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emmacr2024's review against another edition
4.0
I really do love Donna Ashcroft's books as her stories are ones that make you happy. Every book always give you that cosy, uplifting feeling with such picturesque idyllic settings. Add in a dash of romance and you are good to go and you know once you begin reading you'll become completely lost in the world she has created. To be honest I was hoping for another book based in and around Sunflower Island as I thought the last two books that author has set there were simply brilliant. But that wasn't to be the case and this new book The Little Village of New Starts takes us to the Scotland and to the home of Evie Stuart on Buttermead Farm. Within the first chapter my disappointment at not returning to Sunflower Island quickly vanished as I just had this feeling that this setting, these new characters and the plot that would unfold would be just as magical and special and I was delighted to be proven right. It still strikes me, even though I read lots and lots of books each year, how you know more or less pretty early on that such a book will hit the spot for you as a reader whereas others just don't give off that feeling of I desperately need to continue reading this. I loved every minute of this wonderful book and I didn't want it to end so much that I hope there will be a return visit to Buttermead Farm in the not too distant future.
Evie is living on the family farm with her parents, Grant and Fiona and her granny Agnes. They have yurts which they offer to holiday makers as a sideline to the running of the farm. Evie is in charge of these and she loves the work and the farm. I have to say the descriptions of the farm and the surrounding area were just superb throughout the entire book, the magnificent scenery and the inclusion of wonderful descriptions of nature and wildlife really added to the book. The nearby loch which Evie likes to visit for some quiet time to contemplate different things plays an important role throughout especially as Agnes informs Evie of a legend regarding the loch that she swears by. I can't forget to mention Daisy, the little pygmy goat, who follows Evie around like a little puppy. It's always great to have a furry friend featured in a book to add that aww factor and to also laugh and smile at the comedic value they offer.
Evie was a carefully constructed character, very well rounded in that we saw all sides to her but still she held some things back and was afraid to truly let go and give into feelings that emerge throughout the book. She was someone willing to push herself out of her comfort zone and help others when they needed but I wondered was she always able to do that when it came to herself? She did bury herself away on the farm to avoid people but I loved that when best friend Meg needed help to save her shop that Evie wasn't obstinate and she did help her out. I loved this strand of the story with Meg and it popped up throughout at just the right points to take the reader away from the journey of Evie and Callum and let us focus on some other challenges. The Jampionships provided some funny moments but were also a great idea to bring some of the strands of the overall story together.
Clearly Evie is hurting from something in the past and when this situation becomes known to the reader you do feel desperately sorry for her and can understand how much of a head wreck it must have been given she had placed her faith and trust in something that turned out to be built upon lies and deceit. The feelings of guilt and hurt creep up on her often and all her family members are worried about her but maybe she just needs time to come to terms with things. She does have a boyfriend, librarian Jason, but you can tell that she is just going through the motions and from the little we see of him he really isn't the man for Evie. With the arrival of an American guest, Callum Ryder, who has come to find someone in the area that could be related to him things are up scuttled for Evie and she's not sure if she is happy or confident the direction her life begins to take. But I thought maybe this is exactly what needs to happen to show Evie there is life outside of the little cocoon of unhappiness she has created for herself and OK she may have sworn she would never allow the same thing to happen to her again but at the same time she has to take risks and chances in life. A broken heart is no excuse for Evie to hide herself away from life. She is fearful of making mistakes again but if we all adopted that attitude we would get no where in life.
Callum's arrival is a catalyst of change for Evie but that's not to say she welcomes him with open arms after all he is a guest. Callum is escaping his problems in New York but really our problems don't remain where they originated, they stay with us until we find the courage to resolve them no matter how long that may take. Callum from his descriptions was gorgeous and fit seen as he was a fire-fighter and yes you really wanted him to connect with Evie. His main aim is to find his long lost grandfather. A series of letters with just an initial as a signature is all he has to go on but using the descriptions of the countryside mentioned in the letters Evie sets about helping him to hopefully uncover the truth. I did have my suspicions fairly early on as to who Callum's grandfather could have been and I was proven correct. I felt quite smug about the fact that I had guessed but I was eager to see what were the exact circumstances surrounding everything.
