Love doesn't have to cost a thing and in fact some of the best things in life are free. When Grace returns to Heartcross Castle with her sons, she's seeking a fresh start. Escaping from an abusive relationship, her childhood home provides a safe haven.

While struggling to make ends meet, her old friends rally her dreams and make Grace believe anything is possible. Has she found her forever home or is Grace only making the 'moat' of the situation?

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition in exchange for an honest review. Heartcross Castle was my first Christie Barlow novel and it can be read as a standalone or enriched by revisiting the characters from the Love Heart Lane series. While reading this enchanting novel, readers will realize that "true friendship, loyalty, isn’t about wealth.

He was a TV superstar and she was a down-to-earth, frazzled mother of three trying to make ends meet. Even though they lived in the same castle building, they were worlds apart.

The Love Heart Lane series by Christie is a sure fire way to put a smile on your dial. Even though part of a series (I have only read one other - no.4, this is no.7) they can certainly be read as a standalone. That being said, even from my one previous experience, it was like returning home to familiar faces and places.

From the outside the Castle seemed like a stunning piece of architecture that one could only dream of living in, yet inside it was a different story, one of sadness and a love that had been extinguished a long time ago.

This book particularly pulled at my heartstrings, so it would appear Christie is just getting better and better with this particular group of characters. On this occasion it’s a tale of second chances, being given the opportunity to start over. It is also very much about community, friendship and forgiveness.

Their relationship had been over for a very long time, and the only connection between them now was when his fist pounded her body.

This instalment is all about Grace and her three boys and their need to flee an abusive relationship - the youngest Billy, is selectively mute due to trauma (I say wiping a tear away as this little fella really pulls at one's heartstrings). Although it starts in this dark place, it quickly moves on through community support and the strength of Grace in seeking out a better life.

Taking her first steps back in Heartcross, of course Grace felt nervous. It was hard not to, knowing how people would react to her return.

Life is not easy even once arriving at the castle due to past hurts, current residents and the physical state of the castle itself. Still, it is a safe refuge for Grace and her boys as the latter start to thrive in this wonderful environment. Heartcross sounds like an idyllic place to visit, from the Scottish countryside to life in a small village. Christie develops the community spirit as they take in one of their own and help her get back on her feet.

She’d arrived a naive sixteen year old and had fallen in love with a man she thought would protect her against all odds - and hadn’t. That life was gone and the second she stepped on the train, she felt relief. After all these years, Grace Power was on her way home.

There will be surprises, fun and laughter (once the initial dark back story is complete) with an ending you know is coming but gosh the journey getting there was fun. This is a fabulous addition to the series with its heartwarming resolutions after quite a few tears. The characters in this series are people one would wish to know and to be part of such a community as a true home. This was just the book I was looking for, light and refreshing, with just the right amount of miscommunications with family and friends rallying to the cause to get me invested. A sweet book to spend a few hours escapism with - something we are all in need of.

There’s always good in any situation. You just have to look for it.







This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #heartcrosscastle #netgalley

Grace Power left home at 16 after an argument with her grandfather. To find the grass is not always greener. She spent a long time and the formative years, of her three boys, under the physical and emotional control of her partner. Until one day a letter from the solicitor comes to tell her her grandfather has passed away and she has inherited Heartcross Castle. Will Grace be able to return after so many years? Can she break the mould to be Grace Power once again?

After reading book 2 in the series "Foxglove Farm." I have been following the author. Knowing I wanted to read all the books in the series of love heart Lane series. So far I have read books all the books after and including book 2.

This is book 5 however you would not know this when reading and this book makes a great stand alone book, Something I think this author has got down to a fine art.

Once opening the book it is a page turner. From the start until the last page. Christie's writing has gone from strength to strength in the heartcross series. I think it may be safe to say with the emotion included in this book. It may be her best one yet!

