Member Reviews
This book is another fantastic addition to the Love Heart Lane series of books. I really enjoyed reading it.
The writing is so descriptive that I can imagine what Heart Cross looks like. Each book just gets better and better. I know that just like the characters in the book that if I visited, I would never want to leave.
Bea and Nolan were instantly likeable characters and it was lovely to be reunited with the previous characters. I can't wait to read the next book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
Great fun read. Very romantic and heart warming. Loved the setting in Scotland and the various characters. Plenty of twists and turns to keep the pages turning. Happy ever after ending is always good!
A Summer Surprise at the Little Blue Boathouse is a gorgeous read that I read in just over a day, because you know work gets in the way of books far too often. Christie writes such loveable characters who are so warm and relatable , I love Heartcross so much, it’s got such a special community, I really wish it existed so I could move there. I do really adore this series, these stories are so good and full of humour, fun, kindness and community. Wholeheartedly recommended
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Love Heart Lane is a favorite place of mine, a place where I go when I want to smile, meet lovely people, and root for someone.
This is another sweet and compelling story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Thank you NetGalley, Christie Barlow and HarperCollins for the book
A Summer Surprise at the Little Blue Boathouse. This is my personal review.
This is a book in the Love Heart Lane series. This book is about Bea and Nolan. The attraction between the two is written so beautifully that I could feel it as I was reading.
There is a little mystery in the book and a lot of life-changing moments.
I love this series of books and I highly recommend a reader to grab this series and settle in for some amazing beach reads.
This is book 11 in the series, but I am proof you can love these books without having read them all. Each story focuses on different characters and can easily be read as a stand-alone. One day I will go back and read all the ones I missed.
I just love Christie's writing! It feels like a warm hug in the best possible way and I was immediately drawn to Bea. She was my kind of girl! The community feeling she experiences in Heartcross is something I could only dream of experiencing and I love how I experienced it through her eyes. I loved being on her journey trying to figure out what is next for her and for the first time really living for herself and doing what makes her happy. Nolan was also a lovely character with quite a story of his own! If you enjoy heartwarming, uplifting fiction, you simply must read this book!
They say that once you arrive in Heartcross, you never want to leave, and it is so true. I love the Love Heart Lane series by Christie Barlow, and reading each book feels like coming home.
Bea finds herself heading to the village of Heartcross after discovering has been having an affair. Whilst there she ends up with a job at the Little Blue Boathouse, getting involved in the community and staying longer than the two weeks she had planned. All of which is helped by Nolan, who is staying on the water by the boathouse. Bea and Nolan become friends and look at uncovering the mystery of his grandfathers love for Heartcross and the woman he left behind.
Inevitably I absolutely adored this book, every time I can’t think that these stories can get any better and yet every time I fall in love a little bit more.
The chemistry between Bea and Nolan is obvious from when they meet. Each of them helping to unlock things in each other after their recent personal struggles. As individual characters they were great, and we got to catch up with our favourites from the previous books.
This is the eleventh book in the Love Heart Lane series, however you could easily read this as a standalone book. Although, if you haven’t already, I highly recommend you read them all.
A heart-warming easy read. I can’t wait to return once again. I wish I could move to Heartcross!
Christie Barlow can do no wrong in my eyes as the brilliant Love Heart Lane series continues to go from strength to strength getting better with each new story. Well, the only thing that could go wrong is that she brings the series to a conclusion. It’s a day I’m dreading but fingers crossed that won’t be for sometime yet as she would leave legions of readers bitterly disappointed. As the saying goes ‘once you arrive in Heartcross, you never want to leave‘ and that’s exactly how I feel about this series. I just wish Christie would write faster as I’m always gutted when I reach the end of another fantastic book and have to wait several months for the next instalment. As with all the books in this series, A Summer Surprise at the Little Blue Boathouse can easily be read as a standalone as there are reminders of past events. But trust me if this is your first visit to Heartcross once you reach the end you’ll want to go back and start at book one to discover all the fabulous tales that have emerged from the little village in the Scottish Highlands.
