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Don't Stop Believing
IT’S TIME TO RETURN TO IVY LANE, WHERE HOPES AND DREAMS CAN BECOME HAPPY-EVER-AFTERS…
Erin Donohue would describe herself as happy. Well, maybe not exactly happy… but not unhappy either.
For the most part she loves her job as Head Chef at The Ivy Inn, working alongside bestfriend, Jo and making a home with boyfriend Aaron. Things are going just fine. Or so she thinks…
After a tough shift, Erin returns home to be greeted by silence. There is no trace of Aaron or his belongings. In that split second her whole life and world are turned upside down. It seems Aaron has exited the building and her life.
After a small pity party, Erin pulls herself together and starts to re-evaluate her life. Her friends seem to be chasing their dreams while she’s been left single and wondering what on earth her next move will be. But then fate throws her a sign.
Can she find the courage to build the life she always dreamed of but believed was out of her reach?
And can her bravery inspire other residents of Ivy Lane to take a chance on finding their own happy ending?
A gorgeous new romantic comedy about taking chances and realising your dreams, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Christie Barlow and Mhairi McFarlane.
Erin Donohue would describe herself as happy. Well, maybe not exactly happy… but not unhappy either.
For the most part she loves her job as Head Chef at The Ivy Inn, working alongside bestfriend, Jo and making a home with boyfriend Aaron. Things are going just fine. Or so she thinks…
After a tough shift, Erin returns home to be greeted by silence. There is no trace of Aaron or his belongings. In that split second her whole life and world are turned upside down. It seems Aaron has exited the building and her life.
After a small pity party, Erin pulls herself together and starts to re-evaluate her life. Her friends seem to be chasing their dreams while she’s been left single and wondering what on earth her next move will be. But then fate throws her a sign.
Can she find the courage to build the life she always dreamed of but believed was out of her reach?
And can her bravery inspire other residents of Ivy Lane to take a chance on finding their own happy ending?
A gorgeous new romantic comedy about taking chances and realising your dreams, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Christie Barlow and Mhairi McFarlane.
304 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2023
9 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 29, 2024
It wasn't the best book and not the worst book I've read. There were far too many references to famous people, music, brands, pop culture etc for my liking. The story was okay but just a bit slow.
June 13, 2024
Very girl power book and about how friends are family I loved it
March 30, 2024
I was in a reading slump and needed something to give me a reset.
I chose this book on a whim, the cover was bright and pretty and have a feel good vibe that I was after.
The way the author writes I could immediately hear Derry in her writing - it was an instant hook that made me feel at ease. There was a safety in it; like the author scooping us up and promising nothing bad will happen to us here. Which is what I needed at the time of reading.
Erin is a wonderful leading lady. I love seeing her navigate through her turmoil in a realistic way and come out on top.
At first I was a bit put off by all the side characters until I realised what they were all representing. Each woman is at a different stage in their life both professionally and romantically. Erin starting from scratch, Jo getting engaged, Libby with baby on the way and Flora - a widow about to embark on a new adventure and a new love.
I adored Erin and Flora's relationship and the passing of the torch. It gave me a warm fuzzy feeling to read Flora bonding with Erin and deciding to sell the shop to her.
Overall I enjoyed that while we obviously see Erin's heartbreak it is not the main focus of the story. It's about community, friendships and courage...
...And what appears to be the universal Dad rant about the price of Ben and Jerries.
I chose this book on a whim, the cover was bright and pretty and have a feel good vibe that I was after.
The way the author writes I could immediately hear Derry in her writing - it was an instant hook that made me feel at ease. There was a safety in it; like the author scooping us up and promising nothing bad will happen to us here. Which is what I needed at the time of reading.
Erin is a wonderful leading lady. I love seeing her navigate through her turmoil in a realistic way and come out on top.
At first I was a bit put off by all the side characters until I realised what they were all representing. Each woman is at a different stage in their life both professionally and romantically. Erin starting from scratch, Jo getting engaged, Libby with baby on the way and Flora - a widow about to embark on a new adventure and a new love.