Callum in a similar way to Evie was hiding things and hurting and his back story and the reasons for his reticence in speaking about his past were truly understandable when things do become known. I wouldn't have thought such a topic would have been dealt with in a women's fiction story that some people may think to be light and fluffy and very easy reads but I was so glad that the author chose to bring this issue to the readers attention. I thought it was handled in the most perfect way and it showed Callum's sensitive side and that despite him being all masculine and strong and a lover of the great outdoors that he did have his vulnerable and emotional side in a similar way to Evie. If they could both admit and confront their fears then maybe the journey they embark upon together to find Callum's grandfather will prove more fruitful in more ways than one.
Callum brings plenty of surprises to Evie's life when all she wanted was for her life to be safe and predictable and I can see this book is neither of these things. It's a pure joy to read from start to finish which teaches us so many life lessons and the characters are really taken out of their comfort zones. It shows us how family, friends and of course community play such a vital role in our lives and they should never be underestimated. Evie and Callum's story had me from page one and didn't relinquish it's grip until the final word. If you want to take your mind off everything going on right now I wouldn't hesitate to recommend The Little Village of New Starts it's such a fabulous enjoyable read.
Evie is living on the family farm with her parents, Grant and Fiona and her granny Agnes. They have yurts which they offer to holiday makers as a sideline to the running of the farm. Evie is in charge of these and she loves the work and the farm. I have to say the descriptions of the farm and the surrounding area were just superb throughout the entire book, the magnificent scenery and the inclusion of wonderful descriptions of nature and wildlife really added to the book. The nearby loch which Evie likes to visit for some quiet time to contemplate different things plays an important role throughout especially as Agnes informs Evie of a legend regarding the loch that she swears by. I can't forget to mention Daisy, the little pygmy goat, who follows Evie around like a little puppy. It's always great to have a furry friend featured in a book to add that aww factor and to also laugh and smile at the comedic value they offer.
Evie was a carefully constructed character, very well rounded in that we saw all sides to her but still she held some things back and was afraid to truly let go and give into feelings that emerge throughout the book. She was someone willing to push herself out of her comfort zone and help others when they needed but I wondered was she always able to do that when it came to herself? She did bury herself away on the farm to avoid people but I loved that when best friend Meg needed help to save her shop that Evie wasn't obstinate and she did help her out. I loved this strand of the story with Meg and it popped up throughout at just the right points to take the reader away from the journey of Evie and Callum and let us focus on some other challenges. The Jampionships provided some funny moments but were also a great idea to bring some of the strands of the overall story together.
Clearly Evie is hurting from something in the past and when this situation becomes known to the reader you do feel desperately sorry for her and can understand how much of a head wreck it must have been given she had placed her faith and trust in something that turned out to be built upon lies and deceit. The feelings of guilt and hurt creep up on her often and all her family members are worried about her but maybe she just needs time to come to terms with things. She does have a boyfriend, librarian Jason, but you can tell that she is just going through the motions and from the little we see of him he really isn't the man for Evie. With the arrival of an American guest, Callum Ryder, who has come to find someone in the area that could be related to him things are up scuttled for Evie and she's not sure if she is happy or confident the direction her life begins to take. But I thought maybe this is exactly what needs to happen to show Evie there is life outside of the little cocoon of unhappiness she has created for herself and OK she may have sworn she would never allow the same thing to happen to her again but at the same time she has to take risks and chances in life. A broken heart is no excuse for Evie to hide herself away from life. She is fearful of making mistakes again but if we all adopted that attitude we would get no where in life.
