The latest in the series from Christie Barlow, and again a book that is a delight to read, one you can’t wait to read but don’t want it to ever finish as it’s so cosy .
I need to move to Heartcross right now!
What a wonderful community that the author has made for us to follow.
So looking forward to the next one 🥰

This book is part of the Love Heart Lane series of books. It can be read as a standalone novel but it is such a fantastic series that I recommend reading them if you haven't already so.
This book features Jinny who is a new character and Gabe the beekeeper. The book also features Molly and Cam who have been in a couple of the other books. We also catch up with most of the other previous characters at the Heartcross Fair.
I had an early preview copy of this book and I was reading it on a wintry day. This book however is very Summery and would be perfect for reading on holiday or in the garden. It is the perfect escapism.
This is a fantastic feel-good read, but there was also a mystery surrounding Gabe to be solved. I really enjoyed reading this book and ii can't wait for the next two books in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

The Hidden Secrets of Bumblebee Cottage is book ten in the Love Heart Lane series and Christie Barlow just gets better and better. This book has another stunning cover and once again a wonderful feel good story awaits you. Without doubt, this is my favourite ever series and I hope it continues for many a year to come. I’m fast running out of adjectives and phrases to describe just how good the Love Heart Lane series but I’ll try my best. This is a book you will want to read in one sitting as the characters and setting are so warm and inviting and it’s like returning to old friends and catching up after a brief absence. The stories are still fresh and welcoming and are in no danger of becoming stale or of plots being rehashed. You can tell that Christie loves writing about Heartcross and all the various characters both old and new and this book as with all the others deserves all the praise and success in the world.

Jinny is the new character we meet this time around as well as plenty of old familiar and welcome faces whom I love to see each time I return to Heartcross. This very special village in Scotland (albeit sadly fictional) has captured many a readers heart including mine. Jinny is preparing to disappoint her father and leave his newspaper empire where she was a journalist. She will suffer the consequences as she can’t bear the lack of warmth, compassion and basic human skills that exist within the world as her father is determined to get every top story by any means possible. Jinny has morals and to continue with unethical stories finally makes her quit. Straight away, I thought fair play to her for being brave and standing up for herself and realising this was not the long term life that she desired. But what would her next step be? The weight is lifted off her shoulders and she feels liberated if a little afraid as to what direction her new life will now take. She wants to better herself and hopes to find a job that will fulfil her with happiness and contentment.

Near to the beginning, there was a brilliant summarisation of all the previous books, the characters and the setting and this was a great way to introduce new readers and would instantly make you want to go back and read everything and this was all done in a simple and considered manner as Jinny decides where she wishes to go. She wants a slower pace of life and a job that is nice and she sees an ad for a rental and business opportunity. Bee’s Knees is a small business in Heartcross that makes honey and chutney. Jinny has no clue about either product but is willing to give things a go and she may have told a teeny lie or two when Molly interviews her.

Jinny feels apprehensive but also there is a good vibe coming from Molly and Cam at The Old Bakehouse next door to Bumblebee Cottage and she knows she should give everything a go even if the thought of bees terrifies her. I loved how she really stepped outside of her comfort zone but it was almost as if Heartcross was calling to her drawing her. The sense of community is there in spades and the residents always look out for one another. Jinny is a hard worker, someone who is organised and always delivers on time but has she taken on more than she can handle with this new business? With only a few months to prove herself to Cam and Molly she has a lot to learn but someone will be there by her side to help her navigate the tentative new waters.

Gabe is the beekeeper at the cottage. He tends to the land the hives and really it is the most idyllic setting with the cottage, a magical garden, a bridge, stream, orchard, greenhouse and vegetable garden and Jinny can see how much love and care Dixie (Cam’s grandmother) put into it right up until her death. Jinny knows she has to continue the legacy but feels like a fish out of water. Gabe is a supportive friend and good teacher even if when they first meet there is a funny incident with a bee but there is a secretive element to him to that for the life of me I couldn’t get to the bottom of until the point of reveal came. He dislikes social media and journalists and lucky for Jinny she has kept this bit about her secret. For as she starts to get closer to Gabe as they work together to get a start on all the Christmas orders for chutneys she realises that Gabe is struggling with something. Will he trust her enough to open up to her? What will happen when he discovers the truth of her background? Will he feel cheated and betrayed?

