Spring

Ivy Lane #1

by Cathy Bramley

Friendship blossoms at Ivy Lane...
Tilly Parker needs a fresh start, fresh air and a fresh attitude if she is ever to leave the past behind and move on with her life. As she settles in to a new town seeking peace and solitude, taking on her own plot at Ivy Lane allotments seems like the perfect solution. But the vibrant, friendly Ivy Lane community has other ideas and endeavour to entice Tilly into seedling swaps and Easter egg hunts. Can Tilly let new friends into her life, or will she stay a wallflower for good?
Ivy Lane is a serialized novel told in four parts – taking you through a year in the life of Tilly Parker – beginning with Spring.
Each part of Ivy Lane is approx. 10 chapters.

Praise for Cathy Bramley:
'A witty, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with a protagonist you'll love and I highly recommend it!' Miranda Dickinson
'The Ivy Lane series is such a clever little idea... It took me an hour or so to read and it was delightful! I very much look forward to the three other Ivy Lane novellas. I loved Tilly and I can’t wait to read more from her!' Chick Lit Reviews & News
'Full of LOL moments with tenderness that can leave your eyes filled with tears' Room for Reading
'Cute, charming and very, very funny... similar in feel to the books by Lindsey Kelk and Abby Clements' Page to Stage Reviews

Genres: Chick Lit, Contemporary, Short Stories, Romance, Contemporary Romance

Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2014

About the author

Cathy Bramley is the author of the best-selling romantic comedies Ivy Lane, Appleby Farm, Wickham Hall, Conditional Love and The Plumberry School of Comfort Food. She lives in a Nottinghamshire village with her family and a dog.

Her recent career as a full-time writer of light-hearted, romantic fiction has come as somewhat of a lovely surprise after spending eighteen years running her own marketing agency. However, she has been always an avid reader, never without a book on the go and now thinks she may have found her dream job!

Cathy loves to hear from her readers. You can get in touch via her website www.CathyBramley.co.uk Facebook page Facebook.com/CathyBramleyAuthor or on Twitter twitter.com/CathyBramley

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a copy of this short story from Cathy's editor at Transworld and couldn't wait to read it. I was drawn by the blurb and the cover was/is just stunning - it really does depict happy, spring days outside in the garden.

I devoured this on a car journey and was left chomping at the bit - I'm wishing the year away now - roll on July for part two!!

The story revolves around Tilly Parker who has moved to the area looking for a fresh start - from what, we're not told but it does involve a man called James. She is due to start a new job and takes on an allotment as a way of seeking the outdoors and some solitude.

I could have told her that would be difficult - my husband had an allotment for several years and his 'allotment friends' as I called them were all different characters and ages from all walks of life - privacy and solitude don't go together when you're outside on an allotment.

I'm sure Cathy or someone close must have an allotment as the characterisations are so accurate. Our (that's the 'royal our') allotment was in the same condition as Tilly's when we took it over and all the surrounding allotment owners came and gave their advice, pitched in with tools and gossiped the day away :) Each person Tilly met I could draw on my memories of allotment life and say 'oh, she/he is just like....', or 'do you remember that day when....'.

This was perfect, enjoyable read that is uplifting and I feel can only get better and better with each instalment. Cathy has successfully showcased Ivy Lane and it's characters who all seem to have depth and a story to tell. There's lots of humour, friendship and intrigue and this bite sized story is just like good chocolate - satisfying, dreamy and delicious but leaves you wanting just a little bit more.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook.

Book 1 of a 4 part book series. Note to readers, you can either read/listen to this as a 4 part book series like I’m going to or there is a full length novel which includes all of the 4 parts should you prefer to read it in that format.

So part one sees us being introduced to the characters, being the main character of Tilly and the other characters that make up the allotment community of Ivy Lane. Part one mainly focuses on Tilly trying to find her feet in the new world of looking after and attempting to grow things in her allotment and lucky for her, whether she wants it or not, she gets a fair bit of help from the rest of the community. We also discover that Tilly is looking for a fresh start after clearing having loss someone close to her, I suspect there’s more to that story which will no doubt come to light as the series progresses.

So all pretty enjoyable so far, and very much ready to head into the second book to the Ivy Lane instalments.

