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finitha's review against another edition
5.0
It seems only yesterday that I have read the first book in the Bluebell Castle series. I enjoyed the story of Arthur immensely and was hoping to know more about the triplets, especially Tristan. Well, so a tad bit disappointed knowing that this is about Iggy, the eldest who lost her title due to her gender.
Iggy was not one of the prominent characters in the first novel but here her personality and gardening skills completely take over the story. And Will compliments her character perfectly so much so that I eventually ended up loving this more than the first. The story follows the dual narrative technique contributing much to the emotional turmoil we are going to endure throughout. Igraine is a lovable lady (even with all her insecurities) and I am so happy that she found her own path at the end.
That being said, we also get to follow our first couple to their marriage vows and there comes a wedding of revelations and new beginnings (ah! not only for those two). On the whole, a beautifully put-together storyline for a relaxed and lazy evening. Can't wait for the last story in the series. . .
Iggy was not one of the prominent characters in the first novel but here her personality and gardening skills completely take over the story. And Will compliments her character perfectly so much so that I eventually ended up loving this more than the first. The story follows the dual narrative technique contributing much to the emotional turmoil we are going to endure throughout. Igraine is a lovable lady (even with all her insecurities) and I am so happy that she found her own path at the end.
That being said, we also get to follow our first couple to their marriage vows and there comes a wedding of revelations and new beginnings (ah! not only for those two). On the whole, a beautifully put-together storyline for a relaxed and lazy evening. Can't wait for the last story in the series. . .
littlemissbooklover's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second bluebell castle book. This one is equally as good as the first if not better. This is the perfect escapist read, although only my second read by this author- I find her books absolutely fab. Would definitely recommend this book.
jhna04's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
jo_bookworm's review
5.0
I described the first in this trigoligy from Sarah Bennett as Antiques Roadshow meets Downton Abbey - now Alan Titchmarsh has turned up and the Chelsea Flower Show is going to have competition!
Expect of course it isn't Alan Titchmarsh but Will Talbot, a lad from the wrong side who found the right side from the kindness of neighbour who sparked his interest in gardening and landscaping and has led to him being one of the most popular 'men about town'.
Trouble is Will doesn't want to play the PR, Social Media game anymore and wants to go back to getting his hands dirty.
When Iggy Ludworth dreams about gardeners it is always Will Talbot not just for the sophisticated good looks but the vision he has. Iggy is struggling with the vision of the gardens for Bluebell Castle. She decides to contact him and send him some photos of what she thinks he could help with.
The photos and the offer of the work comes at the right time for Will.
Escaping to a castle seems the perfect place to hide from the media. Even if his disappearance still makes for news.
Ensconced in the castle and the gardens and already feeling like part of the Ludworth family, especially with Iggy. Will finds that this is all he ever wanted to do - get his hands dirty with his love of gardening and turning an idea into reality whilst sharing it all with that someone special.
When a surprise visitor turns up and disrupts the harmonious atmosphere in the castle it seems that perhaps a castle is not the best place to hide for any of the family.
What I love about this second book is whilst the main plot line focuses on Iggy's, Arthur her brother was the main protagonist in the first book they are not forgotten and sidelined as they can be in such series of book by other authors. Arthur and Lucie are very much a part of the book as they are a part of the castle as well as the pack of dogs that seem to greet every visitor with vigour and enthusiasm. Tristan, Iggy's brother, their Aunt and Uncle, Morgana and Lancelot are there as well and they all have their parts to play and are not merely two dimensional added characters.
I almost feel like I could step into the castle and be apart of the renovation, the history and also its future.
This has to be my favourite series so far from this author and if you are looking for escapist reads that take you away, where it may not all be rosy but at least some people get their comeuppance and others get their happily ever afters then you need to by this series of books.
I am so looking forward to returning to the Bluebell Castle series later in the year.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. This has no way influenced my review.
In a world of sometimes sad stuff, escaping into a book with a happy ever after is the perfect tonic!
Expect of course it isn't Alan Titchmarsh but Will Talbot, a lad from the wrong side who found the right side from the kindness of neighbour who sparked his interest in gardening and landscaping and has led to him being one of the most popular 'men about town'.
