn Carter. Everyone in the village wants to know what Flynn is planning. The story also focuses on Julia and her B&B. In the face of threat and disaster the community once again come together in time of need. I don’t want to spoil it. What I loved the most is how close this community are with each other.
Christie has created yet another story full of drama and mystery but it’s also a very uplifting and heartwarming story. I love each character of this community equally and always want them to do well.
If you want a book that will take you to the idyllic spot in the Scottish Highlands and let you escape then this is for you. I can’t wait for the next instalment of this really captivating series. I give ‘Starcross Manor’ 5*/5* 😊
Thank you to One More Chapter for an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.
I couldn’t wait to be transported back to the Scottish Highlands to visit the village of Heartcross. It was great to be reunited with all of the characters I’ve gotten to know throughout the Love Heart Lane series. I was hesitant at first regarding the perspective of this book since the plot followed the lives of Julie Coleman, the local B&B owner, and Flynn Carter, a multi-millionaire property developer, both of whom were previously only minor characters. However, within the first chapter, I was instantly drawn into the story and couldn’t wait to see what would happen next for Julia and Flynn. Starcross Manor was a light and easy read, of which I enjoyed every minute of it. The Love Heart Lane series is one of my all time favorites and I’m excited to see what Christie Barlow has in store for The Lake House. Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollinsUK, and One More Chapter for the advanced copy of this book!
|I wished for this book and I am so pleased that I was chosen to receive it, So lovely to be back on the Love Heart Lane series and the village of Heartcross. Life in this village is exciting but with twists and turns along the way. Christie Barlow has written this so well and I am sure everyone will enjoy being part of the village and its characters. This is a 5 star novel, sorry I can't give you any more, not allowed. I recommend you all read and enjoy this as I have done..
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in return for an honest review.
A fantastic read from start to finish and has you hooked straight away. Lots of twists and turns so you don' know what the outcome will be.. It has heartbreak, friendship and romance. You feel as if you are in the village yourself with the amazing descriptive prose.
Julia runs her B&B in the village. There has been lots of speculation about what’s going to happen up at Starcross Manor and everyone thinks it is going to be retirement homes. Julia sees someone from her past in the village, the man who broke her best friends heart when he jilted her on her wedding day. Julia has never forgiven him but now Flynn is back in her life. She learns he’s converting Starcross Manor into a luxury hotel which she believes means bad news for her business and everyone else’s. She calls a meeting which gets all the villagers up in arms and they try to sabotage the development. However disaster hits when the B&B is flooded and she has to ask Flynn for help accommodating her guests and he puts them up for free in the hotel. She gradually begins to trust him and, as time goes by, he helps her get back on her feet and shows the village he’s here to help everyone out.
Outstanding read from the first page.
How delightful to be back in heartcross and to be reunited with many familiar characters! I love the love heart lane series and find them such a joyful non demanding easy read just perfect for sunny day’s and holidays!
Julia is the star of this book but Isla, drew, felicity and Allie also feature and it was lovely catching up on their lives too!
Julia running a B and B in the village feels threatened when Flynn a blast from the past buys and redevelops starcross manor, Julia has many preconceived ideas about Flynn and calls a meeting to discuss her unfounded concerns!Flynn has his work cut out to clear his name and gain the trust of the village but along the way his true character, kindness and generosity wins over everyone including Julia!
Thank you net galley for this early read!
Starcross Manor is the latest book in Christie Barlow’s Love Heart Lane series. This book focuses on Julia Coleman, the local B & B owner in the village of Heartcross who once again crosses paths with the mysterious Flynn Carter. He’s rich, brooding and sexy but Julia knows there’s more to him thank meets the eye. When she hears of his plans for Starcross Manor she rallies the community as she can foresee the effect it could have on them all. Though Flynn tries his best to convince her he’s not the man she thinks he is, can Julia really trust him? This book features some great characters, is well paced and a joy to read. I found it impossible to put down and read it in a day. Thank you to NetGalley, One More Chapter and the author for the chance to review.
I'd not read any of the Love Heart Lane series before this but after reading Starcross Manor I can't wait to go back back and read more stories from this gorgeous village. This story was perfect: I loved both Julia and Flyn (although in real life I'd hate Julia for getting the gorgeous Flyn :) )and there was a great supporting cast, especially the fantastic Eleni.; more importantly i'd love to stay in Starcross Manor - it sounds idyllic. The plot was easy going with just the right amount of suspicion and misunderstandings and there were some great moment s like the 40th birthday ghost hunt! I can't wait to read the next in the series- The Lake House - I hope it's about Callie and the Italian Chef!
A perfect summer read.
Wow Christie you only went and did it again a fantastic read from start to end and had you hooked straight away. With many twists and turns and you really don’t no what the finish will be to the story. Full of heartbreak friendship romance and learning the truth and learning to trust. You feel as if you are in the village yourself with amazing surroundings and such a brilliant warm read.
Julia runs her B&B in the village and has done for a while. They have all been wondering what’s going to happen up at starcross manor and they thought it was going to be retirement homes. She sees someone in the village from years ago and he broke her best friends heart when he left her on her wedding day and Julia has never forgiven him but Flynn is back and when she learns he’s changing starcross manor into a hotel she believes he’s here to close her business and everyone else’s down as his hotel has it all. She has a meeting and everyone is so cross and tries to stop him. But the Julia B&B has a flood and she has guests who need to stay somewhere so she as a lazy resorts heads to Flynn who puts them up for free in the hotel. She starts to think he could be trusted and as time goes on he helps her get back up and running and shows the village he’s here to help everyone out. Can he work round them all or not and what will happen to them will there be romance or is that a step to far.
Outstanding read from the first page.
I absolutely loved this book from the very first word to the last. The book was well written, entertaining and oh so much fun! Now, I will have to go back and read the other three titles in this series. Thank you so much for allowing me to read this title prior to publication--it was absolutely delightful!