The Little Island Flower Stall is a cozy read, sprinkled with some suspense. The dynamic of Bella and Celestine kept me turning the page. The setting of Jersey Island added to the cozy feel, and painted a lovely familial picture. The themes of this novel include heartbreak, healing from trauma and moving forward. I got through this book quite fast, but once the book ended I was a bit confused, I sat there for a second, thinking I must have missed something. <spoiler>The ending felt a bit rushed. I would have loved to see more of Bella and Rory's story after their argument, and how they work through their hardships </spoiler>
I would give this book a 3.4- Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

I really like this author's books, so when I got the chance to read this one, I didn't hesitate!

Bella finds out her husband cheated on her and so goes to Jersey to lick her wounds and spend some time with her great-aunt, who is in need a helping hand. Her great-aunt is very elderly but runs a flower stall, which she isn't able to do with her injury. As Bella settles into life on Jersey, she finds out some things about the past that she didn't know about....and what has that got to do with an intriguing bloke that she met??

Lovely story, romantic, but not soppy. I was very close to my great-aunt too and so this book had special appeal to me. I like that the story revolved around real events that happened in the war, as well.

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

Another brilliant book by Tilly Tennant

Bella leaves her husband after finding out he’s cheated again. She goes to Jersey to help her great aunt run her flower stall.
She begins to relax and falls in love with the island. She meets Rory at the flower stall and there’s an instant spark. The two of them get chatting and Bella finds out that Rory has come to the island to find out about his family history which is a bit of a mystery.
Bella asks her aunt, Celestine, if she knows of anything but Celestine is reluctant to talk about the past. When she meets up with Rory again Bella discovers he’’s been keeping further secrets from her.
Is this just a holiday romance or can they sort out their differences?

I got absolutely swept away with this gorgeous story.
Jersey sounded fabulous, and I learned some history too.
I loved Bella and her great-aunt Celestine, who was such a character.
Rory was lovely too.
I hope this is the start of a series!
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the review copy.

The setting of the scene with a colourful flower stall on the island of Jersey was just what I wanted and needed from this book. This book had it all, it made me smile, It made me reflective, it made me laugh and it made me emotional. It is a feel good book and a book you can read easily and even fairly quickly (but not too quick as you won't want to miss anything!).

A wonderful author who writes from her heart, great characters and setting and so well written. I couldn't put this book down for a minute! Loved it!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Little Island Flower Stall was such a beautiful and heartwarming read filled with so much depth and devastating secrets. Bella was a lovely leading lady who I very much enjoyed following. I especially love her great-aunt, Celestine - she had so much depth and pain within her that she had held close to her chest for a very long time. The mystery behind Celestine and an old friend definitely had my attention the most, it was heart-breaking and so raw that you could feel the pain of such a big secret through the pages. It took me a moment to really get into the romance aspect of this story between Bella and Rory but it eventually melded in really well and left the readers very open-ended as to where their relationship would go next.

Loved this story a very emotional one. Bella's husband cheats on her and she decides to leave him. She goes to her parents to stay until she gets settled. He father tells her about her great -aunt in Jersey injuring her ankle and could use some help especially opening her flower stall. Belle decided that she would go and help and maybe it could help her too. She goes and seems to fit right in with the town. She meets Rory who is there to try to find out who his lost grandfather is. She decides to help him , thinking her great -aunt Celestine could help. See how that goes. Journey with Belle and see how things go for her. Does she go back home or stay in Jersey?

The Little Island Flower Stall is an emotional and heartwarming read. The characters are all fabulously delightful, especially Bella’s great aunt Celestine. The unraveling of past mysteries and the butterflies of burdening romance gave me all the feels! The setting is the place of dreams and I felt like I could imagine myself on the beaches of Jersey with Bella. I didn’t want my adventures with Bella, Celestine and Rory to end!

I have posted this review on Amazon, StoryGraph, Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7088440205

And Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFku_2FpAJM/?igsh=MWIwMHR6bzd2Y2d6dQ==

I received this book from Bookouture for a book tour in exchange for my honest review.

