Not often that you read a book with a sheep called Colin...
A sweet read which had hidden depths, not just the light and frothy new teacher falls in love with other teacher that I had predicted. The range of interesting characters and the surprising twist revealed turn this into a satisfying read, funny but a bit teary too.

*Apologies for the delay in this review*

This is exactly the sort of book i adore the most, a heartbreak, fleeing to a quaint little village - meet the community & blossoming relationships with more drama.



This is also exactly the sort of book i wanted to read right now to escape the reality of the ever changing world around us.



Nell has just split from her fiance when they were due to get married and fled away from her dad and stepmums because whats worse than living with your parents. Well the cottage she bought under a dream bubble is looking pretty much that, with no electric, gas and a major problem with the roof - oh and a guest sheep that basically lives there too.



However she has a new job and this can be a new start. Xander Scott has just been promoted to one of the youngest headteachers the area has ever had and its something that is making is anxiety spike. He can do it though - and when the new teacher comes along full of life, something about him starts to change.



Nell - with her new army of friends including the wonderful Stevie sets about finding her happy place, but all is not as it seems and when Xander discovers something he probably shouldn't, the world around them all changes.



Honestly this book was a pure delight, it was sweet, heart warming but heart breaking sometimes too. I adored the whole cast of characters who all had such strong personalities. A great read and something for those who want to keep their heads in the clouds.



*Gifted for blog tour*

Oh my goodness this book over the last couple of days has been a joy. It has totally brightened my day.

I loved it so much. Nell, Stevie and Xander are all exceptional characters. This was a book that I truly just wanted to keep picking up to read a bit more. I liked that fact that swapping between the characters on each chapter was just the right amount of content.

A really lovely and well written book.

I enjoyed it so much that I'm off now to download When you were mine also by Lisa. Can't wait to read another one and await more please.

Thank you.

5☆ Heart Warming, Uplifting, Poignant, Funny and Tender, A Must Read!

The School of Starting Over is a fabulous book, the cover is stunning, it's a poignant, compelling, heart warming and cosy rom com that I didn't want to end!

Nell has just moved to Humblebee Farm and started her new job as a Reception Class Teacher.
Xander is also New and is the Current Head teacher for Leyholme Primary School. But he is realising he may of bitten off more than he can chew, as it's not any easy job especially when you have the Chair of Governors on your case!

But when Nell and Xander meet its quiet clear there is a lil sizzle of chemistry.
But Xander isn't your typical leading man, he's shy, not confident and finds it hard to Express himself, which makes him all the more endearing, charming and loveable.
Watching Xander grow as a person and Head Teacher was so heart warming to watch. I was willing Nell and Xander to get together.

But Nell isn't just settling in at her new job, and fitting in with the community and making friends, she's also dealing with her Farm House that certainly has it's fair share of problems and in need of renovations.

The School of Starting Over is such a fantastic book, it's not just a rom com there is so much more, a sprinkling of mystery, twists, secrets, bullying issues, drama, community spirit, friendships, fitting it and new beginnings.
I loved the light hearted humour mixed with the tender moments it just added to the depth.
The characters were a quirky bunch and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them, even the adorable Dogs and Colin the sheep lol

The School of Starting Over is the perfect Title for this gorgeous book, it compliments the plot perfectly!

So if you are looking for a new women's fiction / romcom that has an adorable cover, is heart warming, uplifting, poignant, funny and tender then, The School of Starting Over Is the PERFECT book for you!


Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Favorite Quotes:

‘It’s not All Creatures Great and Small, Dad,’ she said impatiently. ‘There’s more to rural life these days than cousin marriage and cow-fisting.’

‘Exceptional. You know they put that on your school report once? Exceptional’ … He could remember a few choice phrases from those reports himself. It hadn’t been all exceptionals… from his Biology teacher: ‘Alexander would do rather better if he spent more time properly studying the reproductive system diagrams and less time doodling beards on the testicles’.

His mum was right, he was gifted. Gifted at being a little bugger.

‘It’s hard to feel sexy with a kid in your life, what with the endless bouts of screaming and bodily fluids. Life at home these days is like the director’s cut of The Exorcist, now with extra vomit.’ ‘You’re really not selling parenthood to me, you know.’ ‘Good. Save yourself, love, while you still can.’

‘Sometimes it feels like there must’ve been some sort of special lesbian school that all the others had access to but me. You know, like a gay Hogwarts.’ ‘What, you mean you didn’t get your owl-delivered letter letting you know you were one of the lucky few who’d been selected to fancy girls?’