Callum's arrival is a catalyst of change for Evie but that's not to say she welcomes him with open arms after all he is a guest. Callum is escaping his problems in New York but really our problems don't remain where they originated, they stay with us until we find the courage to resolve them no matter how long that may take. Callum from his descriptions was gorgeous and fit seen as he was a fire-fighter and yes you really wanted him to connect with Evie. His main aim is to find his long lost grandfather. A series of letters with just an initial as a signature is all he has to go on but using the descriptions of the countryside mentioned in the letters Evie sets about helping him to hopefully uncover the truth. I did have my suspicions fairly early on as to who Callum's grandfather could have been and I was proven correct. I felt quite smug about the fact that I had guessed but I was eager to see what were the exact circumstances surrounding everything.
Callum in a similar way to Evie was hiding things and hurting and his back story and the reasons for his reticence in speaking about his past were truly understandable when things do become known. I wouldn't have thought such a topic would have been dealt with in a women's fiction story that some people may think to be light and fluffy and very easy reads but I was so glad that the author chose to bring this issue to the readers attention. I thought it was handled in the most perfect way and it showed Callum's sensitive side and that despite him being all masculine and strong and a lover of the great outdoors that he did have his vulnerable and emotional side in a similar way to Evie. If they could both admit and confront their fears then maybe the journey they embark upon together to find Callum's grandfather will prove more fruitful in more ways than one.
Callum brings plenty of surprises to Evie's life when all she wanted was for her life to be safe and predictable and I can see this book is neither of these things. It's a pure joy to read from start to finish which teaches us so many life lessons and the characters are really taken out of their comfort zones. It shows us how family, friends and of course community play such a vital role in our lives and they should never be underestimated. Evie and Callum's story had me from page one and didn't relinquish it's grip until the final word. If you want to take your mind off everything going on right now I wouldn't hesitate to recommend The Little Village of New Starts it's such a fabulous enjoyable read.
sarahthereadingaddict's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book as an ARC. It's wonderful.
I have loved this book. I love a book with romance but with a few difficult decisions along the way because life isn't fairy tail.
I love the sense of community and Agnes and Eve's relationship.
The relationships Eve has had remind me of a couple of mind (not the married one, but he was an idiot). Callum however is much like my hubby and I could really relate to this book.
Thank you Donna for a brilliant story and the description of the places they walked, the farm and the Jam competition ingenious. Loved it!
I have loved this book. I love a book with romance but with a few difficult decisions along the way because life isn't fairy tail.
I love the sense of community and Agnes and Eve's relationship.
The relationships Eve has had remind me of a couple of mind (not the married one, but he was an idiot). Callum however is much like my hubby and I could really relate to this book.
Thank you Donna for a brilliant story and the description of the places they walked, the farm and the Jam competition ingenious. Loved it!
readingwithmycats's review against another edition
4.0
This was cute. Definitely predictable but a sweet, heartwarming romance without being super smutty and icky.
rosemarieshort's review
3.0
Provided in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the opportunity.
New Starts is exactly what it says on the jam pot - which is no bad thing. Are you looking for romance (check x 2) are you looking for quaint Scottish village life (check), are you looking for lots of whiskey drinking and jam eating (c-c-c-check!)? Then this is the read for you.
The trope explored here is two people hiding from trauma in their past (loss, a failed relationship filled with deception) and how important it is to be open to love and life. Whilst there were some parts which I felt were rushed (Evie held back from openness and romance consistently until suddenly from one page to the next her whole demeanour shifted - would have been nice to see some reasoning for that, or a slower transition) and sometimes that negates from the emotional payoff. However there’s also a charming cast of supporting characters to make up for it. The couple of plot twists written in are hugely obvious from almost the very start, but that doesn’t really detract from the read.
New Starts’s toast and jam is charm and this is present in spades. A quarantine read that is gentle, sweet and easy going - just what I was looking for. Perfect with a dram of Whiskey and a slow Sunday indoors.
New Starts is exactly what it says on the jam pot - which is no bad thing. Are you looking for romance (check x 2) are you looking for quaint Scottish village life (check), are you looking for lots of whiskey drinking and jam eating (c-c-c-check!)? Then this is the read for you.