This is a great feel-good story. The setting itself is cute enough, and the interesting plot makes you want to read this book nonstop. There were laughs, and there were tears, but altogether it was an amazing time!

Bella, 40, has just discovered that her husband, Sean, has cheated on her again. She is finished with him and decides to leave. She learns from her parents that her great aunt, Celestine, who lives on Jersey Island has broken her ankle and needs help running her flower stall for six weeks. Bella had visited with her great aunt when she was little but has not seen her in a number of years.

Jersey is as beautiful as she remembers with sunshine and beautiful water. Celestine insists on accompanying Bella each day to her flower stall and helps to train her to make lovely bouquets.

One day, a man named Rory stops by to purchase flowers and says he is there trying to find information on his unknown grandmother. They chat and meet up several times for coffee and dinner. Bella knows that Celestine may be able to help him find his answers but she doesn’t seem interested in rehashing the past so Bella is reluctant to ask her. As Bella and Rory spend more time together, she finds herself drawn closer to him. Could she fall in love with another man so soon after her breakup? The secret that Celestine has kept for many years has haunted her and Bella hopes she will open up to her and see if she can find closure with it.

I found the close friendship and honesty between Bella and Celestine to be quite nice. The camaraderie among the close knit community is touching. Everyone looks after each other. Bella is an open character and I liked her. Celestine is a strong woman who has worked hard for many years and deserves much respect. Rory angered me at first until I realized that he had not had enough time to come clean with Bella about his past. Hope this isn't too confusing. There are a number of stories here and they all meld quite well together. Enjoy.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is a heartfelt, moving work on women’s fiction. It took me a bit to settle into the story, but once I was in, it was a true literary escape. Set on the Island of Jersey, which is both a beautiful and complicated place. This story contains weary main character Bella who has to start over at 40. She’s tired and certainly skeptical of romance having been burned in the past. But she doesn’t quit – she takes time to take stock and figure out who she is and what she wants. I liked that this story contained many elements – starting over, slow burn romance and a bit of mystery tied to WWII. This is a cozy, vividly written story that you can easily escape into. Just lovely.

If you’re after a cozy, feel-good read with a bit of mystery and romance, The Little Island Flower Stall by Tilly Tennant is a great pick. This was my first book by Tilly Tennant, and I have to say—it was such a page-turner!

Set on the beautiful island of Jersey, the story follows Bella, who escapes to her great-aunt Celestine’s seaside flower stall after discovering her husband's infidelity. The descriptions of Jersey’s beaches and charming market stalls are so vivid that I felt transported right into the setting. I’ve never read a book set in Jersey before, and I loved how unique and refreshing it felt.

One of my favorite parts of the book was Bella’s relationship with her great-aunt Celestine. At first, Celestine is a bit distant and frosty, but as the story moves along, she really warms up, and their bond becomes so sweet. Their intergenerational relationship was written beautifully and added a lot to the story.

The romance between Bella and Rory is a slow burn, which I really appreciated. There’s an air of mystery surrounding Rory, and while it’s clear from the start that there’s more to his story, he still comes across as a genuinely good guy. The twist regarding his secrets wasn’t exactly surprising, but it was still engaging to read, and I’m curious to see how their relationship will unfold.

Even though this book is mostly a cozy, uplifting read, it does touch on some serious stuff, including World War II. I’m not usually into war history, but it wasn’t overwhelming, which I appreciated. It was blended into the story in a way that didn’t take away from the warm and hopeful feel of the book.

This book made me laugh, it made me tear up, and it left me feeling all warm and happy at the end. If you love women’s fiction with an uplifting vibe, definitely give this one a go!

