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hemmel_mol's review
2.0
It was well narrated but the writing was bad. I missed nuance in the wording, all the emotions were too much 'in your face' . Add to that over the top villains, stereotypical secundairy characters and some tstl moments.
eliezrah's review
5.0
Wow! What an amazing book! I love all of HJ Welch's, but this is definitely my favorite by far. As usual, it's easy to get fully immersed in the story and the characters. The little bit of mystery, though, really makes the book. I couldn't put it down!
I recieved an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I recieved an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
kaitlin_durante's review against another edition
2.0
I am sad to say this book that takes place in England did not work for me at all.
Number 1: The characters annoyed me and I didn't feel that they could ever be real people. It was always AGE GAP AGE GAP AGE GAP. Enough! If it works why does it matter? Stop bringing it up. Also if you feel like he's such a grown up and you're a kid STOP ACTING LIKE A KID.
Number 2: The plot made me angry because although farfetched plots can be very enjoyable this one just felt stale. Inheritance from a foreign unknown family member leading to fighting an entire aristocratic family in England... Too much for me it appears.
Number 3: The romance was just off for me. I skimmed scenes towards the end where the intimacy was extremely important because it felt untrue to the characters who the characters were supposed to be (at least in my opinion).
Everything about this book was just too much for me. I am going to read the next because it returns to Pine Cove which will most likely return it to the nice small town romance that I've come to expect from this series.
Number 1: The characters annoyed me and I didn't feel that they could ever be real people. It was always AGE GAP AGE GAP AGE GAP. Enough! If it works why does it matter? Stop bringing it up. Also if you feel like he's such a grown up and you're a kid STOP ACTING LIKE A KID.
Number 2: The plot made me angry because although farfetched plots can be very enjoyable this one just felt stale. Inheritance from a foreign unknown family member leading to fighting an entire aristocratic family in England... Too much for me it appears.
Number 3: The romance was just off for me. I skimmed scenes towards the end where the intimacy was extremely important because it felt untrue to the characters who the characters were supposed to be (at least in my opinion).
Everything about this book was just too much for me. I am going to read the next because it returns to Pine Cove which will most likely return it to the nice small town romance that I've come to expect from this series.
valerieullmerauthor's review against another edition
5.0
While the premise of Ben, who is the only son of two older parents, inherits an estate from a great-grandmother in England he knew nothing about. When he's ambushed at his job by a lawyer who recommends he not do anything while his family in England fight the will, Elias, an older man Ben has been crushing on since he first started coming into the bakery about a year ago, steps in. Elias is a lawyer, who offers to help Ben by flying them both to England to find out if the will is valid and to meet Ben's family.
The attraction between the two men is palpable but Ben, who thinks Elias is a professional and way out of his league, and Elias, who believes Ben is too young for him, realized they have more in common. The romance seems secondary to the sense of wanting a family and acceptance. The slow build of the relationship is realistic between the two men and by the end of the book, Ben and Elias's relationship is solidly built. I enjoyed getting to know both men and moving the setting out of Pine Cove for awhile, but the characters made the book. A lovely read!!
The attraction between the two men is palpable but Ben, who thinks Elias is a professional and way out of his league, and Elias, who believes Ben is too young for him, realized they have more in common. The romance seems secondary to the sense of wanting a family and acceptance. The slow build of the relationship is realistic between the two men and by the end of the book, Ben and Elias's relationship is solidly built. I enjoyed getting to know both men and moving the setting out of Pine Cove for awhile, but the characters made the book. A lovely read!!
aftgandreil's review against another edition
3.0
For the most part I liked this book. I liked how well Ben and Elias complimented one another and what can I say? I love me some age-gap.
This was my first book by this author AND in this series — and the outcome left me wanting to go back and read this series from the start even though this can be read as a stand-alone without any confusion.
I think my only problem was how long it took me to get through it...while the characters worked well together and I liked the plot — I just felt it was dragged out a bit.
Overall though I really did enjoy this book. I am a fan of slow burn and this book showed just why I love it so much — Ben and Elias developing a friendship and then it turn a relationship was perfect.
3 stars
This was my first book by this author AND in this series — and the outcome left me wanting to go back and read this series from the start even though this can be read as a stand-alone without any confusion.
I think my only problem was how long it took me to get through it...while the characters worked well together and I liked the plot — I just felt it was dragged out a bit.
Overall though I really did enjoy this book. I am a fan of slow burn and this book showed just why I love it so much — Ben and Elias developing a friendship and then it turn a relationship was perfect.