The heart cross community are loving characters, each with their own secrets and hardships, who you totally feel yourself taking into your heart. They show you their emotions and allow you to become invested into their lives. More and more with each passing book. It's been great to reallt dig deep with some old friends, in this book, particularly Isla, Drew, Cam and Molly. Getting to see more of who they have become since we last read about them in their own books. The special thing about this book is that it really is a community event Grace coming home and you know your part of that community. Due to how close you've become with the characters involved throughout the series.

This book is a great romance read. Although their are some emotional subjects included in this book such as financial issues, physical and emotional abuse, trauma mutism, surrogacy and miscarriages amongst other things.. I do not feel this takes away from the romantic feel of the book but has you heart growing fonder of the struggles which each character has faced. It really increases the mystery and twists of the book but used in a subtle and empathetic manner. This book as extra twists added in that, j feel is fair to day, no one will expect!

I Cannot wait to read the next book.

Grace Power grew up in the town but after running away from it and her grandad at aged 16 she has never returned. However, upon her grandfather’s passing and the news that he has left Heartcross Castle to her she returns to her past to face all her old friends. But this time with three little boys in tow. Her sons. She find the castle has become delapidated since she last saw it and with no income she has no idea how she could afford to keep it. Then there is celebrity chef, Andrew Glossop who lives on the estate in the servants quarters and has his eye on the castle.

There is something so cosy and heartwarming about returning to the Love Lane Series. All the characters are a delight to read about and the small town sounds idyllic combined with the rolling countryside and local beach. Definitely somewhere I would choose to live.

Grace Power, is a really nice addition to the town. Her determination to raise her children properly and escape her previous life which left one of her children unable unable speak shows us how strong she is as well as how much she loves her sons. She would do anything for these boys and is making it her mission that they have a loving stable home finally, even if it means scrimping to make ends meet.

As the story progresses we get to truly see who Grace is away from her awful ex. As she travels to Heartcross we get to find out more about her past as well as see what her friendships are like through her childhood best friends Felicity, Allie and Isla.

I especially love the contrast of Grace and Andrew. You have the down to earth, single mother of 3 trying to make ends meet and ensuring every penny is accounted for. Then you have the famous, highly confident chef, Andrew Glossop who often has large parties with champagne, fancy food and no expense spared. These are a great representation of two complete opposite ends of the spectrum and how they can both help each other become better, more rounded people.

One of my favourite characters had to be Hector, the gardener at Heartcross Castle. The more I learnt about him, the more I loved him. His commitment and dedication to the Power family is so sweet and his love for his best friend’s grandsons is so emotional and beautiful. Hector is the sort of person who you would love to know in real life, with a heart of gold and not a bad bone in his body he becomes a pillar of the castle.

This was a beautifully written, heartfelt story from start to finish and I loved every minute of it. I’m definitely going to read the books I missed in the series in 2022.

This is a lovely, easy read. It is part of a series of books, but can be read as a standalone book. This book introduces us to Grace, and we learn more about Andrew, the Celebrity Chef from The Lake House Restaurant. We also catch up with some of the characters from the previous books.
Grace is a lovely character, who has been through a lot of hardship. At the start of the book I thought that I knew what was going to happen. I was right about one thing, but luckily wrong about the other.
This is well written and enjoyable. It is a heartwarming and feel-good read. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

A lovely heart warming story of family, friendship and new beginnings. So nice to be back in the village with all the familiar characters playing their part as we meet new character Grace , returning after many years away, with her three little boys in tow, one of them so traumatised he no longer speaks. Can she really escape from her abusive husband, take on the challenge of a huge rundown castle, pick up her old life and friendships, and find romance? I was willing her on right to the last page.

I found myself on a roll with crime books but couldn't resist requesting an advanced copy of the latest in Christie's wonderful Love Heart Lane series.

I mean, I was hooked immediately with 'castle' in the title! And I really wasn't let down, what a fantastic story. Grace, and her adorable 3 boys, Andrew, Hector and (almost) the whole cast from previous novels had me gulping this one down. Such a solid storyline, yes it was predictable - did I care? Hardly. Really likeable characters throughout and definitely one of my favourites from the series to date.