A gorgeous cover and a wonderful story are what await you between said cover in Tilly Tennant’s new book, The Little Island Flower Stall. You’d be forgiven for thinking that this is just another run of the mill story where the stall in question has to be saved from closure. I’ve read so many stories like this be it a café, restaurant, bookshop etc. But this is not the case at all and I was pleasantly surprised. Instead the flower stall is the means by which our main female character arrives on the island of Jersey and through the work she has to do there she is transformed. Changed from someone who was beholden to her husband Sean who tried to suppress and quash her freedom into someone who can now embrace life and all it’s challenges. But how did she come to be on the island?

Bella had forgiven Sean twice for his misdemeanours but after discovering that he has cheated for a third time and after 15 years of marriage she has plucked up the courage to leave him and not before time might I add. No matter what he promises he is never going to change and as we get to know Bella more it’s obvious that she hasn’t been in love with him and his ways for quite some time. But it’s easier said than done plucking up the courage to leave a situation that you aren’t happy in. Despite facing an unknown future she leaves the home and goes to stay with her parents knowing that she has wasted too much of her life with Sean and her personality and aspirations have been quashed for far too long. But what next for Bella? Sean had made her feel as if she could make no useful contribution to society but this tale will disprove that.

Bella’s father Brian has an aunt who lives on the island of Jersey. Celestine is 94 years old and still running her flower stall in the village of St.Rosa as she has done for decades but she has had a fall and injured her foot and needs help. This is the opportunity that Bella needs in her life. Six weeks on the island away from all the stresses and strains that her impending divorce from Sean will bring and a chance to reconnect with Celestine whom she hasn’t seen for years. Memories still remain of the many family holidays spent on the island and she regrets not connecting more with her Great Aunt in recent years but again that was all down to the controlling nature of Sean. But she is free of him now and she is getting a chance to help someone in need and at the same time hopefully find her old self again.

When Bella arrives on the island the reader quickly feels at home with glorious descriptions of the beaches, the coastline, promenade, sand dunes, the sea and the many independent shops and of course Celestine’s flower stall. It’s a healing place where community is everything and it gives Bella a sense of purpose like she has actual agency and worth. I found that Bella settled very easily into a routine on the island and through working everyday under the close supervision of Celestine that she grew in both confidence and independence and this seemed to occur quite naturally and quickly. There wasn’t any drama of oh I can’t get through the day or I am useless at this etc. She just found her groove and settled nicely into it. So much so that it allowed her own personal issues to slightly take a back seat and a different story began to emerge. One that I had not been expecting given the title and what I initially thought the book would be about. There was nothing wrong with this. In fact, it added an extra dimension to the book and made me enjoy it all the more.

Celestine is very sprightly despite her age, well at least when she is not incapacitated through injury. She is feisty and can clam up quite quickly when questioned as Bella son discovers. But the relationship that grew between the pair was lovely and I admired the mutual respect that was fostered. They both needed each other without even realising it. But what of the element of the story that made this book just that little bit different. Yes, there as a little bit of romance that did feature but that’s not what totally caught my attention. It was the mystery of Rory trying to discover his true heritage. Rory has a funny introduction when he has an unfortunate incident on the promenade with a seagull which was all observed by Bella from the flower stall. Rory is funny, charming and easy on the eye and a lovely character who was a complete contrast to Sean. There is a little spark between the pair but as she gets to know Rory better she discovers he is on a quest to find out who his grandfathers parents actually were.

I honestly didn’t expect a historical element to come into the story. I mean who would judging on the cover. Sorry for saying that but it’s true. But it worked wonderfully here and although I hate using the term cosy mystery that is almost like what the story did become but in a very good way. The history of the island under German occupation is explored and I had known a little bit having read something about it in different books many years ago but I was pleasantly learning a lot more. In doing so, a story that has been kept secret begins to be uncovered and shows that love doesn’t follow the rules and guilt shouldn’t eat us up for years but instead take that chance and seek forgiveness. All the little connections began to become apparent the further Rory and Bella dive into the past and I was thoroughly enjoying it all. It was a nice nod to all those that sacrificed so much during the war years and how the effects rippled down for several generations to come.