I adored Erin and Flora's relationship and the passing of the torch. It gave me a warm fuzzy feeling to read Flora bonding with Erin and deciding to sell the shop to her.
Overall I enjoyed that while we obviously see Erin's heartbreak it is not the main focus of the story. It's about community, friendships and courage...
...And what appears to be the universal Dad rant about the price of Ben and Jerries.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2024
3.5
Quotes…
Page 40 - ‘Things don’t have to remain the same,’ Flora said. ‘Life changes and we have to change with it, or risk getting left behind.
Page 151 - There will always be something to get in the way of big decisions if you let it. We all use it to justify not taking chances or pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones.
Page 157 - ‘Crying isn’t a bad thing,’ Jo said. ‘A good cry is like a good fart. Better out than in.’
Page 158 - ‘I’ll have to face the music, I suppose,’ she told Jo. ‘But you don’t have to dance to it,’ Jo replied. ‘Don’t let her get under your skin.’
Page 211 - We women are much too quick to put our success down to other people or play down our role in it. Men don’t do that. Not as much. They claim it all. So don’t feel bad about claiming your success for yourself. It’s amazing what can happen for you if you just find a little inner bravery and let it out.’
Page 212 - family was not always just the people who you were related to by birth, but it could be the people who chose to be in your life, and to show you love and support with no expectations.
Page 217 - It would be a straight ‘yes, thank you, I will marry you’ from her–at least until the diamond drunkenness wore off.
Page 244 - ‘Occam’s razor is the theory that the simplest solution is usually the right one,’
Page 260 - What’s for you won’t pass you, she thought–recalling the conversation she’d had with Flora just a few weeks ago. It had become a mantra to her.
Quotes…
Page 40 - ‘Things don’t have to remain the same,’ Flora said. ‘Life changes and we have to change with it, or risk getting left behind.
Page 151 - There will always be something to get in the way of big decisions if you let it. We all use it to justify not taking chances or pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones.
Page 157 - ‘Crying isn’t a bad thing,’ Jo said. ‘A good cry is like a good fart. Better out than in.’
Page 158 - ‘I’ll have to face the music, I suppose,’ she told Jo. ‘But you don’t have to dance to it,’ Jo replied. ‘Don’t let her get under your skin.’
Page 211 - We women are much too quick to put our success down to other people or play down our role in it. Men don’t do that. Not as much. They claim it all. So don’t feel bad about claiming your success for yourself. It’s amazing what can happen for you if you just find a little inner bravery and let it out.’
Page 212 - family was not always just the people who you were related to by birth, but it could be the people who chose to be in your life, and to show you love and support with no expectations.
Page 217 - It would be a straight ‘yes, thank you, I will marry you’ from her–at least until the diamond drunkenness wore off.
Page 244 - ‘Occam’s razor is the theory that the simplest solution is usually the right one,’
Page 260 - What’s for you won’t pass you, she thought–recalling the conversation she’d had with Flora just a few weeks ago. It had become a mantra to her.
April 6, 2024
This is my second book from Freya Kennedy and I enjoyed revisiting Ivy Lane and all the locals, including characters from a book I’d read recently, setting into their new lives post-book!
It was a charming story of a girl using heartbreak to kickstart a new adventure, getting support from the Ivy Lane locals. The main character is a talented chef who decides, after finding her partner has walked out on her, to start her own business. Everything falls into place as you’d imagine, and sometimes that’s what we like to read!
It was a charming story of a girl using heartbreak to kickstart a new adventure, getting support from the Ivy Lane locals. The main character is a talented chef who decides, after finding her partner has walked out on her, to start her own business. Everything falls into place as you’d imagine, and sometimes that’s what we like to read!
October 11, 2023
On a cold December day, the residents of Ivy Lane are gathered for a wedding – an opportunity to set the scene and introduce the key characters, or to meet friends once more if you’ve already spent time there, along with a touch of very unexpected drama. But not all the individuals are identified – and it’s such a very clever and highly original way to start a story, that then moves back to six months earlier.