3 stars
fairyfaum's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
novel_nomad's review
3.0
A sweet romance with two men unsure how to start a relationship across a sixteen age gap - but they are both sweethearts, so they offer friendship first in a time of trouble. The jaunt to England for a mysterious inheritance was a fun adventure that felt reminiscence of regency romance.
xanthe87's review
4.0
Well this is a book filled with a good, old fashioned English family drama with a fair bit of dramatic romance.
Ben and Elias have liked each other from a distance but when a shock is delivered to Ben at work, Elias is there to help see him through. They never expected a trip to Wiltshire, England in their future as they go in search of answers as Ben has been named the sole beneficiary of a huge estate and business. Of course, the old fuddy duddy family don't want Ben around and make him feel as unwelcome as possible. Elias is his only source of comfort and their feelings soon come to the surface, refusing to be denied any longer so that, on top of the will despute, gives the men a lot to thing about.
The middle third of the book has our MC's overthinking things A Lot. It made that part a little bit of a slog to get through but it's definitely worth it when it's cushioned by two thirds that provide such entertainment with drama, romance, feuding and new friendships. There are a lot of characters that we meet when arriving in England, half welcoming the duo and half wanting them to leave ASAP. The family that Ben goes to meet are something that he's dreamed of a he's an only child with no other family other than his parents. It's a big shock when he meets those who have very strong feelings against him being involved in any way. There's a lot of anger, controlling and possible sabotage going on adding danger to the mix for our MC's. Ben isn't the only one with stuff going on. As the two men grow so much closer, Elias reveals a part of himself that he's struggled with alone for a long time. Both men have doubts about their age differences, along with maturity, income, etc but the way Ben reacts and moves forward with Elias shows him so much more than anything else can as to how mature Ben really is.
The story is very well written. With Ben and Elias's love of English literature, England is kind of romanticised and I love the way it comes across in the author's writing. A small village filled with cottages with thatched roofs and a river running through sounds idyllic. With so much going on, the author does well to keep the story flowing well, apart from the middle segment as a I mentioned above. I enjoyed the plot of the book, a little darker than we've seen before in the series but just as interesting to read.
Definitely a really great addition to this series. Slightly longer than others but that doesn't deter from the enjoyment. A lot of interesting characters, I loved the good and the bad as you try to work out who is actually on Ben's side, apart from Elias of course.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Ben and Elias have liked each other from a distance but when a shock is delivered to Ben at work, Elias is there to help see him through. They never expected a trip to Wiltshire, England in their future as they go in search of answers as Ben has been named the sole beneficiary of a huge estate and business. Of course, the old fuddy duddy family don't want Ben around and make him feel as unwelcome as possible. Elias is his only source of comfort and their feelings soon come to the surface, refusing to be denied any longer so that, on top of the will despute, gives the men a lot to thing about.
The middle third of the book has our MC's overthinking things A Lot. It made that part a little bit of a slog to get through but it's definitely worth it when it's cushioned by two thirds that provide such entertainment with drama, romance, feuding and new friendships. There are a lot of characters that we meet when arriving in England, half welcoming the duo and half wanting them to leave ASAP. The family that Ben goes to meet are something that he's dreamed of a he's an only child with no other family other than his parents. It's a big shock when he meets those who have very strong feelings against him being involved in any way. There's a lot of anger, controlling and possible sabotage going on adding danger to the mix for our MC's. Ben isn't the only one with stuff going on. As the two men grow so much closer, Elias reveals a part of himself that he's struggled with alone for a long time. Both men have doubts about their age differences, along with maturity, income, etc but the way Ben reacts and moves forward with Elias shows him so much more than anything else can as to how mature Ben really is.
The story is very well written. With Ben and Elias's love of English literature, England is kind of romanticised and I love the way it comes across in the author's writing. A small village filled with cottages with thatched roofs and a river running through sounds idyllic. With so much going on, the author does well to keep the story flowing well, apart from the middle segment as a I mentioned above. I enjoyed the plot of the book, a little darker than we've seen before in the series but just as interesting to read.
Definitely a really great addition to this series. Slightly longer than others but that doesn't deter from the enjoyment. A lot of interesting characters, I loved the good and the bad as you try to work out who is actually on Ben's side, apart from Elias of course.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
onceupon_a_bookdream's review
3.0
3.5/5 ⭐
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Bright Horizon is the fourth book in H.J. Welch's Pine Cove series. Each book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. While this one wasn't my favorite of the series so far it was still an enjoyable read that delivers a great happily ever after.
