Clover Cottage by @ChristieJBarlow ~ 99p on BookBub #Contemporary #RomanticFiction @OneMoreChapter #FridayReads

Spreading the word and re-posting my review for Clover Cottage. Right about now we could probably all do with some heart warming, uplifting stories and Clover Cottage fits the bill. It’s a book that gives you a hug and can be purchased for just 99p on BookBub. Although it’s the third book in the wonderful Love Heart Lane series, Clover Cottage can be read as a stand alone. 

Clover Cottage focusses on Rory and Allie. Rory is a vet in his father’s practice but feels constrained and frustrated by what he sees as his father’s old fashioned ways and reluctance to improve the quite small space. Allie, an amateur photographer, works in her parents’ pub and loves her life in the village, surrounded by those she loves.

Invited to Rory’s parents’ house, Allie and Rory are in turns dismayed, angry and elated by the news that Rory’s house in the village is being rented out and they have been gifted Clover Cottage by Rory’s parents. Allie is elated thinking that, although it needed a lot of work, the cottage would be their happy ever after home, perfect for them and with room for a larger veterinary practice. Rory isn’t convinced. He feels angry, seeing forcing a home on him as another measure of control.

Lives are turned upside down yet again when handsome Netflix TV star Zach Hudson, along with his Labrador, arrive in the village to record his new series featuring the Scottish Highlands. Zach is staying in one of Isla’s vans on the farm and is soon accepted into the gang of six friends. His proposed next trip throws up a dilemma for Rory as Zach offers him the chance to do something he has always dreamed of.

Rory and Allie are realistic and relatable characters. The confusion about the direction of their relationship is understandable and showcases the pitfalls of not talking things through properly. But it did give Allie pause to think perhaps new experiences weren’t something to be wary of and wonder what she might achieve in the future.

As with the previous books, I love the writing, the wonderfully described setting and the colourful characters that inhabit the village of Heartcross. There are a couple of side stories, one revelation and another poignant one that will affect Rory’s family. To offset the more sensitive and serious issues are scenes that bring smiles and laughter—a dog show with a surprise entrant and a day filming at the vet surgery. And as always, the emphasis is on family, friendship, community and love. I enjoyed the story very much and the ending was perfect.