Erin returns from a busy shift as head chef to an empty flat – boyfriend Aaron having moved out in her absence, leaving her heartbroken and wondering what went wrong. After many tears and a bit of introspection, surrounded by the most supportive of friends – who are also all the most contented of couples – an opportunity arises to turn her life around and try something very different, a dream she’s had for so many years. And with that same support from the people around her – her chosen family, when her own fail to be there for her – she finds the bravery to turn things around and move her life in a new and exciting direction.
Erin was a character I really loved – she very quickly gained a place in my heart with her quiet determination to embrace the new start she’s been offered, coupled with a wry humour when things didn’t always go smoothly and life threw new obstacles in her path. But perhaps the real joy of this book is the community around her, ensuring that she never needs to feel she’s doing it all alone. The residents of Ivy Lane are the most wonderful community – some are already close friends, some become so – perfectly drawn, often a little quirky, and drawn from across the generations. And while Erin rebuilds her life, surrounded by all that warmth and support, another unexpected love story begins to develop – and I adored every single moment.
I’ve spent time in Ivy Lane before, and really loved it there – but if you haven’t, you’ll have no problems settling in and feel at home in an instant. Libby and Noah’s bookshop, the bakery, the shop now run by Lorcan (with Harry refusing to completely retire, still regaling everyone with his diatribes about anything and everything), the village pub – there’s the most wonderful sense of place. And this really is the loveliest story of second chances and following your dreams, beautifully written, filled with warmth and love and heart. And that wedding scene that started the book? Well, it also gives the book the most perfect ending – and won’t fail to bring a tear to your eye.
This book is a total delight – heartwarming, charming, moving and romantic, with the loveliest touches of humour and the most wonderful community filled with individuals who’ll soon feel like your closest of friends. Highly recommended – I really loved it.
Erin returns from a busy shift as head chef to an empty flat – boyfriend Aaron having moved out in her absence, leaving her heartbroken and wondering what went wrong. After many tears and a bit of introspection, surrounded by the most supportive of friends – who are also all the most contented of couples – an opportunity arises to turn her life around and try something very different, a dream she’s had for so many years. And with that same support from the people around her – her chosen family, when her own fail to be there for her – she finds the bravery to turn things around and move her life in a new and exciting direction.
Erin was a character I really loved – she very quickly gained a place in my heart with her quiet determination to embrace the new start she’s been offered, coupled with a wry humour when things didn’t always go smoothly and life threw new obstacles in her path. But perhaps the real joy of this book is the community around her, ensuring that she never needs to feel she’s doing it all alone. The residents of Ivy Lane are the most wonderful community – some are already close friends, some become so – perfectly drawn, often a little quirky, and drawn from across the generations. And while Erin rebuilds her life, surrounded by all that warmth and support, another unexpected love story begins to develop – and I adored every single moment.
I’ve spent time in Ivy Lane before, and really loved it there – but if you haven’t, you’ll have no problems settling in and feel at home in an instant. Libby and Noah’s bookshop, the bakery, the shop now run by Lorcan (with Harry refusing to completely retire, still regaling everyone with his diatribes about anything and everything), the village pub – there’s the most wonderful sense of place. And this really is the loveliest story of second chances and following your dreams, beautifully written, filled with warmth and love and heart. And that wedding scene that started the book? Well, it also gives the book the most perfect ending – and won’t fail to bring a tear to your eye.
This book is a total delight – heartwarming, charming, moving and romantic, with the loveliest touches of humour and the most wonderful community filled with individuals who’ll soon feel like your closest of friends. Highly recommended – I really loved it.
October 14, 2023
What an absolute treat to return to Ivy Lane and catch up with such lovely characters that I met in my previous visits. If you’re reading this and worrying about not having read the earlier books, you can relax, this can easily be read as a standalone story as there are plenty of references to earlier storylines. That said, I would certainly recommend going back and reading them.
This time, the story focuses on Erin, the Head Chef at the Ivy Inn. I won’t rehash the synopsis or offer any spoilers, but I can assure you that the writing is just as special as I remembered.
As you may be aware, Freya Kennedy is a penname for thriller writer Claire Allan. Her skills have transferred perfectly, and I am a fan.