The trope explored here is two people hiding from trauma in their past (loss, a failed relationship filled with deception) and how important it is to be open to love and life. Whilst there were some parts which I felt were rushed (Evie held back from openness and romance consistently until suddenly from one page to the next her whole demeanour shifted - would have been nice to see some reasoning for that, or a slower transition) and sometimes that negates from the emotional payoff. However there’s also a charming cast of supporting characters to make up for it. The couple of plot twists written in are hugely obvious from almost the very start, but that doesn’t really detract from the read.
New Starts’s toast and jam is charm and this is present in spades. A quarantine read that is gentle, sweet and easy going - just what I was looking for. Perfect with a dram of Whiskey and a slow Sunday indoors.
mushmysteriesandmore's review
5.0
I’ve always wanted to return to Scotland one day. I last went as a teenager, so my memories are very blurred and vague. Some things stand out due to family reminisces, but I’m sure I didn’t appreciate my surroundings’ beauty back then, which is why I wish to return. This book only served to fuel that desire due to Miss Ashcroft’s excellent writing.
The setting was fantastic, which only served to bring out the characters’ life, or perhaps it was the other way around. Whichever way it worked, the author brought the characters to life, all in their unique way. Evie is almost a hermit; she shies away from people and only ventures out when she thinks nobody else is around. She believes everyone is talking about her and her mistakes when, in reality, they aren’t. So she avoids social contact until Callum practically falls into her life. He’s also trying to forget his past mistakes (although the error is only his guilt, making it seem like a mistake). Thrown together on a mission to find Callum’s long lost grandfather, they let go of the things holding them back and challenge each other’s fears.
I loved Evie’s grandmother Agnes too. Rather than being just a secondary character to complement the main characters, she has her own story to tell. She is also instrumental in the theme of second chances, proving they can come at any age.
This story was an enjoyable adventure and even held a few surprises along the way, which this genre is not known for. That’s one of the beauties of chick-lit for me, and I like being sure of a happy ending. This tale had that and so much more, so it’s a big thumbs up from me.
The setting was fantastic, which only served to bring out the characters’ life, or perhaps it was the other way around. Whichever way it worked, the author brought the characters to life, all in their unique way. Evie is almost a hermit; she shies away from people and only ventures out when she thinks nobody else is around. She believes everyone is talking about her and her mistakes when, in reality, they aren’t. So she avoids social contact until Callum practically falls into her life. He’s also trying to forget his past mistakes (although the error is only his guilt, making it seem like a mistake). Thrown together on a mission to find Callum’s long lost grandfather, they let go of the things holding them back and challenge each other’s fears.
I loved Evie’s grandmother Agnes too. Rather than being just a secondary character to complement the main characters, she has her own story to tell. She is also instrumental in the theme of second chances, proving they can come at any age.
This story was an enjoyable adventure and even held a few surprises along the way, which this genre is not known for. That’s one of the beauties of chick-lit for me, and I like being sure of a happy ending. This tale had that and so much more, so it’s a big thumbs up from me.
books_over_everything's review
5.0
**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**
Title The Little Village of New Starts
Author Donna Ashcroft
Description from Amazon
Sometimes turning everything upside down feels just right…
Evie Stuart is playing it safe. She lives on her family’s remote farm in the Scottish Highlands and never ventures beyond the local village of Lockton. The most unpredictable events in her life are the antics of Miss Daisy, her grandmother Agnes’s pygmy goat. She’s learned that bad things happen when she’s impulsive, and she’s determined not to get burned again.
Callum Ryder is exactly the opposite of what Evie wants in her ordered world. Six foot two of reckless energy with twinkling eyes and a dangerously charming smile, he’s a thrill-seeking American firefighter with no idea how to slow down. Callum enters Lockton like a whirlwind, fleeing his problems in New York City in search of the truth about his Scottish family.
Yet the pair might have more in common than they think… When the well-meaning Agnes persuades her to help Callum find his grandfather, Evie finds herself being challenged more than she has in years: from swimming in the fabled Bonnie Lochan to exploring an ancient castle and even entering the village jam-making championships. Turns out it’s easy for Evie and Callum to connect when they let go of their fears and enjoy the most surprising summer of their lives.