‘Jacob’s not a kid, he’s Satan incarnate.’ … ‘I brought story books, a pan-pipe CD and some biscuits to help soothe the savage beast.’ ‘Did you bring a crucifix and a couple of gallons of holy water?’

‘So are you feeling broody after that?’ Nell asked Xander when they were outside. ‘Are you kidding? I’ll be booking myself in for a vasectomy next week.’


My Review:

I adored every perfectly chosen word of this cleverly amusing and well-crafted tale. I smirked and giggled-snorted with glee as Lisa Swift, AKA, Mary Jayne Baker is found treasure and a master storyteller. Reading this tale was pure delight – I had a ream of exceptionally witty highlights on my Kindle and it was painful to pare the list down and decide what to include in this review. Oh happy day, a new author to add to the very top of my list of Favorite Things.

The characters were endearing, adorable, and colorfully detailed while the storylines were engaging and held my rapt attention while tickling my funny bone and teasing my curiosity in equal measure, as there was a mystery afoot and a petty and villainous bureaucrat always lurking. The banter between the main characters was quite witty and fun. The writing was simply stellar and deftly paced. I tumbled right into Ms. Swift’s story and resented all interruptions to my perusal as I didn’t want to leave it behind. When forced away from my beloved Kindle, I found I was often smiling to myself and contemplating the characters and replaying their storylines in my head while hurriedly completing the dastardly deeds and annoying intrusions to my reading known as daily living so I could return to the far more enticing story awaiting me.

I struck gold with a massive influx of fun words for my Brit Word List with dead-man’s-bootsed - being in a situation where you can't advance until someone else dies or retires so you can step into their position, lecky – electricity, apeth - an affectionate term for a silly or foolish person, and off your chump – crazy.

I thought that this was a lovely story!

It was just the type of book that I wanted to read at the moment, I have been really poorly of late and it was great to be able to get away reading the book and to immerse myself if the story of Nell, Xander and Stevie – they were all fabulous characters in their own ways, their interaction was great and I loved how well they worked together and with the plot and best of all they all came over as genuine and believable and I think that really helped with my enjoyment

I did find the book was a little slow to start but that really helped with introducing the characters and setting the scene and the pace soon build up and I found myself flying through the pages to see how it would all end – I loved it from cover to cover – it was a heart-warming story and the perfect pick me up!

It is 4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon – I thought it was a fun read with some fabulous characters and I really enjoyed it – highly recommended!

In this feelgood story, you feel as though you are part of the village community. There are lots of secondary characters who Nell meets as she starts again at the local school and they all add something to the feeling of community. Just right for a local school. In Xander, you have someone who is certainly not typecast. He has several insecurities and as you find out about his family, you realise that he has been carrying a secret for quite some time.

There are some deftly drawn, humorous episodes. Many of them involve Colin, a sheep who seems to adopt Nell and who really brings a smile to your face. As you discover, Nell has a few secrets of her own, but she is a thoroughly sympathetic character who is so different to Xander. With lots of love, merriment and humour, this is a great read to light up what can be a sombre world at the moment.

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

Full review on my blog
I've just discovered my new favourite author in Lisa Swift. This was an absolutely wonderful read that I thought was well paced throughout,

A lovely romantic read that will have readers roaring with laughter and wiping away a tear or two on many an occasion, Lisa Swift’s The School of Starting Over is an uplifting, emotional and captivating read that is simply delightful.

Reception class teacher Nell Shackleton is looking forward to her fresh start in Yorkshire and to living in her new home at Humblebee Farm on the edge of the moors. The farm might be dilapidated, the back door might be hanging off and a sheep might have taken up residence in her front room, but Nell refuses to be deterred or discouraged. She came to Humblebee Farm for a new beginning and nothing and nobody is going to come between her and her new life. Nell has never been frightened of hard work nor has ever balked at a challenge and she is certainly not going to start now. But there is more to Humblebee Farm than back-breaking labour as she discovers when she meets Xander Scott, the school’s head-teacher.

Xander has certainly got enough on his plate at the moment. Managing feral kids and their over zealous parents is certainly challenging and the school’s youngest ever head needs to keep all of his wits about him because failure is simply not an option. Xander simply cannot afford to be distracted by anyone or anything – not even by the new reception class teacher who is occupying his thoughts rather a lot lately…

As she begins to settle into her new job and start to make new friends, Nell feels like she has finally found a place where she can belong – until old secrets and past mistakes resurface leaving her to realise that there is always something to learn if one is willing to open up their mind and their heart.