I loved how there was a quick intro with just the right amount of information that the reader needed to know and then boom we were into the heart of the story. I appreciated this as there was no messing around with needless filling of chapters and the nice pace that had been established at the beginning was maintained throughout. Although, I will say the ending was just that little bit too rushed and given that the book finished at the 80% mark on my Kindle there would have been room for more. But that is the only very minor issue I had and in fact the way things were left I think there is room for another follow on book. I do want to know more about Bella and Rory and in my mind there are also potentially more characters and settings on the island that could be introduced in order to turn this into a series. Well, that’s what I’m hoping for anyway but maybe Tilly Tennant has other ideas in store for her readers. But in the meantime you won’t go far wrong with this delightful, engaging, relaxing and captivating read.

Thank you @bookouture @tillytennant6000 & @netgalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

After Bella’s husband betrays her, she retreats to Jersey Island to assist her great-aunt Celestine with her flower stall. Embracing the island's charm, Bella soon meets Rory. She is attracted to him, but as she learns more about his hidden secrets, she questions whether their potential romance can truly flourish.

MY THOUGHTS: This captivating narrative effortlessly blends historical mystery with contemporary romance. I fell in love with the small-town charm of Jersey Island, complete with its patriotic community and vibrant, quirky characters, all of whom are well-developed and endearing. I was completely immersed in the unfolding drama surrounding the old mystery.

With its short chapters and compelling plot, the story, which leans more toward mystery than romance, and it moves along at a good pace. It delves into themes of healing and trust, and offers a hopeful perspective on new beginnings in the wake of past heartbreak.

I highly recommend this book to fans of historical mysteries with a touch of romance.

Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for this eARC.

Bella has just left her cheating husband and is looking for a new start when her Great Aunt Celestine presents her with the perfect opportunity. Celestine runs a flower stand by the sea on the island of Jersey but has hurt her ankle and needs help. Bella joyfully steps up to the task, ready to enjoy six weeks on the wonderful island she fondly remembers from her childhood. But Jersey, having been occupied by the Germans in WWII, has a dark past which haunts Celestine. When a charming and handsome Rory starts asking questions, seeking answers about his own history, Bella has to decide where her priorities lie.

This is a story of liberation, healing and learning to trust again. It is refreshing to have a slightly older fmc. Bella is 40 and discovering herself outside of a toxic marriage. Rory is endearing and makes Bella feel comfortable being herself around him. I love how much youthful fun they have together. Meanwhile, Celestine is an absolute icon. Her independence, compassion and drive, despite being in her 90s, are admirable. The dialogue is also filled with humour and there are many amusing, often relatable British details, which I appreciated.

One of my favourite aspects of The Little Island Flower Stall is the setting. The descriptions of Jersey are vivid and vibrant, depicting an idyllic seaside holiday destination, perfect for relaxing and exploring alike. Between the close-knit community, the scenic views and the immersive festivities, it is no wonder Bella finds herself reluctant to leave.

The plot is driven by Rory and Bella’s investigation into Jersey’s occupation years. Tennant builds suspense around what happened to Rory’s grandparents and why Celestine is so determined not to talk about it. The reveal is satisfying, if a little predictable. Nevertheless, the ending is impactful and emotional.

Overall, The Little Island Flower Shop is a cute rom-com-style book with family secrets and heart. At around 200 pages, it makes a great quick and easy escapist read.

🌸🌸🌸🌸
Tilly Tennant has another winner!
Bella leaves her cheating husband amd moves to the island of Jersey to help her ninety-four year old Great Aunt Celestine run her seaside flower stall. Bella meets Rory, who is there to find out his ancestry on the island. His story adds a touch of mystery but also reflects the terrible times during WWII.
This was an enjoyable read! If you like sweet romances with a twist of mystery, this book is for you.! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheLittleIslandFlowerStall Nurse #TillyTennant #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInASmallTown

🔹 My take: 3.75/5

🔸Bella has finally decided to split from her husband who has cheated on her multiple times. She wants to start afresh and when her aunt Celestine needs help to take care of her flower stall; she jumps on the opportunity. She learns the tricks of the trade from her aunt and meets a tourist, Rory one day. Rory is out on a search mission. Sparks fly between Bella and Rory but both are hiding something that could affect their chemistry.