Heartcross really does bring out the best in Jinny and I adored reading how she went about learning the processes and about the different ingredients for making all the chutneys (the descriptions of which were mouth-watering) and she also wanted to boost the profile of the business through Instagram with her new and inventive ideas and the Heartcross Fair was a lovely addition to the story also. But what I really loved was the mystery element to the story as in what was Gabe’s story that made him dwell on the past so much? Jinny helped lift his spirits but when the truth comes out will that still be the case? I loved the looking back into the past element as secrets were revealed and connections were established. My attention was held with every turn of the page and I wanted to know exactly what had happened in the past that it was impacting on the present so much? But this special little village is a place where people rally together in anyone’s time of need and one where problems can be mended. Will this prove to be true for Jinny and Gabe or will the truth prove too difficult to surmount?

As with every book that I have read in this series I wish that Heartcross and its residents were real instead of fictional as when you finish reading you look up and think and realise that in fact you are back in the real world and no longer inhabit the books fictional setting even though you very much wish to do so. Christie has a real talent of getting inside the characters heads making the reader really connect with them and care about them. You are sad to leave them behind but know that thankfully two books a year are now published and the wait for the next instalment won’t be too long. Don’t worry if you are new to the series as each book is easily read as a standalone but trust me whatever book you start with you’ll love it and want to go back and read them all. I envy you if you are this person getting to read them all in one fell swoop. For that is what you will want to do. The Hidden Secrets of Bumblebee Cottage was delicious and enthralling and all you want is more as it makes you feel full and complete as stories by this fabulously talented author always do. Two more books will be published in 2023. A Summer Surprise at the Little Blue Boathouse is published in May and A Winter Wedding at Starcross Manor is published in September. I hope I will be able to get my hands on them in advance of publication day as I’m not that good at waiting patiently when it comes to brilliant books.

Welcome back to the Love Heart Lane series and the lovely village of Heartcross. Catch up with some of your favourite characters from previous entries in this series, and meet Jinny and Gabe, the main characters of this book. Both are keeping secrets and escaping from events of the past, but are definitely drawn to each other and their work at Bumblebee Cottage.

Love Heart Lane series and Christie Barlow never disappoints: this is another heartwarming and compelling story that made me learn something about beekeeping business and root for the characters.
I had fun and had a good time reading it.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

I have often describe these books as sagas that are perfect for Sunday night television, and this the latest novel is no exception. They are so enjoyable that they actually become more difficult to review as each book goes on, as the story of Love Heart Lane and Heartcross has evolved so much since the very beginning.

I implore anyone to read the first, read the last or any in between and you will immediately be transported and captured in Heartcross that you will never want to leave.

In this book, Jinny decides that life working for a megalomaniac newspaper editor, who is also her father is too much and she quits. She quits everything her job as a journalist, her flash car, her posh flat, basically her life and with nothing tying her to London anymore takes up a job in Heartcross at The Bees Knees. This job tending bees and making chutney is far from her previous life as you can get. Jinny really isn’t suited to this job.

Heartcross attracts all those who need help to heal from whatever has happened to them in the past and it is that which draws Jinny to the job and place and perhaps why she was chosen for the role. Jinny gets to meet Gabe who helps her out at The Bees Knees so she can learn the ropes. Jinny’s enthusiasm knows no bounds and you can predict perhaps some of the bother that she is going to get into, but all with the wisdom of youth and exuberance Jinny does manage to make it all work.

However there is something mysterious about Gabe, and Jinny can’t help that she is curious. Clearly being a journalist never goes away. But is the truth what Jinny is expecting and can Gabe really let anyone close to him?

Great to see familiar characters from the series appear, especially Molly and Cam from the previous novel which is how the threads of the place keep me interested and returning book after book.

