Member Reviews
Coming Home to Tuppenny Bridge is a lovely (could be stand alone) book, full of heart and community.
Like the other Tuppenny Bridge books, it isn't cutie or kitsch with everyone magically getting their happily ever after. These stories deal with real emotions and have realistic characters with, sometimes, devastating flaws. It's one of the more realistic fiction stories I have read when it comes to the mistakes people can make and secrets they hide.
Sharon Booth has such a flow to her writing and whether you know the characters of old or are reading about them afresh, they really come to life and hook you in immediately.
This story of Bethany, Joseph and Clive really brought out the emotion. From sorrow to happiness to furiously angry to content, as any good writing does.
My thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy to read. All opinions are my own. This review has also been published on Storygraph and Goodreads and will be on Amazon.
Bethany returned to Tuppenny Bridge after hearing that her estranged brother had passed away, bringing back many unhappy memories. She is shocked to find that her childhood home has been turned into a horse sanctuary, preventing her from immediately selling it as she had planned.
This is one of those books that I became emotionally involved in, really feeling for Bethany as she is forced to relive the situations that forced her to move away decades before. She is also a loner who has never settled down in one place since a failed marriage and finds the return to her home town a struggle. There is a positive side with the new friendships that she makes and the older ones that are revived. I really loved this book, as I'm sure many readers will, especially if they have read the previous books in this series, but be prepared for the occasional tear in the eye.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.
This book written by Sharon Booth was Unputdownable and had me reaching for the tissues.
Bethany receives some news from her friend which makes her head to her childhood home, the place where she’s not been back for a long, long time. But what exactly happened that made her want to leave, and not stay in contact with her only family, her brother Joseph?
The story had so many twists, that you have to continue reading, to know what happens next.
It felt sad reading what happened in Bethany’s life ages ago and when things didn’t go as she wants, yet you felt happy for her when something good takes place.
It was also lovely to catch up with the other characters and see what’s happening in their lives.
I highly recommend this book.
Tuppenny Bridge has wormed its way into my heart, and I was thrilled to read this latest instalment. This time, we were focused on Bethany and her return to her childhood home. In the last book, we heard about her brother, Joseph, and met a local vet, Clive Browning.
Bethany’s past is littered with the kind of anguish that would seriously impact any heart. However, Bethany is oblivious to the wounds she is carrying around with her, and I genuinely felt great sympathy for her. As the book progresses, more and more of her life experiences are revealed, and I was moved to tears at the heartbreaks that she had endured.
As in any community, Bethany’s return sets tongues wagging, and the rumour mill turns quickly, grinding out all manner of theories about her return to Tuppenny Bridge. Thankfully, she discovers a few allies, although she generates a few less positive reactions. Central to this story is the home for rescued horses that her brother set up despite not having the funds needed. As Bethany’s fondness for horses began to return, I remembered being a young girl who desperately wanted her own horse until new distractions appeared.
Clive certainly captured my imagination, and I could almost hear his Scottish burr with each line of dialogue. His patience seemed unending despite knowing Bethany’s plans for the rescue. I think I understood him a lot more in the passage where he was called to an abandoned mare and her foal.
Bethany’s story arc saw some intense character development, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing her progress from the earlier pages of being determined to sell up and leave to seeing a chance of a future in Tuppenny Bridge.
This is a book with a huge heart. I turned the pages at quite the pace and stayed up beyond a sensible bedtime even though I had work the next day. I love romantic fiction, particularly the promise of a happy ending. Still, Sharon Booth expects her readers to earn the ending, and I definitely felt that I deserved the final pages. Another smashing story that I can highly recommend, and I’m already looking forward to my next trip to Tuppenny Bridge.
After receiving an advanced copy of this, I thought I'd better read the advanced copy of book 3 first. I actually started at book 1 on audio about a month ago to read the whole series and catch up before starting this one. The book can be read as a standalone but it's nice to have the complete backstories.
I was surprised in this book that the tragedy of 14 years ago was still part of the story (a small part though). It's obviously a small and intertwined community!
In this one Bethany returns to find her childhood home is now a horse sanctuary, when all she wanted to do was sell it. Bethany goes on quite a journey of forgiveness, understanding and change in the space of about a month.
The characters of Tuppenny Bridge are so swell written that you kind of know how they're going to react to everything (if you've read the full series). Isobel Lavender is still awful and dislikeable. It felt like Noah and Isabel's story has been set up in book 3 and 4, so hopefully that will be resolved on book 5.
