booklover1974's review
3.0
I have read several books by Veronica Henry and for me, her books are hit or miss. I loved How to Find Love in a Bookshop, but hated A Family Recipe.
This new novel was something in between. It wasn't great but I definitely didn't hate it.
Melchior and Culbones are two families that have lived on each side of a river for generations. They're enemies since a long time back and don't interact, even though they're neighbors.
One of the Melchiors are involved in an accident and life on Dragonfly Farm are changed forever. At the same time, a Culbone has moved to the family farm to start a new life. Maybe this will be the time to start talking to your enemy neighbors?
The story lacked in structure and I felt several times that this story is not credible. The positive side is the cozy feeling the writing gives you and the characters that are lovable. So, all in all, read this if you want a book where you don't have to concentrate and where the end is pleasing.
This new novel was something in between. It wasn't great but I definitely didn't hate it.
Melchior and Culbones are two families that have lived on each side of a river for generations. They're enemies since a long time back and don't interact, even though they're neighbors.
One of the Melchiors are involved in an accident and life on Dragonfly Farm are changed forever. At the same time, a Culbone has moved to the family farm to start a new life. Maybe this will be the time to start talking to your enemy neighbors?
The story lacked in structure and I felt several times that this story is not credible. The positive side is the cozy feeling the writing gives you and the characters that are lovable. So, all in all, read this if you want a book where you don't have to concentrate and where the end is pleasing.
craftyemma's review
5.0
A gripping story of a bunch of cousins finding their roots and coming together to inherit the family home.
ivyrequiem's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this one! A cozy, warm, exciting and rosescented read in amazing environments. Absolutely adorable!
I love these kinds of books, these stories, environments and aesthetics, so I immediately thought that this was a perfect read for me! Though it wasn't just as good as I had expected and heard, I really really enjoyed it. Especially the switch between the decades, that brought a refreshing feeling to the novel! My favorite was the parts with Tarka; romantic, funny, intriguing and HOT!
This was my first Veronica Henry read, and it certainly won't be my last! <3
I love these kinds of books, these stories, environments and aesthetics, so I immediately thought that this was a perfect read for me! Though it wasn't just as good as I had expected and heard, I really really enjoyed it. Especially the switch between the decades, that brought a refreshing feeling to the novel! My favorite was the parts with Tarka; romantic, funny, intriguing and HOT!
This was my first Veronica Henry read, and it certainly won't be my last! <3
faysieh's review
5.0
This book does not disappoint. I am such a fan of Veronica Henry and all her wonderful stories. This particular one, featuring Rushbrook House and the beautiful ramshackle Dragonfly Farm, is delightful and charming with exquisite characters that you want to meet in real life! The Melchiors and Culbornes are sworn rivals and the two don't mix or cross the river that divides the two Somerset properties. And yet in spite of tragic history, the two did (and do) mix, and as the battle to keep Dragonfly Farm home to Georgia and Tabitha ensues, we learn that the two families are very much connected.
I love the way Veronica Henry creates characters that you instantly fall in love with. None of them are ever the same but every single one, whether main characters or 'bit players' in the plot, are so lovingly drawn that as a reader you leave behind your life and fall head over heels in a world where, although there is conflict, you just know there are always going to be uplifting, life affirming happy endings!
A rural delight plays out amongst the pages, with a young child called Plum ,a knife craftsman called Gabriel, a model wife, a script writing cousin and Tab, the feisty female whose home Dragonfly Farm is. Step into their world, meet Dash, Diane, Tarka and a whole host of others who make the story what it is - a welcome hug to relax into which feeds your soul, warms your heart and puts a genuine smile on your face. My kind of reading heaven!
Highly recommend this book to all Henry's fans and new readers too. Just don't ever stop writing Veronica!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication.
I love the way Veronica Henry creates characters that you instantly fall in love with. None of them are ever the same but every single one, whether main characters or 'bit players' in the plot, are so lovingly drawn that as a reader you leave behind your life and fall head over heels in a world where, although there is conflict, you just know there are always going to be uplifting, life affirming happy endings!
A rural delight plays out amongst the pages, with a young child called Plum ,a knife craftsman called Gabriel, a model wife, a script writing cousin and Tab, the feisty female whose home Dragonfly Farm is. Step into their world, meet Dash, Diane, Tarka and a whole host of others who make the story what it is - a welcome hug to relax into which feeds your soul, warms your heart and puts a genuine smile on your face. My kind of reading heaven!
Highly recommend this book to all Henry's fans and new readers too. Just don't ever stop writing Veronica!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication.
tlbignerd's review
5.0
Great, upbeat read. I wasn't in the mood for another romance, but really was ready for something happy. Home From Home showed up, and I was immediately drawn in. There are quite a few different characters, all of whom have a rich back story and are provided in absorbing bits.
bookwormbev17's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
katesking's review
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
wonderwomanbookish6's review
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fans of Rosamunde Pilcher would love this novel.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death
There are several deaths in this story. I cried. Have a tissue handy while reading the book.sorchaor's review
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0