A prefect book to fill your heart with sunshine in the dreary winter month filled with laughter and romance. What more could you want. Just more from the series that’s all!

Have I mentioned recently how much I love, The Love Heart Lane series, and Heartcross and all of its inhabitants?

Have I also mentioned that I adore Christie Barlows writing, always devour it and thoroughly enjoy every single word?

Because both of those statements are true for this new book too, utterly brilliant,

I could tell there were secrets being hidden but the depths of them took me completely by surprise, Didn't see that coming at all.

From the moment I met Jinny I loved her, and even more so once she moves to Heartcross.

I loved finding out more about The Bees Knees, and learnt far more about chutney than I have ever hd the desire to know!

And her first days in her new job alongside Gabe are hilarious, especially involving a bee sting, which had me laughing out loud.

The writing made me feel completely at home, as though I was being welcomed back to old friends (which as an avid fan of the series, I really was, always good to catch up with everyone), and the story felt like a warm hug.

With fabulous characters, fantastic writing, and just a feeling that these are real people in a real place and not fictional, I loved every second of this book.

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

The Love Heart Lane series is one of my favourites so I'm always excited for the next installment, and to discover a new story.

I really enjoyed Jinny's story, and her change of life from journalist to bee-keeper and chutney maker. The setting was great and it really allowed for some comedic situations between Jinny and Gabe.

My only slight issue with this one was the journalist aspect and the secret story that was running in the background. I would have liked something maybe a little bit more original. However, it wasn't so much to make me dislike the book overall.

I simply adore the bumblebee cottage series of books. It's so lovely and well written. I love following the characters and watching their stories unfold and this one is no exception. It's fun, warm heart and a lovely love story.

**Please note that the HarperCollins Union has been on strike since 11/10/22 to get a fair contract for their workers**

What a cute story and another great addition to the Love Heart Lane Series. I have really enjoyed spending time getting to know new characters and seeing the old ones pop up again and again!!

I love the theme of creating a new life for yourself. Well, maybe I should say “changing your circumstances.” Jinny is an inspiration in that she finally decides to say goodbye to a life of ease, but one that does not uphold her values and morals. And who WOULDN’T want to move to Heartcross?? I personally think it would be an amazing place to live!!

This story has a great mix of learning new things, figuring out mysteries of more than one characters past, and the value and joy of community.

I would recommend starting this series from the beginning (unlike me haha), and experiencing Heartcross in the order intended by the author! Happy reading!

Thank you to Christie Barlow, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

Another in the Love Heart Lane series and one not to be missed. I would love to live in that village and be amongst the characters. This really is a great place to be and everything about this book is great. Wish I could give it ten stars but here are 5 for it.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

This is a cute addition to an ongoing series. This book can be read as a standalone.

Jinny worked for her father's tabloid paper and finally had enough. After quitting, she finds an opportunity that is too good to miss: working at a Scottish chutney store for at least 6 months. She immediately packs up and heads to Scotland.

As soon as Jinny enters the tiny village of Heartcross, she is in love with its charm. She will be working closely with Gabe, a handsome beekeeper she met in the local bake shop, Soon she discovers that there is more to Gabe than she first thought....

Having spent several weeks and months reading Christmas-themed books, I decided that this would be the perfect opportunity to get back into what has been referred to as a ‘normal’ book. Whilst I understand the sentiment, there’s nothing normal about this series as each instalment brings a special kind of magic.
The main characters of Jinny and Gabe are beautifully drawn, and I was almost instantly engaged in their stories. Jinny had made an enormous, career-altering decision that had brought her to Heartcross. Gabe had his own reasons for being mysterious about his past and I felt strongly connected to their journeys.
As the title may suggest, the theme of this book follows beekeeping and honey production. There have been a few books in recent years with a similar focus, but there is plenty of room for them all and I still find the topic to be intriguing.
If you have read any of the other books in this series, you’ll appreciate the cameo appearances of some of the previous characters each adding to the magic of the story without leaving the reader confused.
Bumblebee Cottage is a fabulous destination; unlocking its secrets is gently handled and well worth the patience. It was the perfect story to help clear my Christmas reading hangover and I loved every moment of it!