My only issue with this book is that there's no resolution on why there's a rocking horse in her childhood bedroom.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book just wasn't for me. I was so bored throughout, but I kept reading expecting something to happen and make it more interesting. Sadly, that never happened.
I really enjoy reading stories about mature people in mature relationships, at least usually. This story was just a snoozefest though, and never picked up. Very ho-hum.
I was appalled by Bethany's ex-husband and "best friends" behavior. It didn't seem to fit the rest of the book, either.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
What a good book! The story grabs you from page one and never really lets go! I didn’t realize it was part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I really liked all the characters in the book. I like the thought of the rescue and equine center. It’s full of emotions and sadness with the promise of joy to come.
Definitely recommend
Another enjoyable story about Tuppenny Bridge. Bethany returns to her home village after many years away. Her memories are not pleasant, and she plans to sell her family home and move on quickly. However, as always, the community and her brother's legacy force her to rethink. This story had me feeling sad for her and happy at different times. Perhaps the ending is predictable, but the story is worth reading. I think I might have liked to live in such a community, with people who look out for each other, even when it is not wanted!
Although this is book 4 in the series it is not necessary to have read the previous books first. A nice holiday read.
This is quite a complex, emotional, story but it beautifully told.
Bethany Marshal approached the pretty Yorkshire village of Tupenny Bridge with dread in her heart, it had been many years since she had walked out leaving the animals that she loved behind. Bethany had good memories of her childhood at Whispering Willows with the mother that she loved and her older brother, Joseph, who she adored but her mother had died and Joseph had betrayed her, the hurt and anger had built up over many years and now it was deep seated.
Joseph had died and Bethany was back to sell Whispering Willows, the house that she grew up in, the house that she owned, the house that she now hated. Bethany just wanted to sell up quickly and return to Devon but that wasn't going to be as easy as she thought, the house was in a bad state of repair and Joseph had turned it into a horse sanctuary with many resident horses, ponies and not forgetting a cute little dog.
Vet Clive Browning had been Joseph's best friend and he was looking after the animals until Bethany arrived, he, and his two young assistants were distraught to find that Bethany was selling up and all the animals were to be rehomed.
Rehoming rescue animals was not an easy task, Bethany and Clive became closer as Bethany pondered her choices, but both of them had complicated pasts.
This story made me laugh, it made me cry, and it frustrated me, the author has covered many emotive subjects with sensitivity but still managed to bring the story to a lovely emotional end.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for my ARC, my review is completely voluntary.
I enjoyed this next in the series. It was lovely coming back to tuppence Bridge again. I do hope there is more to come in this series. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
4.5 stars rounded up.
This book has it all – family drama, hope, grief, trauma, self-discovery, betrayal, redemption, and, of course, romance. This was such a cosy book, a quick read that kept me engaged from the very first page. I love the community in this series, even the village gossips! It’s a heartwarming story that sees Bethany Marshall return to Tuppenny Bridge after a 30-year absence. There’s a great lineup of characters, each with their own secrets, and some have trauma to heal from. There are some heartbreaking moments throughout and there are lessons about the importance of communication, not making assumptions, and not running from problems. For such a cosy read, there were certainly some insightful scenes that make you take stock of your own life.
It was great to see characters revisited from earlier books in the series, but this can still be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. I recommend you grab a hot drink, tissues, and make yourself comfy, as you won’t want to move from your spot once you start this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author, Sharon Booth, for an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest & unbiased review.
Sharon Booth's "Coming Home to Tuppenny Bridge" is a heartfelt exploration of family, forgiveness, and new beginnings, set against the picturesque backdrop of a charming village in springtime. This three-star read offers a pleasant escape, though it falls short in some areas.
The story follows Bethany Marshall as she returns to her childhood home, Whispering Willows, after the death of her estranged brother, Joseph. Her journey back to Tuppenny Bridge is fraught with painful memories and unresolved emotions, creating a compelling setup for a story about reconciliation and rediscovery.
Booth’s descriptions of Tuppenny Bridge are vivid and inviting, painting a beautiful picture of a village awakening in spring. The daffodil-lined streets and the serene River Skimmer provide a soothing backdrop for Bethany’s tumultuous return. The setting is one of the book's strong points, immersing readers in a quaint and idyllic world.