Bea Fernsby is not known for taking chances but now she is taking the greatest risk of all and going to a place she had until recently never heard of, the village of Heartcross in the Scottish Highlands. Her life is in turmoil as Carl, the man she had loved and trusted since she was 15, has let her down. All her memories are shattered, her engagement is over and her future is very scary. She wants to be anywhere that doesn’t reminder her of the cheater who let her down so badly.
I loved Bea from the outset. She knew her worth and what she deserved. All she had ever wanted was to settle down with the man of her dreams and have a family and lived the happily ever after life. But that vision has come crashing down around her and now she must somehow pick up the pieces and carry on. ’I want to make a difference in life and all I’ve been doing is standing still. It’s time to change’. I loved that Bea had this attitude and she carried it with her throughout the story.
Bea arrives in Heartcross to stay at Julia’s BnB (I was glad to see her feature again as it had been some time seen she had made a more significant appearance since the book that focused on her) and soon she is making friends and starting to settle in for her two week stay. Julia is dating Flynn, the owner of the Lake House and the Little Blue Boathouse. As Wilbur is retiring from the boathouse, Flynn needs to find someone new to run it and this is where Bea steps in and offers to work there for a short time. For years she had felt that Carl had squashed her stretching her wings or any ambition she may have had and taking this job is Bea stepping outside of her comfort zone and providing her with the distraction she so badly needed. ‘Sunshine and water were just what she needed to blow away the cobwebs and mend her broken heart’. I loved the descriptions of the boathouse and the nearby lake and all the water sports and activities that took place there. It was a hub of activity and allowed Bea to meet new people and keep her occupied. The Boathouse became a sanctuary for Bea but it also provided her with a very special friendship in the form of Nolan.
Nolan lives aboard the houseboat once owned by his grandfather. He is retracing his grandfathers voyages having renovated the boat and from the moment Bea sets eyes on him she finds him to be drop dead gorgeous with a twinkle in his eye and an air of confidence. Nolan was a charmer in some ways and enigmatic in others. As a reader you couldn’t fail but be drawn to him. He loves taking chances and living a carefree life on the water and painting when he can in order to sell said paintings and raise some cash. He really did have the best attitude in that he believed life is for living and taking chances and that you need to be brave and fearless. I think as Bea got to know him and spend some time with him this positive attitude rubbed off on her and it allowed her to be braver and just go for things and really start to put the recent past behind her. Nolan and the village really did work their magic on her.
Nolan, despite his outside bravado, does hide things and the years have been difficult for him too. He is lonely as he has no family to help him navigate life. Despite outward appearances he is struggling to come to terms with the past and he feels he doesn’t deserve love. You did wonder what has happened in his past to make him feel this way? As he tries to solve the mystery of his grandfather and a young woman named Patsy. A mystery which has its roots Nolan believes in Heartcross. Bea too becomes drawn into the mystery and even more involved in Nolan’s life.
I did initially think god they had only just met and by the end of day one they were really close. Is this all just a bit too unrealistic? Then I figured if there is a connection there you have to go with it and see where the wind takes you. Maybe Bea had unbeknownst to herself been ready to be rid of Carl for a long time and was ready to be free and explore things with Nolan. That’s not say things for them were all smooth sailing or that Bea was going to really rush headfirst into something very serious.After all she had just emerged from something traumatic and life changing.
Bea really does pull herself around very quickly once she arrives in Heartcross and she becomes a honorary villager for the summer. I loved how she was trying to work out the mystery of Patsy and Nolan’s grandfather. I had my suspicions about this and I was proven right. Not that it detracted from my enjoyment of the story at all. Bea really gets stuck into village life and I loved reading all about the preparations for the River Festival and her day to day experiences at the Boathouse and of course we had some drama added in towards the end which brought some danger and tension to the story. I really loved everything about the book and could find no fault with it all. Not that I was really looking for one. Bea’s story is a worthy addition to the series and I was rooting for her all the way.