Each character, existing or new, is developed with a charm that made me want to live on Ivy Lane and make a purchase from Once Upon a Book and read it while sipping on a drink at the Ivy Inn. It’s a special skill that creates characters that feel like friends and this author has it by the bucketload.
There’s something for everyone as we follow Erin’s dream of starting over after being abandoned by her hapless boyfriend, and maybe starting her own business. For me, I cannot single out a particular character for a special mention as they are all really special. However, I still have a soft spot for Harry and his bargains. I was thrilled to discover that he had slightly more than a supporting role.
Like the others in the series, this gorgeous story captured my imagination, and I felt the genuine warmth that is woven into each chapter. If I haven’t made my opinion clear, then I’ll simply say that this is a must-read and I’d love another trip to Ivy Lane.
This time, the story focuses on Erin, the Head Chef at the Ivy Inn. I won’t rehash the synopsis or offer any spoilers, but I can assure you that the writing is just as special as I remembered.
As you may be aware, Freya Kennedy is a penname for thriller writer Claire Allan. Her skills have transferred perfectly, and I am a fan.
Each character, existing or new, is developed with a charm that made me want to live on Ivy Lane and make a purchase from Once Upon a Book and read it while sipping on a drink at the Ivy Inn. It’s a special skill that creates characters that feel like friends and this author has it by the bucketload.
There’s something for everyone as we follow Erin’s dream of starting over after being abandoned by her hapless boyfriend, and maybe starting her own business. For me, I cannot single out a particular character for a special mention as they are all really special. However, I still have a soft spot for Harry and his bargains. I was thrilled to discover that he had slightly more than a supporting role.
Like the others in the series, this gorgeous story captured my imagination, and I felt the genuine warmth that is woven into each chapter. If I haven’t made my opinion clear, then I’ll simply say that this is a must-read and I’d love another trip to Ivy Lane.
October 12, 2023
Now I haven't quite finished this one but I'm loving every page so far. I got a little thrown by the first chapter ending and us going back six months but I soon caught back up again. Boy is Arron a selfish A****** I can't believe the way he treated Erin! But I do love her way of reacting to it and the fact that her friends are so supportive, it seems to be a theme in the books I'm reading at the moment brilliantly supportive friends. I've gotten angry on Erin's behalf multiple times so far because of Arron, I think he's definitely the worst bit of everyone's ex-boyfriends bundled together, brilliant character creation from the author there! But then again all the main cast of this book so far are really well formed, you can definitely read them and see people you know in them.
I'm so invested in what's happening to Erin and if she'll manage to get her dream sorted, that I keep breaking off from writing this to read a bit more.
I've really enjoyed the writing style, I haven't read anything by Freya Kennedy before but I can see myself picking some more of her books up in the future.
I'm so invested in what's happening to Erin and if she'll manage to get her dream sorted, that I keep breaking off from writing this to read a bit more.
I've really enjoyed the writing style, I haven't read anything by Freya Kennedy before but I can see myself picking some more of her books up in the future.
October 18, 2023
This is a story of determination, grit and finding one’s self when the chips are down.
It follows the story of Erin, who was unceremoniously dumped, but chose not to stay in the dumpster and rose above her personal and professional challenges.
This book is a slow read with almost little to no romance but it is still worth reading.
I love how it celebrates both the past and the present. The past in the form of the elderly shop owners and the present with the younger generation trailblazing new businesses at The Lane.
I love the close knit relationship between the businesses and the owners at The Lane. It helped that Erin had people who would always have her back.
I enjoyed Harry and Flora’s story and I was pleasantly surprised with the events in the epilogue.
The desserts and food mentioned are guaranteed to make you either hungry or order something.
I got a bit confused as the location and places mentioned in the book are in Northern Ireland but the author kept referring to Ireland.
I would recommend if you love women’s fiction with a small dash of romance. I received an advanced copy and the review is mine and voluntary.
It follows the story of Erin, who was unceremoniously dumped, but chose not to stay in the dumpster and rose above her personal and professional challenges.
