Hawthorn Close

by Anna Jacobs

Rob Carswell has recently relocated to the Wiltshire village of Essington St Mary, although the reality is proving to be less peaceful than he had expected. For one thing, there's a nuisance of a dog to deal with but then he discovers the plight of neighbour Ilsa. Illness has taken its toll and she is also dealing with the machinations of a bullying builder intent on destroying the character of the street and the surrounding valley.

Amy Hatherall is feeling a little adrift following the death of her mother, but a final, handwritten letter leads her in an unexpected direction to a great-aunt she never knew she had in Wiltshire.

As the line of old hawthorn trees begin to blossom, they watch over as romance and new beginnings begin to bloom for the residents of the close.

Genres: Romance

320 pages, Hardcover

Published November 23, 2023

About the author

Anna Jacobs has 87 novels published as of April 2019. She writes historical sagas and modern novels alternately, and in the past has written historical romances and fantasy novels (the latter as Shannah Jay).

She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com

Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 3 out of 5]


three stars

Corin Drayton, an architect, buys a home for himself and his pregnant wife Lucia, in the Wiltshire valley of Essington, St Marys . A peaceful little place . But then Corin sees a sign that concerns him. ‘Des Belkin, builder coming soon.’ Corin knew Belkin and knew he had a reputation for shonky business dealings and shoddy cramped together houses. Newcomer to Hawthorn Close Ilsa Norcot, , as is Rob Carlisle who has bought the cottage next door to her. Ilsa is being harassed by Belkin’s workers to try and force her to sell. Although she is not a well woman, Ilsa is determined not be be forced out of her home.
I really wanted a light book without abuse, but this one also contains abuse. This time it is from Belkin, a shonky developer who wants to buy up and destroy the old homes in the area and whack up his own shoddy development. He, of course, uses his burly foreman and other employees for the dirty work of terrorising those who don’t want to accept his paltry offer to buy their properties. Without any scruples Belkin is used to getting his own way. It turns even more serious when he wants to get rid of the 200 year old heritage listed Hawthorn trees the place is known for which brings tourists. That’s when the whole community becomes involved in the fight to save their peaceful lifestyle and the beautiful trees.
This is book 2 in a series about Larch Tree Lane. I had not read book 1 but it stands alone fine.
Liked it but didn’t love it, even though I enjoyed some of the characters and the way the community banded together against bully Belkin and his cohorts. However, I thought the ending was a bit too convenient in some aspects.
Now I need to find a light read that does not feature abuse of any kind.😁

[josephine Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about blossom!

I was very disappointed in this book, I always look forward to anything written by Anna Jacobs but this was a story lacking in depth.

[Carol Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me … just another same same!
This author has actually written some good books with really clever plots … sad to say she’s even gone back to thumping.. still quite desperately old fashioned.

[Sue Sykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this next instalment to this series. Good storyline and nice characters

[Julie Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore books by Anna Jacobs. There are really warm/cosy stories about meaningful characters. I particularly enjoyed the relationships between the characters and hope we get to see them again soon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a really good book with caring characters. A story about being a community

[Sharon Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Morning Everyone ....I finished a fabulous book Hawthorn Close bt Anna Jacobs this is 2 nd book in the Larch Tree Lane series the first book is called Larch Tree lane .......the story is about Corin Drayton and his wife Lucia who live in Larch Tree Lane but there is so many life issues that Anna has tackled ,,,what a wonderful page turner loved it .......I can't tell you anything more so you know what to do .......enjoy...😀

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first two in the series, I won't be buying No. 3.

A bunch of 30-somethings and a few oldies, who conveniently inherit houses and money as they recover from their emotional traumas. The outcome was entirely predictable in both books. They are well-written or I would not have persevered to the end, but all the main characters were far too nice and the baddies were caricatures.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the continuation of this series. It is a different story line to the first one, but it was nice to see some of the Characters still in this.
It was quite comical in some parts, with the older characters!!!
Looking forward to the next one. I borrowed this from the library.

[Fi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Standard Anna Jacobs plot: a seemingly disparate group of people unite against a corrupt bully, he gets his comeuppance, they live happily ever after.
But hey, who am I to knock a formula that works - I can't get enough of these Anna Jacobs stories!

[Judy Bolitho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a fun, fast read.

[Dan Hooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it can’t wait to read the over two in the series now

[Ann Davis]

Interesting read

[Dianne Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Anna Jacobs books but was disappointed with this one...I just couldn't really get into it and was glad to finish.

[Sue Hickling · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story