Bethany is a well-crafted character, and her emotional struggles are portrayed with sensitivity. Her initial reluctance to return home and her determination to sell Whispering Willows are understandable given her past. However, as she interacts with Clive Browning, her brother’s best friend, and begins to care for the animals at the sanctuary, we see a softer side of her emerge. The budding romance between Bethany and Clive adds a layer of warmth to the story, even if it feels somewhat predictable.
One of the book’s weaknesses is its pacing. The narrative sometimes drags, with certain plot points feeling repetitive. Additionally, the shattering revelation that Bethany faces towards the end is somewhat foreseeable and lacks the punch it should have had. While the emotional beats are there, they don't always land as powerfully as intended.
Despite these shortcomings, "Coming Home to Tuppenny Bridge" has its charms. The themes of forgiveness and moving forward are handled with care, and the transformation of Bethany’s character is satisfying to watch. Her journey from a place of pain to one of acceptance and hope is heartening, even if it unfolds a bit predictably.
In conclusion, "Coming Home to Tuppenny Bridge" is a pleasant read for those who enjoy stories of personal growth and small-town charm. Sharon Booth’s talent for creating a vivid setting and relatable characters shines through, making this book a worthwhile, if not entirely gripping, experience. If you're looking for a gentle, heartwarming tale, this book might just be the one for you.
Loved it, have read a few of Sharon's books and have enjoyed them, It's nice to come home to Tuppeny Bridge. It's easy to follow, yet engaging. If you enjoy losing yourself to an easy to follow great community read, this is a definite book to read.
'Coming Home to Typpenny Bridge' was an absolute delight. Sharon Booth created sympathetic characters with complicated lives. Bethany's efforts to overcome extreme childhood trauma without any true support system was poignant beyond words. Witnessing her growth and discovery of love and community was something I won't soon forget. I would give this more than 5 stars if I could!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
As spring arrives in Tuppenny Bridge, daffodils line the cobbled streets. Bethany Marshall returns home after thirty years when her estranged brother Joseph dies, stirring up memories of happier times and heartache.
Whispering Willows, which is Bethany’s childhood home, is now a neglected horse refuge, and Bethany plans to sell it as fast as she can. As she begins organising to sell, she starts spending time with Clive Browning, her brothers best friend - old and new feelings start to swirl.
Just when she starts to see hope for a new beginning, a shocking revelation shakes her world. Set in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, this emotional story is about love, hope, and forgiveness. Fans of Heidi Swain, Cathy Bramley, and Milly Johnson will adore it.
This is the fourth book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I recommend starting from the beginning for maximum enjoyment. This series first introduced me to this author.
This installment is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, introducing new characters while reconnecting with old ones. Returning to Tuppenny Bridge feels like coming home to a beloved village with a lovely community spirit.
I hope this isn’t the last book in the series, as I'd love to see how the characters' lives continue to progress.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing.
Equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. What a lovely novel following Bethany back to her hometown when visiting for her brother's funeral.
"Coming Home to Tuppenny Bridge" by Sharon Booth captures the emotional journey of Bethany Marshal, who returns to her estranged family home after her brother Joseph's death. Estranged from her family due to past betrayals and abuse, Bethany plans to sell Whispering Willows, her childhood home. However, she discovers Joseph's work in rescuing abused animals and begins to heal. Supported by Clive, a kind vet, Bethany confronts her past, experiences emotional growth, and finds new love. The novel addresses heavy themes like abuse and betrayal with sensitivity, culminating in a heartfelt and redemptive conclusion.
What a wonderful feel good story. There was mystery, romance and a sense of wellbeing within the small community of Tuppenny Bridge. A lighthearted book well worth reading.
I liked visiting some of the characters in this quant little town again, although I still think the book was a bit long. I felt like it was repetitive in many way, and I found myself skipping through the last fourth of the book, because I really wanted to see how things ended.
Get your tissues ready for Coming Home to Tuppenny Bridge by Sharon Booth. What was so bad that Bethany Marshall would leave her home for over 30 years, cutting all connection with her only living relative, her brother Joseph.? And what would bring her back to Tuppenny Bridge?
There were so many twists in this content rich plot. I connected with Bethany from page one and felt her pain throughout the book. I rejoiced with her when good things happened and cried when she felt pain.
Releases July 8th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.