This book is a slow read with almost little to no romance but it is still worth reading.
I love how it celebrates both the past and the present. The past in the form of the elderly shop owners and the present with the younger generation trailblazing new businesses at The Lane.
I love the close knit relationship between the businesses and the owners at The Lane. It helped that Erin had people who would always have her back.
I enjoyed Harry and Flora’s story and I was pleasantly surprised with the events in the epilogue.
The desserts and food mentioned are guaranteed to make you either hungry or order something.
I got a bit confused as the location and places mentioned in the book are in Northern Ireland but the author kept referring to Ireland.
I would recommend if you love women’s fiction with a small dash of romance. I received an advanced copy and the review is mine and voluntary.
October 30, 2023
Freya Kennedy has a couple other books; I'm sure that if you like her prior books, you will like this one as well.
I like to have my tablet "read aloud" books to me; so the first thing that bothered me about Don't Stop Believing is that the protagonist is Erin and her boyfriend Aaron of three years breakup (well he moves out). Erin and Aaron sound identical when read aloud (at least by my tablet).
I thought that the cover was cute and that I had previously read some books in the series (but evidently I was wrong); as this was my first book by Freya Kennedy.
Erin blames her boyfriend for moving out; but if she were honest with herself, she really wasn't that into the relationship either.
This book was just not my cup of tea, Erin kept getting on my nerves. I did finish this book, as I don't believe in rating books that I don't finish. Had this been a library book, I'm not sure that I would have finished.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Don't Stop Believing in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is 11 Oct, 2023.
I like to have my tablet "read aloud" books to me; so the first thing that bothered me about Don't Stop Believing is that the protagonist is Erin and her boyfriend Aaron of three years breakup (well he moves out). Erin and Aaron sound identical when read aloud (at least by my tablet).
I thought that the cover was cute and that I had previously read some books in the series (but evidently I was wrong); as this was my first book by Freya Kennedy.
Erin blames her boyfriend for moving out; but if she were honest with herself, she really wasn't that into the relationship either.
This book was just not my cup of tea, Erin kept getting on my nerves. I did finish this book, as I don't believe in rating books that I don't finish. Had this been a library book, I'm not sure that I would have finished.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Don't Stop Believing in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is 11 Oct, 2023.
October 15, 2023
I always love returning to Ivy Lane, it always feels like I’m catching up with old friends (although it’s part of a series these can be read as standalone books too, although if you do you will probably want to go back and read the rest, just saying 😊) and I always want to up and relocate to fictional places after reading these, who wouldn’t want to live in such a special community.
Erin is a lovely character, I couldn’t help but connect with her and her dream , I have to admit though that I love all Freya’s characters so much, there is just so much warmth in them, just like the story itself so heartwarming, it’s a story of second chances as well as following your dreams. I thought it was brilliant how Freya tied the start and end together so beautifully , it’s a perfect end to a gorgeous story.
This is a moving, romantic and fun story, which I can do nothing but wholeheartedly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Erin is a lovely character, I couldn’t help but connect with her and her dream , I have to admit though that I love all Freya’s characters so much, there is just so much warmth in them, just like the story itself so heartwarming, it’s a story of second chances as well as following your dreams. I thought it was brilliant how Freya tied the start and end together so beautifully , it’s a perfect end to a gorgeous story.
This is a moving, romantic and fun story, which I can do nothing but wholeheartedly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 8, 2023
What a great little smart Romance story, as well as focusing on strong , courageous woman taking charge of their life. This is my first book by this author and I didn’t realize there were other books based around these characters — but this book could definitely be a stand alone story.
I could relate to this main character immediately— I liked that this story is mostly focused on having the main character Erin pick herself up from her life blowing up in her face and trying to go for her dreams and making things happen for herself in the next chapter of her life . Instead of pushing the main character into a new romance to get over her pain —the romance in the story was more focused on minor characters in the book and a little minor Romance for the lead — I like that style romance a lot . I think this was a wonderful setting and writing — and highly recommend it !
Thank-you to Netgalley and Boldwood publishing for this ARC . This is my honest review.