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was due to post this review a long, long time ago and I truly apologise for this delay.
I have heard about Ivy Lane on Twitter and then spotted it on NetGalley, where I was declined! Oh, my pride. So I swallowed hard and went and bought this short story on Amazon. And oh my, I am so happy that I did it!
Although at the beginning I was a little sceptical. I have tried once a book written in parts and I am sorry to say but I haven't read it to the end. After 3 parts I have decided this book is not for me and perhaps the next parts in the instalment were better, but I hadn't had a chance to see this for myself, as the parts that I read didn't work for me, and waiting for the next instalment was depressing. But with Ivy Lane, oh, don't you worry about anything, this book left me yearning for more and I can't wait for the second part.

We meet Tilly when she's starting everything afresh: new house, new place, new job. There is a reason for this but - of course, OF COURSE! - it's not revealed in this part. She also takes on her own plot at Ivy Lane allotments and everything what she needs is her part of the lawn and peace. But the community of Ivy Lane has other ideas, they want to get to know Tilly and they want to help her very much with the gardening. So Tilly finds herself in the whirlwind of events, among many new friends and - surprise, surprise - discovering that greenery can be exciting!

This was the one of the funniest stories I have ever read. Period. Written in the most engaging, smooth, flowing way I have ever read. Period. I personally have really null idea about gardening, just like Tilly, so I could totally relate to her embarrassments and her trying to get the whole instalment in her clutch.

I have loved this story straight from the start. Cathy's writing skills are exceptional and she can create a world that you want to be a part of and when you finish reading, you miss this world. All the characters, with Tilly on the top of the agenda, were brilliantly portrayed, they were funny, witty, with sharp tongues and dry sense of humour, all just popping out of the pages and feeling so real. There were some best scenes and some best lines in this book that I have ever read and I found myself snorting with laughter. This book left me feeling warm and very optimistic and I loved every word of this short story. Tilly was warm and so easy to like, although you could say that she's hiding something. I can't wait for her secrets to be revealed, but I'm sure it's not going to happen very fast, but I am also sure that in the meantime we are in for a treat!


I literally can't wait to read the next parts of this novel and to discover why did Tilly move to this village, what were the reasons for the whole big change on her life. Oh yes, I was guessing through some of the clues that Cathy gave us but I still have no idea. I am sure this what we got is just a teaser and we are in for a real treat with the next parts, where for sure some revelations and secrets will be revealed. So hurry up July with the second part of Ivy Lane!

[Fabulous Book Fiend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: what a lovely little tale this was! I love the idea of a serialised novel, a bit like The Arcade by Kitty Charles but longer. This first instalment in the serial definitely has the desired effect of making the reader want more! You're brought right into the action with main character Tilly getting up on New Year's Day and going to pursue her new project-her allotment. We find out that Tilly has been through some things recently, and we know they might involve a previous partner, but we are never told exactly what, or who, was involved and that is just so teasing and tantalising and will definitely have me grabbing the next installment as soon as it comes out!

Tilly is a lovely character, I really warmed to her as the story progressed as she warmed to the other characters in this novella, these things happened almost in parallel. She seems rather afraid of getting too attached to people and I think this gives us a clue as to what has happened to her in the past. The funniest thing is that she seemed totally clueless about gardening and so this provides some real comedy moments as the story progresses. There are a host of other characters in this novella, all of whom developed as the story went on, but we don't find out too much about them all, meaning that they will probably reveal themselves further in the next three instalments of this serialised novel!

The storyline itself was sweet. It was a nice easy read and nothing too dramatic happened. I love the fact that it features a teacher, and does paint teaching from a relatic point of view, you have reports to write, planning to do and get ill every holiday-well done to this author for including all of these aspects in this novella, I hope they will continue to be a feature of the next few instalments. I also really loved the fact that her mum loved in Harrogate! This bit was very well-written, so you cold tell this author had actually been there (my home town). I found some of the gardening references a little dull in parts, just because I have no interest in gardening whatsoever, but there weren't too many complex ideas to take in, you plant stuff, it grows, so that was good.