Ben and Elias have been secretly crushing on each other for the past year. Elias is a lawyer and visiting Ben at the bakery is the highlight of his day. When Ben suddenly comes into money and discovers he has family he never knew abroad he needs someone n his corner. Elias steps in to help so that Ben doesn't get taken advantage of but it's not a hardship with his feelings towards him. Once in England, Ben has to deal with an unwelcoming extended family and his fast growing feelings towards Elias. Both of them have to work through their personal feelings towards their significant age gap and their feelings of not feeling worthy of the other.
"They were indeed going on an adventure. And Elias was surprised by how much he couldn't wait to leap into the unknown with Ben."
The story line itself was entertaining but the writing was a bit wordy for me. I didn't love that the main characters spent so much time inside their heads worrying over the same points over and over again. (Yes there's an age gap but do we really need to obsess over it). They would talk about how communication was key and then still constantly worry at length in their inner dialogues. As side from that point, Elias and Ben deal with some pretty heavy topics and handle them with care. They also share some really sweet moments together that will guarantee to make your heart melt, and the books ending will make you swoon.❤
"Elias didn't see Ben as a twenty-three-year-old? He just saw him as amazing. Wonderful. The man who was slowly but surely stealing Elias's heart."
Overall Bright Horizon was a good book but I felt it lacked the Pine Cove small town vibes of the prior books in the series since it took place in England. I'll still be looking forward to future releases in the series.
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Bright Horizon is the fourth book in H.J. Welch's Pine Cove series. Each book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. While this one wasn't my favorite of the series so far it was still an enjoyable read that delivers a great happily ever after.
Ben and Elias have been secretly crushing on each other for the past year. Elias is a lawyer and visiting Ben at the bakery is the highlight of his day. When Ben suddenly comes into money and discovers he has family he never knew abroad he needs someone n his corner. Elias steps in to help so that Ben doesn't get taken advantage of but it's not a hardship with his feelings towards him. Once in England, Ben has to deal with an unwelcoming extended family and his fast growing feelings towards Elias. Both of them have to work through their personal feelings towards their significant age gap and their feelings of not feeling worthy of the other.
"They were indeed going on an adventure. And Elias was surprised by how much he couldn't wait to leap into the unknown with Ben."
The story line itself was entertaining but the writing was a bit wordy for me. I didn't love that the main characters spent so much time inside their heads worrying over the same points over and over again. (Yes there's an age gap but do we really need to obsess over it). They would talk about how communication was key and then still constantly worry at length in their inner dialogues. As side from that point, Elias and Ben deal with some pretty heavy topics and handle them with care. They also share some really sweet moments together that will guarantee to make your heart melt, and the books ending will make you swoon.❤
"Elias didn't see Ben as a twenty-three-year-old? He just saw him as amazing. Wonderful. The man who was slowly but surely stealing Elias's heart."
Overall Bright Horizon was a good book but I felt it lacked the Pine Cove small town vibes of the prior books in the series since it took place in England. I'll still be looking forward to future releases in the series.
anil's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Edit: upping my rating bc I am SO FOND of them, even a month later I'm still thinking about them.
The romance is excellent! These are the two that still make me a little bit emotional when later books mention they're together. The others are great (and Emery makes me smile just by himself) but these are the two that. Yeah you're staying together for the rest of your lives. Of course you are.
Theres a chronic illness story line and as far as I can tell it's handled very well! Not an ov review but I would even say it was my favourite part of the book. Without wanting to give too much away, it seems like a lot of respect and research went into that part. I specifically love disability/chronic illness rep where the author has put solid thought into how much specific characters would know about the disability or illness in question and this author clearly has!
Unfortunately (very mild spoiler)proposals in this series peaked with Emery and Scout and everyone else is increasingly cringe about it. Please why not just have a nice *private* conversation with your significant other. you can just ask! I don't care about all this over the top nonsense and I don't think Elias would either.
Theres a chronic illness story line and as far as I can tell it's handled very well! Not an ov review but I would even say it was my favourite part of the book. Without wanting to give too much away, it seems like a lot of respect and research went into that part. I specifically love disability/chronic illness rep where the author has put solid thought into how much specific characters would know about the disability or illness in question and this author clearly has!
Unfortunately (very mild spoiler)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Homophobia, and Outing
Minor: Terminal illness and Grief