Christie Barlow has created a series that I just fall more and more in love with as each new book is published. It’s sounds ridiculous to rave so much about a fictional setting and its characters but that’s how I feel. She weaves wonderful feel good tales of a consistently high standard with a unique writing flair that pulls you in from the first word and A Summer Surprise at the Little Blue Boathouse is no different. It was a gorgeous read that I read in as few sittings as possible with such warm loveable characters who always have some troubles or obstacles in their way but the community of Heartcross and its special residents always make newcomers feel welcome and aid people in their time of need no matter how big or small their issue may be. It’s a really fabulous series, one always infused with warmth, kindness, humour and human understanding where the characters walk off the page to meet you and by the end they feel like firm friends. A Winter Wedding at Starcross Manor, the next book in the series will be published in September and I am already itching to get my hands on it. In the meantime do yourself a favour and don’t miss out on Bea’s heart-warming story.
Yet another superb book from Christie. It encompases love, laughter and happiness. The escapism of Christie's books, is a welcome break from the events happening around us.
The joy of series such as this is bringing fresh characters to join those we know and love, all in a common setting. This time we have Bea escaping to Heartcross after splitting with her ex, and meeting up with Nolan and his boat. Together they look into the mystery of "Patsy", a girl that Nolan's grandfather met many years ago in Heathrow and had never forgotten.
I have really enjoyed this said and always look forward to the next one, and yet again I'm not disappointed. Christie writes characters that I can relate to in a setting that I just wish I could live in. In addition to the budding romance there is the mystery around Patsy. This together with the upcoming festival kept me engrossed in the book, an ideal escape from everyday life. I just wonder if there are any vacancies at The Little Blue Boat house.....
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influenced my review of the book.
This is a heartwarming series that shouldn't be missed
Definitely one I can never resist.
So happy to visit the Highland village of Heartcross once more
With characters and attitudes there I adore!
Bea Fernsby is visiting for the first time at the start
After her two timing fiancé has broken her heart.
It wouldn't be so bad but this is the second time and so
She's had enough and decided to go.
What she hadn't expected was a psychic's prediction for her
Nor for a community which shows such great care.
She's keen to try out for an unexpected role, too,
Maybe a new job will help her find her way through?
The Little Blue Boathouse is where she will work and stay
Not looking forward to leaving one day.
When she meets Nolan Hemingway, there's attraction for sure
But both have been hurt, could romance be the cure?
There's a mystery that Nolan hopes to solve, too,
Along with danger, art, storms and so much to do!
A heartwarming read full of surprises and more
Making this a book I hope you'll also adore.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
🛥Light, sunny, happy Scottish river town: feel good story🤗
4.5🌟 stars
This story put some light, sparkle and romance into my dreary, rainy spring day! Bea, the main female character, is such a positive go-getter; I loved her attitude and strength, even when life threw her some curves in the form of a cheating ex and Nolan, a handsome artist who sweetens her life but never makes a secret of his plans to leave.
The book is set in the fictional Scottish Highlands town of Heartcross, filled with friendly characters who make Bea feel at home there almost from the moment she arrives. What a lovely assembly of residents. Everyone and every element of this setting just work so well together to complete a heartwarming whole.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
I have said it before; there is something quite magical about the Love Heart Lane books, Christie Barlow has discovered the recipe for real success, and I have loved each instalment. This time, we follow the adventures of Bea Fernsby as she arrives in the picturesque Scottish village. Her wedding dreams are in tatters, and she needs to get away. Arriving with no idea what to expect, she soon discovers that kindness is at the heart of all the residents and quickly settles in. She’s thrilled to see a vacancy for a seasonal worker at The Little Blue Boathouse and she sees an opportunity to extend her stay into the summer.
Also visiting Heartcross is Nolan Hemingway. He’s living on his late grandfather’s houseboat which he has lovingly restored since his death. He is on a mission to identify his grandfather’s former sweetheart, his one true love, and share some memories of their time together. Nolan is an artist, like his grandfather, and he earns his living by selling his artwork as he travels on the boat.
I loved being back in Heartcross amongst the many residents who have found their happiness on the shores of the River Heart. This time, we were more focused on the river itself and had the opportunity to explore some of the coves along the banks. I’ve visited so many times, that I can easily envisage the local landmarks and enjoy the warmth of the many characters.
I easily took Bea to my heart, she’s a gorgeous character and I felt that her backstory and determination to find happiness were thoroughly engaging. As for Nolan, he is a wonderful addition to the series, and I found myself hoping that he would stick around. As the story unfolded and secrets were revealed, I felt real joy and again hoped against hope for a happy ending. However, Christie made me work for this one, but the payoff was second to none and I’m already excited to read the next book in this wonderful series.