Trouble is Will doesn't want to play the PR, Social Media game anymore and wants to go back to getting his hands dirty.
When Iggy Ludworth dreams about gardeners it is always Will Talbot not just for the sophisticated good looks but the vision he has. Iggy is struggling with the vision of the gardens for Bluebell Castle. She decides to contact him and send him some photos of what she thinks he could help with.
The photos and the offer of the work comes at the right time for Will.
Escaping to a castle seems the perfect place to hide from the media. Even if his disappearance still makes for news.
Ensconced in the castle and the gardens and already feeling like part of the Ludworth family, especially with Iggy. Will finds that this is all he ever wanted to do - get his hands dirty with his love of gardening and turning an idea into reality whilst sharing it all with that someone special.
When a surprise visitor turns up and disrupts the harmonious atmosphere in the castle it seems that perhaps a castle is not the best place to hide for any of the family.
What I love about this second book is whilst the main plot line focuses on Iggy's, Arthur her brother was the main protagonist in the first book they are not forgotten and sidelined as they can be in such series of book by other authors. Arthur and Lucie are very much a part of the book as they are a part of the castle as well as the pack of dogs that seem to greet every visitor with vigour and enthusiasm. Tristan, Iggy's brother, their Aunt and Uncle, Morgana and Lancelot are there as well and they all have their parts to play and are not merely two dimensional added characters.
I almost feel like I could step into the castle and be apart of the renovation, the history and also its future.
This has to be my favourite series so far from this author and if you are looking for escapist reads that take you away, where it may not all be rosy but at least some people get their comeuppance and others get their happily ever afters then you need to by this series of books.
I am so looking forward to returning to the Bluebell Castle series later in the year.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. This has no way influenced my review.
In a world of sometimes sad stuff, escaping into a book with a happy ever after is the perfect tonic!
inmyhumbleopinion's review
4.0
Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle is a delightful addition to the series. Iggy is smart, funny and determined. Will is bossy but so hot. When these two clash it is combustible. The gardens have never looked so good.
cleg11's review
5.0
Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book.
A brill read, read it in less than 24 hours. Had to keep reading to find out what happened to Iggy’s plan to restore the castles gardens to their former glory. Will the famous gardener Will help her to achieve her goal.
A brill read, read it in less than 24 hours. Had to keep reading to find out what happened to Iggy’s plan to restore the castles gardens to their former glory. Will the famous gardener Will help her to achieve her goal.
lisam0183_bookworm's review
4.0
Another lovely read from Sarah on the Ludworth family. This time Iggy being the centre of the story.
Her love of gardening and wanting to open up the castle gardens in time for the summer brings in handsome gardener Will. He's also quite arrogant and soon sparks are flying between him and Iggy.
This was such an easy read and I enjoyed it.
Her love of gardening and wanting to open up the castle gardens in time for the summer brings in handsome gardener Will. He's also quite arrogant and soon sparks are flying between him and Iggy.
This was such an easy read and I enjoyed it.
ellaada's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-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
3.0
yvo_about_books's review
4.0
Finished reading: June 10th 2021
“Life is complicated, dearest girl. If you wait for things to be simple, you'll find yourself waiting forever.”
After enjoying the first book of the Bluebell Castle trilogy last month, I knew I wanted to return to the castle and its characters sooner than later. They are a delightful bunch and I've been looking forward to see Arthur's sister Iggy and her gardening skills in the spotlight this time around. And I definitely ended up having a great time with Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle! Technically you could read this as a stand-alone as the main focus is on Iggy this time around, although I would recommend reading them in order as major spoilers for the first book will appear throughout the story. Both books are wonderful though, so it's basically a win-win situation in the first place. I really liked the gardening angle and just how much of the story was focused on the restauration of (what I can imagine in my mind) is a stunning garden. Will might be a bit of a cliche, but it is easy to like him and I liked seeing the slowburn romance develop. I could have done without the appearance of Helen's character, but as a whole Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle was a delight to read. I might just cave in and read the final book soon even though it's a Christmas themed read and I normally don't start reading those until December... I guess I will be joining Christmas In July after all?!