I could relate to this main character immediately— I liked that this story is mostly focused on having the main character Erin pick herself up from her life blowing up in her face and trying to go for her dreams and making things happen for herself in the next chapter of her life . Instead of pushing the main character into a new romance to get over her pain —the romance in the story was more focused on minor characters in the book and a little minor Romance for the lead — I like that style romance a lot . I think this was a wonderful setting and writing — and highly recommend it !
Thank-you to Netgalley and Boldwood publishing for this ARC . This is my honest review.
October 9, 2023
There are other books in the Ivy Lane series, which I haven't read. I think this one can easily be read as a standalone, although I wish I had read the other books!
Erin is happy doing her job as a head chef and in her relationship with her boyfriend, Aaron. Until one day she comes home and there is no Aaron. No note, no explanation.
So, she throws herself into work and as her friends from Ivy Lane support her and give her the care that she needs, an idea starts to sprout.....can she take a huge chance?
This was a sweet read and I enjoyed it. I would like to know what happens next though, it finished on a bit of a cliff-hanger! The secondary characters were gorgeous and added so much to the story. I really loved that the Ivy Lane shop owners were so supportive of each other, it was a real community. I admit it, I got emotionally invested :)
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
Erin is happy doing her job as a head chef and in her relationship with her boyfriend, Aaron. Until one day she comes home and there is no Aaron. No note, no explanation.
So, she throws herself into work and as her friends from Ivy Lane support her and give her the care that she needs, an idea starts to sprout.....can she take a huge chance?
This was a sweet read and I enjoyed it. I would like to know what happens next though, it finished on a bit of a cliff-hanger! The secondary characters were gorgeous and added so much to the story. I really loved that the Ivy Lane shop owners were so supportive of each other, it was a real community. I admit it, I got emotionally invested :)
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
October 9, 2023
Erin is the Head Chef at the Ivy Inn, she loves her job but things at home aren't going so well. She is wondering what to do next when an opportunity presents itself, however can she realise her dream? This is the first book in the Ivy Lane series that I've read., however this didn't affect my enjoyment of the book and I've just added Libby's story to my TBR list. This is a book about the power of community and friends, Erin needs all the help that she can get in her times of trouble, although she still has time to try to help others. Featuring heavily on scrumptious sounding food that made me raid the biscuit barrel it is a slow-burn story, but this gives you time to see the story developing and hope that there will be a happy ending for all. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
October 19, 2023
Returning home from work one day
Erin is shocked to discover her partner has gone away.
He's taken his things and moved out
Without saying a word, what's it all about?
With the support of friends and colleagues, too,
Erin isn't sure what she's going to do.
Then a surprise opportunity comes her way
A chance to follow dreams that had been put away.
A story of making a determined fresh start
With friends all playing an important part.
Learning to believe in yourself and put aside the past
Enabling you to move on to a better future at last.
A heartwarming read with community at its heart
As together they work, each playing a part.
There's more than one couple being given a chance
In this inspirational read filled with romance!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
Such a beautiful read and this is my honest review.
Erin is shocked to discover her partner has gone away.
He's taken his things and moved out
Without saying a word, what's it all about?
With the support of friends and colleagues, too,
Erin isn't sure what she's going to do.
Then a surprise opportunity comes her way
A chance to follow dreams that had been put away.
A story of making a determined fresh start
With friends all playing an important part.
Learning to believe in yourself and put aside the past
Enabling you to move on to a better future at last.
A heartwarming read with community at its heart
As together they work, each playing a part.
There's more than one couple being given a chance
In this inspirational read filled with romance!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
Such a beautiful read and this is my honest review.
October 16, 2023
What an absolutely lovely book. I hadn’t read any other books about Ivy Lane before but that really didn’t matter. Erin Donohue is the Head Chef at the Ivy Inn and lives with boyfriend Aaron. She comes home one night after a shift and finds that Aaron has gone, taking all of his belongings with him. She then decides that she’s not going to wallow in self pity, and with her fabulous friends, she embarks on a new adventure. This didn’t just focus on Erin but on all the residents of Ivy Lane. My favourite characters had to be Flora and Harry, although they were all great ~ except for Aaron! There is a real sense of community, looking out for each other and romance. Left me feeling warm inside and wanting to visit there!
