If you are in the mood for a book that is comforting and hopeful then look no further. Rowan Hill was idyllic and its occupants were vividly rendered. Set in Shropshire, England in a hamlet nestled into the side of the Stiperstones, the author has created a setting that you want to visit.

Thirty-four year old Ellie Hesketh is house-sitting for a friend – a perfect location to recover from a rather devastating break-up. Her neighbour is Will McLennan who has a reputation with the locals of being taciturn and reclusive. To Ellie’s surprise, Will is the same man who rescued her from a nasty car accident previously.

The novel takes a look at coping mechanisms, what we do to overcome tragedy, disappointments, or loss.

Women’s fiction with more than a little predictable romance but with some serious issues layered beneath the surface. Themes of starting over, acceptance, misunderstandings, guilt, and kismet.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent at Rowan Hill and recommend “Letting In Light” to readers who enjoy escapist women’s fiction that is good for the soul.

I so wanted to enjoy this book but sadly I struggled through it and ended up skimming through parts of it.

Letting in light by Emma Davies.
Rowan Hill means many things to many people, but to Ellie Hesketh it represents new beginnings. Putting her life back together after a break-up is going to take time, but the crumbling country estate—as much in need of TLC as she is—seems the perfect place to do it.

But Ellie is not the only person for whom Rowan Hill is a refuge. There’s Will, damaged and complicated, whose secrets almost nobody knows. And Finn, his brother, who’s finally decided to stop running from his own past. As Ellie is drawn further into saving the estate, she can’t help but try saving the brothers too—and she’s sure she knows just how to go about it. The trouble is, she’s been accused of meddling before…

By turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, this story of friendship, forgiveness and unexpected romance reveals the lies we tell to hide dark secrets—and what can happen when we let in a little light.

This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters.  A lovely feel good read. 4*.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this free readers edition. In exchange I am providing an honest review.



What a fantastic story. What a refreshing take on the expected boy meets girl, they fall in love, they break up, they get back together. In fact, this was a totally different kind of take on the usual kind of story.

Ellie and Will meet in very...intense...situation for a very brief moment. A year later they meet up again, without intending to. Ellie has moved into a Lodge on an estate that just so happens to be owned and run by Will. When they see each other again they are surprised by the recognition. A friendship forms as each have healing to do from past relationships and experiences. As healing happens light enters back into each of their worlds, will it ~ can it ~ meet up to create an even brighter light?

I love the way Davies crafted this tale. I love that Will had demons to deal with, more so than Ellie - so refreshing from the tale in which the woman is usually the one having to deal with the dark demons. I love that Davies wrote conflict in to the story and there was no running away but a sticking it out. I love that Davies brought to life community. This is a really touching story. I've not read Emma Davies work before but this won't be the only one I pick up.

I really enjoyed the book, it has everything I love in a novel from start to finish. I can’t wait to read what the author has planned next!

This was quite a powerful story, and a step up from other books in this genre. I look forward to reading more from Emma Davies in the future.