I am such a huge fan of Lisa Swift’s! She has this uncanny ability of touching readers’ heart, having them scream with laughter and keeping them reading late into the night. The School of Starting Over is a poignant, emotional, hilarious and enthralling read with wonderfully realised characters, humour, charm, drama and pathos and plenty of rural hi-jinks to keep readers turning the pages.

A feel-good romantic read that is just what the doctor ordered during these testing and trying times, Lisa Swift’s The School of Starting Over is a must-read that will lift the spirt and warm the heart.

Heartwarming, humorous, immersive and poignant. ‘The School of Starting Over’, evokes so many emotions in the reader, as you discover the secrets hiding within the complex and relatable characters.

A new beginning for Nell in a rundown farmhouse, her heart’s battered and she wants a new start. Reading, the first few chapters I was expecting a lighthearted rom-com, with lots of interactive village gossip. Whilst. this is superficially what this story delivers there is so much more as you read on.

Just, when you are relaxing, and enjoying the happy ever afters you expected, the plot twists into an emotional family drama, which resonates. The story’s main protagonists’ happiness is intricately connected. and like a house of cards. it could disappear without a trace.

Vivid characters, heartrending conflict and an authentic Yorkshire village ethos and setting make this addictive reading.

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

Wow oh wow! She's done it again.
I am literally sat with tears streaming down my cheeks from this absolutely gorgeous and heartwarming story.
This is a book which has touched my heart on so many levels. This is an absolutely gorgeous read and I highly recommend this goes on everyone's TBR.
It's no secret that I am a huge fan of this author, I have nothing negative to say about any of her work at all. This is a truly magical story, with a range of characters who are loveable from the very beginning.
I haven't been able to put this one down, I've laughed and I've cried but this is a perfect read. Lisa Swift is an absolute queen of perfect reads. I am already impatiently awaiting the next one.
A definite five star star rating, although this absolutely magical and gorgeous read should be rated a lot higher than five stars. It is truly heartwarming and perfect.

What a brilliant read this proved to be, it will definitely be one of my favourite reads for 2020 and I can't recommend it highly enough. My advice is read the book, not my review!

Anyway, for those of you that are still reading this . . . . Nell Shackleton has made a big change in her life, moving to Humblebee Farm on the Yorkshire moors and starting a new job as the reception teacher at Leyholme Primary School. She's moved from a prestigious, highly rated school to this little village school. Her new home is falling to pieces, has a leaky roof and a ram has moved in! She names the sheep Colin and he's one of my favourite characters in this fantastic story, along with Red, the mischievous cocker spaniel belonging to villagers Stevie Madeleine and her four year old daughter Milly. The new acting head teacher at the school is Xander Scott and he's certainly not sure he wants his new role! When Nell and Xander meet there's an obvious spark between them but he's so unsure of himself and shy you wonder if he will ever get the courage to ask her out. Actually his growth in confidence through the story is brilliantly portrayed and lovely to follow.

This whole community is superbly developed, with characters to love and others to dislike, especially the Chair of Governors - but I'm not telling you any more about him! It is a heartwarming story with laugh out loud moments but it also has some very moving moments and plenty of surprises in store for readers. Having been a primary teacher for more years than I care to remember, this story brought back memories and I found it very easy to relate to. The mix of staff, pupils and parents, involving the community in events and so much more was so true to life - though the twists in this story were, fortunately, nothing I'd encountered in real life.

This is a superb read with a delightful community, fabulous characters and a surprising twist that I definitely didn't see coming. It is a heartwarming story, a real page turner and a book I highly recommend you read. I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

Despite spending most of my time inside one, I cannot resist a heartwarming novel based around a school and it’s interesting array of characters and believe me – it is a fairly accurate representation of school life and the personalities you may come across. This is my first novel by Lisa Swift/Mary Jayne Baker and it certainly will not be my last.

The first part of the book moves at a slower, but necessary pace, and really spends time developing the main characters and their stories. Each character is written to compliment each other and brings a vulnerability to the bigger picture as well as support for other characters.

Amongst the main characters are vibrant new teacher Nell who hides a devastating secret, Xander the gentle head and a school full of unpredictable children.

The typically Yorkshire village of Leyholme, is a cosy setting and feels so familiar and welcoming and I’m really hoping there will be more stories from these characters and Leyholme.