It is so wonderful to keep coming back to this most loving of communities. I had a soft spot for Grace and Andrew's story. You could read as a standalone but it really helps the enjoyment levels to know the cast of many characters and how they're linked from previous stories. Gosh I wish this village wasn't fictional - what I'd give to be a part of it!

4.5 stars and I'm so looking forward to the next instalment. 

My many thanks to One More Chapter via Netgalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy which I have reviewed honestly.

I don't know how Christie Barlow keeps doing it, but she seems to be growing from strength to strength with each book in this Love Heart Lane series.

And Heartcross Castle is arguably the best yet.

From the opening scenes where we learn just what situation Grace is in and why she desperately needs to escape it, to her arrival in Scotland, I couldn't get enough of this latest book.

I loved her three children, and the way they all learned to adapt to their new reality of owning Heartcross Castle, no matter what state it is in.

There are family secrets to be uncovered, friendships be renewed and maybe, a possibility of romance could be on the horizon too.

I loved catching up with all my friends from the previous books, but especially Felicity and Isla, who knew Grace from when they were growing up.

There were odd moments that were making my eyes feel a tad watery, and others that had me smiling.

I whizzed through reading this book in a few short hours and loved every second of it. Just a shame it had to end, so I now need to beg the author to write faster as I can't wait for the next book.

Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Heartcross Castle by Christie Barlow

Grace Power ran away from home at 16 after a argument with her grandfather . She is now stuck with 3 children and an abusive partner. After finding the courage to throw him out and has the worry of what she will do & where she will go when she receives correspondence from a solicitor to say her grandfather is dead and she has been left Heartcross Castle. She goes and it means she must face all that she left behind. The castle is not as she imagined. It is in a poor state without furniture but she has a lodger in the servants quarters a multimillionaire tv chef.

Follow Grace’s & her children’s journey and all her friends in this wonderful heartwarming book.

This was a great read! The story flowed along and was filled with lots of love, laughter, friends and family. It captured my interest right from the beginning. I’m looking forward to my next visit to Heartcross Castle.

A story about second chances and starting over as well as the value of friendship and forgiveness. This is a sweet romance with enjoyable plot and dialogue.

Christie Barlow has done it again! This series is one of my all time favourites. Christie never shys away from the difficult topics but always deals with them with sensitivity.

Grace Power is stuck in an abusive relationship and can't see a way out until she learns of her grandfather's passing and her inheritance of Heartcross Castle. It's not what she was expecting though and with celebrity chef Andrew Glossop as her neighbour she struggles to see how she can keep the castle. She's forgetting though that Love Heart Lane is where magic happens and with the help of her friends she begins to see a way forward.

Another beautiful installment and I can't wait for the next now.

This is the latest in the highly enjoyable Love Heart Lane series but could be read as a standalone novel. This instalment follows the story of Grace who left Heartscross aged 16 and returns with her family following the death of her grandfather. Old friends from previous books add to the heartwarming story in their usual ways.
If you’ve never read the Love Heart Lane books I wholeheartedly recommend them and am deeply envious of the treat you have in store.

I have read all the books in this series and each one keeps getting better, but just because it’s a series don’t let it put you off, this can be enjoyed as a stand-alone read. This is a gorgeous story, I loved the fact it’s set in a castle , how great would that be. The story is so sweet and the writing as always fabulous, engaging and so addictive, this story really pulled me in. Christie Barlow has done it again, another beautiful story of new beginnings , community , family and love . I never seem to want the story to end with Christie , fabulous escapism

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

This was a DNF for me. Though I did feel for the main character at the beginning, there was so much repetitive thoughts and ideas that I couldn’t get past those phrases to enjoy the book.

Looking for a wonderful story then look no further. I won’t spoil anything but if you enjoy good women’s fiction then read this.