There were some real funny moments in this novella and overall it was sweet and endearing. Being at around 85 pages, this book made a nice short break from a full novel and is definitely something you could read on your commute as it was easy to pick up and put down. I will definitely be read the Summer instalment as I am incredibly intrigued to find out more about Tilly's last and also about the other characters on the allotments. This is perfect reading for this time of year, being spring and all, but I think it would work well later on in the year too, giving new hope to dull days!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/

Ivy Lane (Spring) was a gorgeous first instalment in Cathy Bramley's Ivy Lane series. I absolutely loved it. It was a lovely, homely beginning to a series that seems promisingly beautiful!

Tilly Parker is Cathy's main female character in Ivy Lane. I have to say, I was incredibly intrigued with Tilly and remained so right until the first part of her story came to an end. Not only does she constantly speak of making a fresh start but she seems to be hiding a secret, something that she is determined to keep hidden from her newly acquainted friends. Ivy Lane -Spring begins with Tilly Parker moving twenty miles away from her old home to Kingsfield, "a small market town on the edge of Derbyshire." She has found herself a new job at the local school and is hell-bent on keeping herself to herself and carrying on the rest of her life in solitude and peace. She decides to find herself a hobby and is delighted when she comes across Ivy Lane allotments; it seems like a quiet place where she can keep herself busy and not have to talk to another soul. Unfortunately for Tilly, the occupants of Ivy Lane allotments have different ideas.

Ivy Lane (Spring) is bound to put a smile on your face. Not only do you want to know Tilly Parker's big secret, but you want to see her make some friends and be brought back to life. Sometimes it's a good idea to spend some time alone, but in Tilly's case, it seems like having a few good friends around her is just what she needs. There is a real sense of community spirit, of love and friendship, and of finding yourself. It was a delightful little read and I am dying to get started on Cathy's second instalment in the series, Ivy Lane: Summer: Part 2.

Becca's Books is rating Cathy Bramley's Ivy Lane: Spring: Part 1 with a fabulous rating of five beautiful stars. Not only is the story warm, sweet and very cheery, but the cover is TO DIE FOR! Cathy has definitely hooked me in with this one. Bring on Ivy Lane #2!

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original review is posted on Chick Library Cat

When I looked at the cover, I immediately fell in love with it. it looked so fresh, so colorful, so cheerful, perfect for the spring time. Cathy Bramley is one of my favorite writers and I am always so excited to have her book in my hands. This is her second novel, and I hope that there will be many more in future.

The story centers around Tilly, a woman in her thirties, who has been through hard times and now tries to start all over again. Moving to new town is just the first step. The Ivy lane community gathers together for gardening tips, and Tilly decides to join them. She has no experience in gardening at all, but starting something new seems like a big step forward. The neighbors at Ivy Lane's seem so friendly, she almost feels at home.

Gardening is one of my passions, so I've found much of myself in Tilly's character. She suffers a lot, don't know what happened, but gardening is a good way to cope with pain. Tilly learns how to plant, what to plant, how to grow up her own vegetables. In the very same time with planting the veggies, she plants good thoughts in her mind, she learns how to get out of depression that nestled in her life.

The Ivy Lane community is like a big family here. They've all found one passion in common and they are all together in it. Along with gardening meetings, they share their problems and fears, moments of joy and happiness. Like a real family.

The story is written in four parts, one for each season of the year. It's really unique, I like it, but unfortunately, I'll have to wait for summer, autumn and winter. It is an enjoyable short read, I can't wait to read the rest of it.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

We join Tilly on New Year’s Day as she is leaving her home for her first visit to the allotments. Having chosen to isolate herself, she figures this is the perfect time – who will be around on this day of the year?

Single 35 year old Charlie is the first person she meets and she is reluctant to engage with him. He makes an innocent remark, which Tilly can’t handle. It takes six weeks for her to go back as she is getting used to her new job at the local school.

Tilly gets drawn into the community. She thinks she needs isolation but the fabulous inhabitants at Ivy Lane prove otherwise as we watch Tilly slowly coming back to life as they not only give her invaluable support when she makes mistakes but also nurture her, accepting her for where she is in her life.

I loved every single character! Neighbour Gemma provides some laugh out loud moments as well as some more tender moments. I loved the way her mum Christine sneakily draws Tilly in to the committee. Charlie – I’m wondering if he has a mental illness as to me, his actions came across as bi-polar.

The characters who make up the community are people we have all met before and are easy to identify with. I can’t wait to find out more!