This is the 11the installment in the Love Heart Lane Book series. But you can read all the books as stand alones.
I myself only read one other installment in the series. Its was fun seeing old characters again but it is absolutely not necessary.
In this book we follow Bea Fernsby, who takes an unexpected trips to the highlands to put herself straight. At home she has left a cheating fiancé and a dead-end job at the supermarket. Bea is ready for something new. And that something new she finds in a job at the Little Blue Boathouse. Bea thinks that renting out kayas will be just the distraction she needs to mend her broken heart. But maybe Nolan, a young man passing through on his boat might be another distraction.
Its a cute little book. Ideal for a sunny day in the park while the kids are playing on the swings and my attention is divided between making sure they are not doing something incredibly stupid and reading my story.
Its a very sweet book about two people overcoming heartbreaking and figuring out their new beginning.
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Having not particularly enjoyed the last trip to Heartcross it was with a degree of trepidation that I ventured back again. So glad I did as I really enjoyed this story of Bea and Nolan. Bea's partner has let her down. Again. So she finds herself in the village of Heartcross. Is she going to want to leave again....... you know what they say!
Another in the Love Heart Lane series, and this is further proof that this series should go on as it goes from a different part of the village with each book.. I hope this goes on for a very long time yet. Lovely characters and the setting makes me want to be there. Well worth 5 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC
It's always great returning to Heart cross, there's a familiarity about this place that I never tire of, it's like putting on your fave pj's & slippers. When Bea's boyfriend let's her down yet again, she decides a holiday away from it all is what she needs & she chooses the perfect place, Heartcross. This place has such a wonderful, welcoming community with a mystical magic that seems to make people want to stay & never leave once they have arrived there, will Bea be one of them?
Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #asummersurpriseatthelittleboathouse#netgalley
Bea's relationship has broken down and she's just living in the routine of nightshift work. So she decides to holiday in Heartcross. On her arrival she meet Nolan who is touring the canals of the UK following the log of his grandfather. Until Julia is left needing someone to run the little blue boathouse and Nolan needs a partner to help him solve his grandfathets mystery. Can Bea do both ? Will she be able to stay away from the Heartcross charm to return home after 2 weeks?
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 Love heart Lane series. So far I have read all the books after and including book 2.
This is book 11 however you would not know this when reading and this book makes a great stand alone. Something I think this author has got down to a fine art. Although I can guarantee you'll soon be reading the rest of the series because you just won't want to leave Heartcross
The heart cross community are each loving and generous characters, each with their own secrets and hardships, who you totally feel yourself taking into your heart. Whilst allowing you to become invested into their lives more and more with each passing book. It's always great to meet your old friends again in the next book and watch how their lives become what they wanted from it throughout their own book. The community spirit in Heartcross at many of the events speaks right to your soul. Something you can only hope is replicated in your own community. They also show you the raw sides to remote village life as well as the emotions this brings. Which nearly always leaves the community rallying.
This book is a great romance read. Although their are some emotional subjects included in this book such as forced adoption, death, injury and family feuds 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 each character faces and you feel yourself trying to unpick the mystery which evolves with every passing page. Whilst being thankful that Christie brings up and raises the profile of important and often taboo subjects in modern Britain.
However I did find the first 20% was a bit slow going but once I passed that I flew through and felt myself wanting to pick it up whenever I physically could. I stayed up until 2am to finish it.
I Cannot wait to read the next book as always.
I would also say that I much prefer the titles like the other books of eg "Heartcross Castle." I feel changing it to the long title it now is 1, doesn't roll off of the tongue so easy and 2, isn't in keeping with the love heart Lane brand. This doesn't effect the book hence my review is no different but just a thought for the publishers and one I also said in book number 8 and 9 as well.
This is a truly heartwarming story.
I have read all of this series of books and they get better every time..
Bea goes to heartcross after leaving her cheating boyfriend. Only to fall inlove with heartcross and the gorgeous Nolan and decided to stay for good .
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Bea decides to do some traveling after her wedding eas called off. She finds a job she loves and meets a man who makes her forget her former fiancee. This was a quick read.