I know that there are many readers out there that adore the Love Heart Lane series, I am definitely one of them. This is book 7 and it keeps getting better and better, I do think this one may be my favourite so far.

Running away from home and Heartcross Castle as a teen was something that Grace felt she had to do. Years later she finds herself realising that life hadn't been a bed of roses, but at least she had her three sons. Her life revolves around them and when she receives a letter she knows that this is the thing she has been waiting for. A fresh start for her and her boys.

I have read and loved every one of the books in this series, they can be read as stand-alone as they are a story in their own right. What you will miss out on is how the community has been connected, brought together and developed with each book.

Grace returns to her childhood home, but rather than being the gorgeously decorated castle she finds a run-down, unloved looking place that definitely needs work. Her first impression isn't good, but gradually it is her sons that give her the inspiration she needs to see past the grime and tatty facade. It is the community that will give her the support and rekindle the lost friendships because this is what this community does best.

Andrew her neighbour, well he could not be more different to Grace if he tried. Their first meeting didn't go well when he mistakes her for being the housekeeper! It sort of sets the tone of his characters and shows how out of touch with the real world and everyday life he really is.

Thank goodness for the three boys, who are just adorable. They are mischievous, cute, funny and they themselves steal the show for this story. While they are a major part of the story, they just crop up in the best parts and in the best way. I imagine the author chuckling as she wrote their antics into the story.

This is once again another fabulous addition to the series. It is heartwarming, at times sad, with plenty of surprises and revelations but most of all it has all the magic of previous books, once again cementing another wonderful set of characters into this series. I adored this one a huge amount and it is one I would definitely recommend.

I love the Love Heart series and it felt like coming home when Grace and her boys got off the bus at Heartcross.
Once again Christie Barlow has written an emotional and warm story with wonderful supportive characters. Seeing Isla and Allie again with their families, I loved how Grace and her little family were welcomed back by the community and were able to rebuild their lives once again.

It was fabulous. I’ve loved all the Love Heart Lane Series, very special.
These books make me feel so good!
In this story Grace is the lead character. She is so lovely. A mum of three boys, and with a problem past. She finds herself back ‘home’ in Heartcross. She has mixed feelings about returning because of the circumstances in which she left Heartcross. And because her grandad has died. She’s a bit excited to escape to the castle after a few years of living in poor accommodation, with an abusive ex.
The state of the once-grand castle does shock her though.
Her old friends are so happy to see her after all these years, and they easily fall back into their banter. Everyone is so kind, it warms my heart.
Andrew, a famous chef, rents the old servant quarters across the courtyard from the castle. He has known riches all his life and is shocked to see Grace living on limited funds. The attraction between them is sparky!
There were some funny ‘chicken’ scenes and the fountain scene gave me shivers.
Hector was the old gardener at the castle and grandad’s best friend and he was still there. Grace’s boys and Hector hit it off straight away, such a lovely relationship between them.
It definitely is a place you don't want to leave. A place I now know so well that I feel like I'm living in the book. I know the people and all the places.
A real escape from the real world. Can you tell I loved it?!
Thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the review copy in which I give my honest opinion.

Thank you NetGalley, Christie Barlow and One More Chapter for the ARC of Heartcross Castle. This is my personal review.
I loved every word in this book! The author did a fabulous job of making me feel like I was right there with the characters in this book.
Grace Power is the mother of three of the cutest boys a mom could ever have in her life. Her life was not what she wants for her boys, so she knew it was time to pack up and leave an abusive relationship she was in and get to a safe and happy place for them all.
She takes the boys to her home of Heartcross Castle that her grandfather had left to her in his will. She remembers it as a place much different than what it was when she returned.
Once there Grace meets the tenant Andrew who is living in the guest house on the property.
The story and relationship between Grace and Andrew for me was pure joy.
I loved all the connections of all the characters in the book. This is part of the Love Heart Lane series, but it can be read as a standalone.