Most tantalising of all is the reason WHY Tilly had to move away and start a new life. We know she is emotionally in pain and has found it hard to move on. She is still grieving. But we don’t know her secret and I couldn’t make up my mind out of the two things I considered it might be …

Ivy Lane is full of warmth and belonging. It really is a vibrant community! It captured my imagination and I’m eager to see how the story unfolds in Ivy Lane : Summer.

I would like to thank the publishers for approval via Netgalley.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review also posted on my blog http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...

I’d been anxiously awaiting Ivy Lane: Spring to pop up on my Kindle ever since I pre-ordered it, and as soon as it appeared, I had to pick it up. I never actually got to the stage of putting it down though but it was well worth it. Ivy Lane is a beautiful story with lovely characters and a gorgeous cover. I loved it.

Tilly was a fab main character. Instantly likeable, she was a refreshing character to read and so intriguing too! I’m desperate to know what she’s hiding. There’s an abundance of other characters in this book meaning Tilly didn’t get the quiet fresh start she was hoping for. But they’re all wonderful to read and their community spirit is heartwarming. Can’t say I’ve ever wanted to escape to an allotment before but it seems a lovely place to be as Tilly was making lots of new friends.

The writing was wonderful – I felt like I was there at the allotment and could picture every vegetable growing (or not growing as may have been the case) and every lively character. I loved Gemma and Charlie but all the characters were great fun. I just can’t compliment this book enough.

Ivy Lane: Spring had it all and I was smiling the whole way through. From friendship to secrets to humour to the ups and downs in Tilly’s life, Cathy Bramley packed tons of charm into this short story. It’s a quick book but one which will no doubt leave you needing the next instalment (I pre-ordered it the moment I finished). I’m sure this will be the best springtime book I read this year.


5/5.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy Lane: Spring is the first in a four part series featuring Tilly Parker, who has moved 20 miles away to escape the pitying smiles and awkward silences. She has a new job, new home and now plot 16B at Ivy Lane allotments where she wants to keep busy and keep herself to herself ..... well, that was her plan! This describes the state of her allotment when she first sees it:

So this was to be my 'new interest'. Hands on hips, I surveyed the brambles, nettles, thistles, dockleaves and some other trailing weed and tried to conjure up positive thoughts.

Tilly is 28, a teacher in a Junior School and has such a lovely personality that you can't help but warm to her and wonder what or who she wants to 'move on' from. Early on the name of James is mentioned so we know that he is part (or possibly all) of the reason but we don't know what happened. Cathy Bramley keeps us guessing.

This is such a charming, feel-good story and I think it's quite original how Cathy has made it into the four seasonal parts. We are introduced to some of the warm and wacky people who use the allotment but I would have liked to have had more of their back stories, I didn't feel that I got to know any of them too well, but I presume we'll have plenty of time over the year to discover everyone's secrets! I can't wait......oh, and I just love that cover.

From my blog Carole's Book Corner

[Kirsty & Erin Muir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Harriet at Transworld for approving me for a copy of this great little story!

This is the second of Cathy’s books that I’ve read and it follows main character Tilly story as she embarks on a new adventure in life, as an allotment owner!

I really loved this straight from the start. It’s one of those stories where you can just immediately plant (pardon the pun) yourself into it and I think Cathy’s writing just facilitates that so well because it’s realistic and easy to relate to.

The story focuses on main character Tilly, who has obviously had her fair share of hardship, and although it’s alluded to it’s never actually spoken about so there is a hint of mystery throughout. You can tell that it has been hard for her, especially as the allotment is her decision to start living again.

The decision to take on the allotment, when she knows practically nothing about gardening might seem a bit whacky and a big task. But really, I love that you can just fall into step alongside Tilly and imagine yourself having your own allotment. There is a whole cast of characters in the Ivy Lane allotments and there is a real sense of community created which feels as if it’s just what Tilly needs, even if she can’t see it yet.


Just like the promise of spring itself this instalment of the story is a great start to what looks to be a promising series. I really can’t wait to see what happens in the summer, which is part two.