💖 Wows - I have seen first time a romance genre blended with historical fiction. And the result is superb. Jersey island description was very vivid. And what I liked most was it’s not all & all out romance. The characters grow through the story gradually and spice has not been unnecessarily pushed. Celestine and Bella’s relationship as well as her parents reactions on her split was also portrayed well. The writing is simple without too many jargons. This was a cozy romance read, exactly how I wanted my December read to be.

💔 Ows - The thing which disappointed me was the end which felt a bit rushed. An epilogue providing some insights into how the stories went ahead would have been a good addition.

💫 To anyone looking for cozy clean romance with underlying stories strong in relationships; this would be a good read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨💫

Thanks to @tillytennant6000 @bookouture and @netgalley for sharing the DRC in exchange for honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In this charming new rural romance novel, readers meet Bella after she discovers that her husband cheated on her. Escaping to the island of Jersey where her great-aunt Celestine runs a seaside flower stall, Bella expects this peace and learning about flowers and life from Celestine to be temporary, but Rory’s questions about his family history and his charm might just change everything. However, this family secret might just jeopardize Bella and Celestine’s relationship, while another might risk the trust that Bella and Rory have been building. With secrets buried at the heart of the island and its World War II history, readers and Bella must find the answers and new beginnings that everyone needs for their happy endings. With a host of enjoyable and charming characters with complex backstories and personalities, readers will love this escapist new novel and the world it brings to life. The relationships between Bella and Rory and Bella and Celestine are the emotional hearts of the novel, and seeing them grow and develop is absolutely heartwarming. With the beautiful location of the island of Jersey and the charming small-town vibes of this novel, readers looking for an escapist and deeply enjoyable read will love this new novel.

Tennant is one of those authors that writes books that can touch your heart, make you smile, make you think, give you hope, and sort of break your heart all in one book. She brings us joy and beauty when Bella helps her great aunt with her flower stall. We learn about these characters and their history, what their life was like during the war and how hard it was for them. We get a little bit of romance. Bella and her aunt have such a great relationship, it’s wonderful to read. Tennant’s books are complex, but you don’t feel that as you’re reading them. You simply just enjoy reading her books.

Bella is a great introspective character. After leaving her husband, she makes this decision to help her aunt so she can get some time to clear her head. She is able to get a lot of clarity. She can clearly see what her marriage really was and what she wants to focus on for her life now. Her growth internally as a personal is beautiful to watch. She is strong and courageous.

The mystery aspect of Rory’s family and the secret that Celestine was keeping was enjoyable to read. As pieces began to be revealed, I kept turning and turning the pages so that I could learn more about the answers to the mystery. Celestine was holding onto a secret for most of her life, over 70 years. It was eating her alive. I can’t even imagine. But the closure that she gets regarding the secret was needed for her character.

The side characters and Jersey itself were all great. I really felt the sense of community. Everyone seemed friendly, everyone seemed to know each other and look out for each other. Tennant really wrote Jersey as a place that I would want to visit.

This book is out now, so make sure to check it out!

Tilly Tennant wrote a sweet story set on the island of Jersey. The setting of the island sounded so serene and peaceful. When Bella's life needs a change, she goes to help her injured aunt Celestine run her flower stall. While on Jersey, Bella engages self-reflection and what she wants in her future. She also finds herself amid a mystery in which Jersey's history and occupation becomes a focal point. Bella and Rory become close friends while they try to solve the mystery, but will it lead to more? I couldn't put this down as I hoped for Bella to find peace in her next steps in life. I also found Celestine to be so wise and sweet that I wanted more of her on the pages. Thank you to Bookouture for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!