But getting close to Callum so quickly soon starts to look like it might ruin everything for Evie: she’s heading for a disaster exactly like the one that destroyed her a year ago when she fell for the wrong man and let him change her life. Maybe a fresh start isn’t going to be so simple after all… Is the safe haven Evie’s built about to crumble down around her?
Release Date May 12, 2020
Initial Thoughts
I loved The Christmas Countdown by Donna Ashcroft so I knew when she had a new book available, that I wanted to read it. It is wrong that I kind of want to read Christmas books right now? Anyway, back on topic. I was excited to read this book. I really enjoy books set in Scotland and I also like Donna Ashcroft’s writing style.
Some Things I Liked
Scotland as a setting. Lochton sounds like such a great place to visit. Filled with family and warm memories. I loved the rich descriptions and this book only fueled my desire to travel / retire there.
Miss Daisy and Tiki. I loved the role animals played in the story. It can be hard to give animals real personality in contemporary stories, as there is no magical element to lean on. But, I think it was really well done in this story. I felt like I knew both the goat and parrot well by the end of the story and they felt like they were characters just as much as anyone else in the story.
Nana Agnes. I loved her. She reminds me of a Scottish version of my grandma. She was a perfect side character and I loved her story almost as much as Evie and Callum’s.
Series Value
I would definitely continue reading this series if Donna Ashcroft chooses to set more books here. I’d like to see stories about Meg and Lilith as well as a bit of an epilogue for Evie and Callum. I liked the ending, but I wouldn’t be opposed to more.
Final Thoughts
This was a super fast read, started at around 9pm and finished at about 1am. I liked the story, engaged with the characters, and confirmed what I already knew, that I was a fan of Donna Ashcroft. If you are looking for a quick, rom-com, definitely check this one out.
Final note, this book is available for free with Kindle Unlimited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
The Christmas Countdown by Donna Ashcroft – if you liked the writing style and small town setting, try this Christmas release by Donna Ashcroft.
The Little Teashop in Tokyo by Julie Caplin – if you liked the themes of a main character who didn’t totally trust her judgement in men (or herself), try this upcoming June 2020 release.
The Move by Whitney Dineen – if you’re looking for a bit of a gender bent version of The Little Village of New Starts look no further. In The Move, our heroine moves to a new town, discovers a part of herself that she had lost, and meets a nice local guy.
Title The Little Village of New Starts
Author Donna Ashcroft
Description from Amazon
Sometimes turning everything upside down feels just right…
Evie Stuart is playing it safe. She lives on her family’s remote farm in the Scottish Highlands and never ventures beyond the local village of Lockton. The most unpredictable events in her life are the antics of Miss Daisy, her grandmother Agnes’s pygmy goat. She’s learned that bad things happen when she’s impulsive, and she’s determined not to get burned again.
Callum Ryder is exactly the opposite of what Evie wants in her ordered world. Six foot two of reckless energy with twinkling eyes and a dangerously charming smile, he’s a thrill-seeking American firefighter with no idea how to slow down. Callum enters Lockton like a whirlwind, fleeing his problems in New York City in search of the truth about his Scottish family.
Yet the pair might have more in common than they think… When the well-meaning Agnes persuades her to help Callum find his grandfather, Evie finds herself being challenged more than she has in years: from swimming in the fabled Bonnie Lochan to exploring an ancient castle and even entering the village jam-making championships. Turns out it’s easy for Evie and Callum to connect when they let go of their fears and enjoy the most surprising summer of their lives.
But getting close to Callum so quickly soon starts to look like it might ruin everything for Evie: she’s heading for a disaster exactly like the one that destroyed her a year ago when she fell for the wrong man and let him change her life. Maybe a fresh start isn’t going to be so simple after all… Is the safe haven Evie’s built about to crumble down around her?
Release Date May 12, 2020
Initial Thoughts
I loved The Christmas Countdown by Donna Ashcroft so I knew when she had a new book available, that I wanted to read it. It is wrong that I kind of want to read Christmas books right now? Anyway, back on topic. I was excited to read this book. I really enjoy books set in Scotland and I also like Donna Ashcroft’s writing style.