Erin x

[Elizabeth Grieve · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pleasant, light hearted story, but it doesn't appear to have been thoroughly proofread or copy edited. There are quite a few errors, in particular some unintentionally funny ones, which seem to be the result of relying on the computer's spell checker. There are also clumsy and ambiguous sentences, and overall this book gives the impression of being a self-published work rather than one put out by a reputable publisher.

Reviewed in exchange for a preview Kindle copy.

http://ebookproofreader.wordpress.com/
http://easyturkishforbeginners.wordpr...

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

really looking forward to the next one

[Sheerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, very topical about allotments. This is going to be in 4 parts. Can't wait for No 2 Summer.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Can't wait to start part 2.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of four in this series and covers the Spring period when Tilly first arrives in the village. Tilly has set up a new home and is trying to leave her past behind her. She doesn't want friends, she want's to be alone and to keep her life private. She gets a job share as a teacher and signs up for an Ivy Lane allotment, not knowing the slightest thing about growing vegetables or flowers.

Her hopes of keeping herself to herself gradually disappear as she meets the characters of the allotment and slowly becomes part of their community.

[Floriedorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tilly is een sympathiek hoofdpersoon, dat is ook wel eens fijn. Ik vloog door het boek en had eigenlijk het gevoel dat we pas in de inleiding zaten. Er worden naar mijn gevoel te veel personages toegevoegd die niet veel te maken hebben met de verhaallijn, waardoor het verhaal een beetje vaart verliest. Leest fijn, maar blijft wat oppervlakkig. Ik ben benieuwd naar deel 2!

[Karen Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read by Cathy Bramley, and I loved it. If you are feeling a bit below par then Cathy will lift you up with equal amounts of sadness and sunshine..
The only down side to this book was it came in 4 parts, .

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story line was good, but it was about 100 pages too long. The constant back and forth between Tilly and Aiden made me want them not get together. Tilly was also a bit blind to how creepy Charlie was throughout it.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

First book of a four part series. I believe this also exists in just one book.
So, I like this. It's just a simple and warm read, a light read if you will. However I am curious as to what the background story is. Guess we will find out later on in the series!

[Smack24 · Rating 2 out of 5]

a Little dragged for my reading style and very predictable., Characters not very engaging to me

[RITA PAYNE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopeful growers

Very interesting eventful and emotional story. It is enough to encourage one to take on an allotment and grow vegetable etc.

[Nikki Greveling · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 ⭐️ stars.

[Margaret Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy lane in spring

Feel good factor for this charming book. Have just downloaded the three follow on seasons. Well into summer now, and still enjoying

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leuke en warme feelgoodroman over een nieuw komer in een volkstuin. Het las heerlijk weg en ik vind het jammer dat het boek niet afgerond is. Dat betekent dat ik deel 2 ook moet gaan lezen.

[margaret fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book looking forward to book 2

[MRS CHRISTINE SITTON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from the start

As soon as I started reading I knew I was going to love this book. So full of warmth and caring people. What's Tillys secret and why is she so upset and cautious. Have already downloaded the other 3 books and look forward to curling up in bed and solving the mystery

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Also posted on This Chick Reads

*Copy provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Cathy's debut 'Conditional Love' became a HUGE hit after being released in October last year and it was just a matter of time before she snatched a deal with a great publisher. Needless to say, I was over the moon to hear she got a deal with Transworld and she's about to publish her new novel in 4 parts. Tricky you may say, well I thought so too. But, you're NOT to doubt Cathy's writing skills, so publishing her novel in 4 parts (each for every season) proved to be very wise.

'Ivy Lane: Spring' is the first part and it's absolutely charming. It's the right length for a novella, so even those who have trouble reading long books can devour in less than an hour. It's also the perfect opportunity for those who're not familiar with Cathy's writing, to check her out and get addicted to her (just like many of us already is).

'Ivy Lane' tells the story of Tilly Parker who settles in Ivy Lane discovering the beauty of not only her new allotment but of life once again. She's been through quite a rough period (though Cathy shares very few details of Tilly's past) and is all set to start anew. I must admit, I can't wait to read the other parts in this novel because I so want to know what are the reasons Tilly decided to move and make such a drastic change in her life. So, a warning to those that will read this one - do not get frustrated if you don't know all the answers to Tilly's story, I'm sure they will be revealed 'when the time is right', maybe even in the next part.