October 4, 2023
I would like to thank netgalley for giving me this opportunity to read Don't Stop Believing in exchange for an honest review. Once again, another story that could have been a five out of five, but the third person just completely ruined it. I don't like not being able to see the main character's POV because that's how you connect with and understand them. However, I did enjoy the story about the women of Ivy Lane. But I do think the plot was dragged out a lot in quite a few places. I definitely think Freya Kennedy has the potential, but I really can't get over the third person. That's why I unfortunately had to DNF the book at about 50–70%.
October 19, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed Freya’s previous book, The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn, and wanted one in the same town. I was overjoyed when I found that Don’t Stop Believing was available for a blog tour. I enjoyed Erin and Aaron’s story. Jo was a supportive friend, and I felt sad for Erin when Aaron left, but wanted her to move on.
Freya Kennedy is great at realistic plots and adding details to make you feel for the characters. It was great to review another book by her.
Thanks to Freya Kennedy, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars
Freya Kennedy is great at realistic plots and adding details to make you feel for the characters. It was great to review another book by her.
Thanks to Freya Kennedy, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars
October 7, 2023
I would not exactly describe this book as a romance or romantic comedy but there is romance in the book. More a story of one's path, and the intertwingling relationships along the way. The story, characters and journey pulled me in. I really loved the relatable characters and following Erin on her journey. I was left a positive and cozy feeling.
Here you will find:
- Supportive fiends
- References to yummy sweets
- New Beginnings
- Cutting Old Ties
- No Spice
Just lovely and heartwarming soothing read. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for the ARC.
Here you will find:
- Supportive fiends
- References to yummy sweets
- New Beginnings
- Cutting Old Ties
- No Spice
Just lovely and heartwarming soothing read. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for the ARC.
October 15, 2023
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review a digital copy of Don’t Stop Believing by Freya Kennedy (aka Claire Allan). I enjoyed reading the previous books in the Ivy Lane series and you can read my last review here : https://mentoringmumof2bookreviews.ho...
It was good to catch up with the residents of Ivy Lane again. This story features Erin, the Head Chef at The Ivy Inn as she copes with a dramatic change to her personal life and thoughts of changes to her professional life. Although she has a successful career, is it really the one she dreams of?
A lovely uplifting read featuring great characters of all ages in the Ivy Lane community. I loved how Erin and Flora became friends despite their huge age difference, and Harry is my favourite character from the series.
If you are looking for an uplifting read full of great characters, delicious food and new beginnings, then this is the book for you!
It was good to catch up with the residents of Ivy Lane again. This story features Erin, the Head Chef at The Ivy Inn as she copes with a dramatic change to her personal life and thoughts of changes to her professional life. Although she has a successful career, is it really the one she dreams of?
A lovely uplifting read featuring great characters of all ages in the Ivy Lane community. I loved how Erin and Flora became friends despite their huge age difference, and Harry is my favourite character from the series.
If you are looking for an uplifting read full of great characters, delicious food and new beginnings, then this is the book for you!
October 17, 2023
Things don’t go quite as planned for Erin when she comes home and finds her boyfriend moved out. Realising that the life she lives is not what she currently wants she takes a leap when an opportunity arises.
This was a really feel-good, uplifting read, about finding your happiness and going for what you want.
Kennedy gives us some fantastic characters; which I loved all of them. This is a novel to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside and perfect for the change in season; staying in snuggled with a book.
This was a really feel-good, uplifting read, about finding your happiness and going for what you want.
Kennedy gives us some fantastic characters; which I loved all of them. This is a novel to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside and perfect for the change in season; staying in snuggled with a book.
April 25, 2024
This is such a feelgood read with a cast of characters who form part of such a close knit community. At its centre, Erin finds that she can realise her dreams and ambitions if she has the help of those around her. Ivy Lane is a lovely little community which takes the place of her family in so many ways.