This novel made me laugh, cry and warmed my insides. It really has everything.

I loved this heartwarming novel and I highly recommend it.

This was the king of story I needed: heartwarming, well written and fun to read.
I loved the setting, the cast of characters and the humour.
It was a briliant and entertaining read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Nell Shackleton has moved to Humblebee Farm in the village of Leyholme. She was to be the new Reception Teacher at the village school. Her new home was less like a farm and more like a barn with its leaking roof, broken back door and resident sheep she named Colin after her Dad.
At the grand old age of 28, she’d just broken up with Shawn right before their wedding, left their flat in Manchester, finished her beloved job in the school and suddenly found herself single, homeless and unemployed. She told herself there is only one way from here and it’s up.
She wanted Humblebee Farm so much because she knew it was the last place that Shawn would have ever wanted to live in, she took an infinite amount of satisfaction at the idea of living anywhere Shawn would have hated.
Over on the other side of the village Xander Scott was getting ready for his first day as Acting Headteacher at Leyholme Primary School, his Mum Anne had made him a cake to celebrate this monumental day. He was only acting until Jeremy was well enough to return then he’d go back to being a full-time teacher.
He really didn’t know what he was going to do all day long, what do headteachers actually do apart from answer a few emails and keep busy. He knew he needed to welcome the new Reception Teacher to the school and he’d arrange to see her at breaktime to do just that.
I had a lovely time following the characters of the village go about their daily lives focused around the village school. A very well written book and a joy to read.

Really sweet and cute story. Absolutely loved the typically British snark and dry humor and wit, and adored the fact that the characters were like people I would love to know and who felt real - not over the top, almost hum-drum at times, but gosh, so relatable and human (and flawed, too). I caught myself laughing so many times at the dead-pan delivery of some lines and how utterly simply but funny the dialogue sometimes was.
There was a reveal in there that I totally did not see coming, and this further made me appreciate this book as, though it was a nice enough story for the first half, this twist turned it all on its head and was a huge OMG! moment.

Such a wonderful read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a real heartwarming read with humour and emotion. Brilliant well rounded characters, great story, and so well written. It’s full of lots of twists, mystery, hilarity, there are literal laugh out loud moments (I need more Colin), highly recommend this for a smile, a giggle and a hug in a book. Pick this up you won’t be disappointed

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

This story is full of all emotions, it has been a real pleasure to read it. I recommend everyone to get a copy and enjoy this as I have. Lisa Swift wrote this fantastic story and her words nearly jump off the page to you. I look forward to reading more of her books as soon possible. 5 stars go to this book. Enjoy as I have.

Lovely, heartwarming story of connecting lives in small-town England🌄

😌 What a lovely story, alternately funny, warm, romantic, and tearfully emotional. From Nell's first night in her leaking house huddled with a stray sheep, I was hooked. Some way into the story a mystery surfaces about heroine Nell's background and occasional odd comments from her family that indicate a secret kept from her friends. Little clues pop up until finally, her romantic interest/acting boss Xander learns the truth. Major upheaval results.

🤗 In the meantime, author Lisa Swift builds a lovely community of adorable tots and their parents, devoted teachers and some singles who end up finding second chances at love. Xander and Nell quickly establish a fun rapport that promises a closer partnership. I adored hero Xander's exhausted friends Sarah and Justin and their whirlwind two-year-old Jacob. Justin's efforts to chat up Stevie on a night at the local pub and Xander's babysitting efforts were priceless. And young Milly, dedicated mountaineer and storybook heroine, steals so many scenes. I loved it all!😍

The heavy emotional burden that widowed, single mother Stevie carries and her supportive connection to newcomer Nell were compelling, as was the grief Xander and his mother were still dealing with. Just so many captivating life stories woven together to achieve a novel with lots of heart. What a joy to read!👍👍

Thanks to publisher Hera Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

Wow. WOW WOW WOW.
I have a great affection for books from the UK. Sometimes they are a bit too twee, and the cover of this gave the impression that it might fall in that category. I WAS WRONG.
The plot moves well, the characters are well written without being too fake or over the top good or bad, and the story is multi-layered. I had a hard time putting it down, even when it was making me cry in sympathy for the major players. Nell was a believable main heroine, and Stevie an amazing and complex secondary heroine. Our hero Xander is one who grows into himself, and neither an alpha or a beta, which made him one of the best male characters I have read in a long time.

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. Keep writing like this, Ms. Swift, and you'll have a fan for life. Well done!