It's so lovely to return to Heart cross, this book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. This book pulled me in right from the start and kept me turning the pages. A super book to lose yourself in. Heartily recommend x

What a way to end 2022! A trip to my favourite Scottish village, Heartcross. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love this location Christie Barlow has created. It feels like I’m taking a trip to somewhere that’s home from home.

Jinny needs a fresh start and what could be further from the stressful world of Fleet Street than relocating to Heartcross. Yes that’s a 568 mile move from a flash flat in central London to a cottage in rural Scotland. Is this the move of a lifetime or the biggest mistake she’s made?

I loved meeting Jinny. She’s determined to make a new life for herself in Heartcross and prove her overbearing father wrong. The way she is welcomed to the village is what I’d expect from this friendly community. I so wish it was real!

Now Gabe’s anti-press anti-social media stance was intriguing; obviously, like Jinny, I wanted to know why. Thankfully the more I read, the more I found out 🤐🤐 but you’ll have to read this yourself to find out why. But their rapport is electric – sparks flew like fireworks – will they or won’t they??!

The Hidden Secrets Of Bumblebee Cottage is a very welcome addition to the Love Heart Lane series. Barlow has passed this sun-loving girl a bit of summer in the depths of winter. I’ve run out of superlatives when it comes to Barlow’s books. They are heartwarming and welcoming, brilliantly written with. I’m addicted to the series and this gorgeous community and landscape she’s created. My trip to Bumblebee Cottage left me all warm and fuzzy – loved it!

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

We return to Heartcross for book 10 of the series.

Jinny has applied for the job of chutney maker within Heartcross although she has no experience. Jinny was a journalist in London working for her father, after taking stock of her career she decides to change her direction completely.

Jinny encounters a stumbling blocks along the way whilst trying to settle into her new job and village. She strikes up a friendship with her colleague Gabe but will they be able to discuss the secrets they are hiding from each other and move forward together?

🍯An exuberant London gal takes little Heartcross by storm: delightful!🌄

This story had great warmth and humor, plus it's set in a small Scottish country town that's more a team than just neighbors. A cozy and sweet romance, actually, with a really strong feeling of community. And I loved the mouth-watering treats these rural independent businesses were producing: not a place to visit while anyone's on a restrictive diet!

Jinny, a born and bred Londoner, comes to small Heartcross for a new start. She's a bit accident prone and supplies the locals with chuckles almost on a daily basis until she gets into the swing of her new life learning the ropes of chutney and honey production and sales. Her romantic interest is a man of periodic sadness and mystery. That secrecy, added to Jinny's decision to start out with a new name to hide her connection to a controversial newspaper magnate, end up supplying a bit of drama that I liked. I prefer romances that have some misunderstandings to clear up or obstacles to overcome.

Jinny turns out to be a real dynamo, ready to respect the business history but also with a mountain of ideas for making it expand and thrive. Her attitude certainly won me over and apparently had the same effect on the residents of Heartcross.

This was the third story I'd read in the series which, from what I've read, is getting better and better. I'm already looking forward to the next in the series and going back a bit to spend more time immersed in Heartcross life.

Thanks to Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

I loved this sweet book. I just curled up and read. It was perfect for this time of year and didn’t concentrate too much on the bees more about the business. It was funny and made me smile. Even though this is the tenth one in this series you can read it as a stand alone. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

this is book 10 in a series, but can be read as a standalone, I had not read the other books, and it was an easy read. love the characters and the setting.

I received a free copy of, The Hidden Secrets of Bumblee Cottage by Christie Barlow, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book number 10, in the Love Heart Lane Series, by Christie Barlow. Sick of her job and how it changed who she is, Jinny decides to quit and move away. Jinny finds out about a village named Heartcross, and is instantly intrigued. Jinny some how manages to get a job as a beekeeper, and settles into village life, until she realizes there is a mystery to be solved. I really enjoyed this book, the best in the series I believe.