You can read the story as a standalone but I would recommend reading others in this series to get to know some of the others back stories. Erin’s story, as the others, has warmth and leaves you with a smile on your face.
In short: friends, community, starting over
You can read the story as a standalone but I would recommend reading others in this series to get to know some of the others back stories. Erin’s story, as the others, has warmth and leaves you with a smile on your face.
In short: friends, community, starting over
October 17, 2023
A refreshing, uplifting read about the residents of Ivy Lane. The protagonist of this book is Erin, chef at Ivy Lane Hotel, who returns home from a shift one night to discover that Aaron, her boyfriend of three years, has upped and left without the slightest hint that the relationship has run its course. Supported by the residents of Ivy Lane, Erin ceases the opportunity to motivate herself to follow her dreams.
January 16, 2024
This was marketed to me as a romance. So I was very disappointed as I don't agree that it is a romance.
The writing and the characters are fairly good. The plot is okay, just disappointing since it wasn't what I expected it to be.
I really dislike the prologue as it hints at something that the book doesn't follow through on. Also, it gets repeated later almost word for word, which is an extremely boring segment because of it.
The writing and the characters are fairly good. The plot is okay, just disappointing since it wasn't what I expected it to be.
I really dislike the prologue as it hints at something that the book doesn't follow through on. Also, it gets repeated later almost word for word, which is an extremely boring segment because of it.
February 1, 2024
This book is a simple and interesting read. I loved the characters and really liked how each character is so passionate about life overall. This book provides a glimpse of how there are opportunities around and we need to be wide awake to find them and grab them. This book shows how having genuine relationships and friendships with people who really cheer for us can help us face any hardship and build a great life. Overall it is a heartwarming book with positive vibes.
March 11, 2024
I genuinely ended up loving this book. It felt really slow to start and I struggled through the first 15-20%. But once it picked up I couldn't put it down. I loved the relationships throughout. While I love a romance I really appreciate a book that doesn't need or depend on that to move the story forward. This is really a story of self discovery and friendships and was beautifully done.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 2, 2024
This is my first Kindle Unlimited read, and it's an inspiring testament to the strength of female independence, emphasising the importance of a strong support network, particularly among friends. The book instills the invaluable lesson of persisting in one's dreams despite seeming impossibilities and finding hidden blessings in parting ways with those not meant for us. While initial separation may sting, it ultimately leads to a greater understanding of self and fulfillment.
April 7, 2024
Returning to Ivy Lane for the third instalment of the series felt like catching up with old friends. I enjoyed the sweet romance woven amidst themes of friendship and community solidarity. With its charming setting and endearing characters, "Don't Stop Believing" is a testament to the power of friendship, hope and following your dreams. A little slow to start, the pace and action picked up as the story drew to its happy conclusion.
August 24, 2024
I read the reviews and was expecting more.
I was expecting more especially as this was said to be a romance book. There was barely any romance in the book especially involving Erin who was the main viewpoint.
The atmosphere of Ivy Lane was beautiful and i enjoyed hearing all the stories of the old timers. The love story between Harry and Flora was sweet. But there seemed to be a big build up to a whole lot of nothing.
Disappointed
I was expecting more especially as this was said to be a romance book. There was barely any romance in the book especially involving Erin who was the main viewpoint.
The atmosphere of Ivy Lane was beautiful and i enjoyed hearing all the stories of the old timers. The love story between Harry and Flora was sweet. But there seemed to be a big build up to a whole lot of nothing.
Disappointed
February 19, 2025
I thoroughly enojoyed this book. It was so relatable on so many levels.
I loved the characters and the drama throughout the book. It feels more real to have characters that don't have it all, I like books that have Romance, relationships and friendships but include a bit of real life stuff because everything isn't perfect.
Can't wait to read more by this author, I loved the style of writing too.
I loved the characters and the drama throughout the book. It feels more real to have characters that don't have it all, I like books that have Romance, relationships and friendships but include a bit of real life stuff because everything isn't perfect.
Can't wait to read more by this author, I loved the style of writing too.
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