Some Things I Liked
Scotland as a setting. Lochton sounds like such a great place to visit. Filled with family and warm memories. I loved the rich descriptions and this book only fueled my desire to travel / retire there.
Miss Daisy and Tiki. I loved the role animals played in the story. It can be hard to give animals real personality in contemporary stories, as there is no magical element to lean on. But, I think it was really well done in this story. I felt like I knew both the goat and parrot well by the end of the story and they felt like they were characters just as much as anyone else in the story.
Nana Agnes. I loved her. She reminds me of a Scottish version of my grandma. She was a perfect side character and I loved her story almost as much as Evie and Callum’s.
Series Value
I would definitely continue reading this series if Donna Ashcroft chooses to set more books here. I’d like to see stories about Meg and Lilith as well as a bit of an epilogue for Evie and Callum. I liked the ending, but I wouldn’t be opposed to more.
Final Thoughts
This was a super fast read, started at around 9pm and finished at about 1am. I liked the story, engaged with the characters, and confirmed what I already knew, that I was a fan of Donna Ashcroft. If you are looking for a quick, rom-com, definitely check this one out.
Final note, this book is available for free with Kindle Unlimited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
The Christmas Countdown by Donna Ashcroft – if you liked the writing style and small town setting, try this Christmas release by Donna Ashcroft.
The Little Teashop in Tokyo by Julie Caplin – if you liked the themes of a main character who didn’t totally trust her judgement in men (or herself), try this upcoming June 2020 release.
The Move by Whitney Dineen – if you’re looking for a bit of a gender bent version of The Little Village of New Starts look no further. In The Move, our heroine moves to a new town, discovers a part of herself that she had lost, and meets a nice local guy.
robinlovesreading's review
4.0
Evie Stuart and Callum Ryder could not be more different. She leads a quiet ad practical life, while Callum is as impuslive as they come. Callum is visiting in Scotland to try and learn of his family's Scottish heritage. Callum's search is what brings him in contact with Evie, and he really shakes up her life.
Callum only plans on being in Scotland for the summer, because he is a firefighter in New York and that certainly keeps him very busy. However, despite their differences, as Evie helps Callum trace his roots, they find time to really enjoy some of the sites - and each other. With the thousands of miles that would be between them when Callum finally goes home definitely does not bode well for a future together, despite the flair of attraction that quickly sparks into a flame.
I love the lessons in this story. For Evie, it was learning to let go and have fun. For both of them, trust played a huge role. After all, their hearts were soon on the line. This busy but endearing story had a few different characters that played a lot into what was going on. One such character was Evie's Nana Agnes, a no-nonsense but playful person. The Little Village of New Starts was an enjoyable read from start to finish and makes the fourth book I have read by Donna Ashcroft. So, when her titles come up for review, I don't even need to read the description...it is a definite Yes!
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
Callum only plans on being in Scotland for the summer, because he is a firefighter in New York and that certainly keeps him very busy. However, despite their differences, as Evie helps Callum trace his roots, they find time to really enjoy some of the sites - and each other. With the thousands of miles that would be between them when Callum finally goes home definitely does not bode well for a future together, despite the flair of attraction that quickly sparks into a flame.
I love the lessons in this story. For Evie, it was learning to let go and have fun. For both of them, trust played a huge role. After all, their hearts were soon on the line. This busy but endearing story had a few different characters that played a lot into what was going on. One such character was Evie's Nana Agnes, a no-nonsense but playful person. The Little Village of New Starts was an enjoyable read from start to finish and makes the fourth book I have read by Donna Ashcroft. So, when her titles come up for review, I don't even need to read the description...it is a definite Yes!
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
lover_of_books91's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I was hoping I would. It took me ages to read, a fact I didn't notice until it was pointed out to me by a work colleague. This is what I like to call a braincell-killing book because you will feel your brain cells dying just from the effort of trying to keep track of the story. There are way too many plot points, do we really need the rivalry between the friend and the hotel owner?