I really enjoyed Ivy Lane, it's short yet charming because I really could see Tilly transforming in front of my eyes. I've never been one for drastic changes, like moving after a heartbreak etc, but I get the whole idea of starting afresh. Tilly is a lovable character you'll connect to from the first page, and even if you don't like gardening and know zilch about potatoes/tomatoes/carrots/flowers etc, you're going to enjoy this book. Because it's not about gardening, it's about new beginnings, making new friends, believing in life once again though you were burned before.

As you see, I'm really excited about 'Ivy Lane:Summer' and can't wait to see what Cathy and Tilly have in store for us. I assume there will be some twists or huge revelations, which I AM anticipating. Short, sweet read perfect for these spring days.

[Isabell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes

Rating = 3.5

I kindly received Ivy Lane: Spring in exchange of an honest review by the publisher via Netgalley.

This was the first time I have read something of Cathy Bramley. I heard so many good thing about the first part of Ivy Lane I couldn't resist to request it on Netgalley as well. Thank you to Transworld for approving me.

Ivy Lane: Spring is the first installment of a four parted novel. I think this is such a lovely idea. The only bad thing about this is that we readers have to wait a couple of months for every part. Part 2 (summer) of the Ivy Lane series will be puplished on 3rd July


Ivy Lane: Spring focuses on Tilly Parker. 28 year old teacher who moved to Kingsfield recently to escape from her old life and to start fresh all over again. We're not told what she is escaping from but it does involve a man called James. It must had such an impact on her because she lives in a shell for many months now. Tilly is about to start a new job as a part-time teacher and without a knowledge of gardening she takes on her own plot at Ivy Lane allotment to challenge herself with a new project. The only thing she want is her peace and quiet but the community of Ivy Lane has other plans for her. They want to get to know Tilly, help her with the gardening and involve her into Ivy Lane events. Soon Tilly finds herself as a part of the Ivy Lane community.

What a lovely story! This was a really quick read that was enjoyable and had me wanting to read on to find out what would happen next. I really liked the writing style and the ease with which I could read this story. The plot was unique and so were the multitude of characters. The characters are well thought out and developed. This plot had a surprising twists at the end of the sory, which I didn’t see coming. It makes you want to read the second part right now.

A quick read about the importance of friendship and how to learn the importance of living your life for you. I rate this book 3.5 cupcakes because I didn't fall in love with it as much as I was hoping to. Even though I can't wait to read the next part of this novel to discover why Tilly moved to Kingsfield and what she is hiding from us.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read Cathy Bramley’s debut novel Conditional Love in September last year, I quite liked it – it wasn’t perfect, but it was a very enjoyable read so imagine my surprise when Cathy announced she had signed a book deal with Transworld to publish a new book! The catch is that the book is a serial and is split into 4 parts – one for each season and they’re the perfect bite size reads for people on the go! I was delighted to spot Ivy Lane: Spring on Netgalley and even happier to download it onto my kindle and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in!

The Ivy Lane series is such a clever little idea, with four parts coming out during 2014, but I was also slightly concerned that it would mean cliffhangers all the way until the end. So it was quite a relief to find that Ivy Lane: Spring came to a natural conclusion, which will lead very nicely into Ivy Lane: Summer without me feeling cheated! If the first part is anything to go by it very much is a bite size novel and it’s very well contained! It took me an hour or so to read and it was delightful!

I loved Tilly Parker immediately – she seems such a lovely lead character and I enjoyed getting to know her – although I am dreadfully curious to know her secret regarding James. It’s hinted at throughout the novella, but Tilly isn’t very forthcoming. The idea of renting an allotment was sweet – not my idea of a way to get out more, but it appeals to some and i liked the community feel to the Ivy Lane allotments. It always makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when a community makes a new member welcome, and they certainly gave Tilly a warm welcome!

I very much look forward to the three other Ivy Lane novellas. Cathy is such a wonderful writer that it’s not surprising she was snapped up to write this series! I thoroughly enjoyed Ivy Lane: Spring, it was filled with some great gardening knowledge (not my forte at all), some memorable characters and a wonderful leading heroine! I loved Tilly and I can’t wait to read more from her!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tilly Parker arrives in a new town, looking for a fresh start. We don’t know exactly what she’s escaping from but we know it has something to do with “James”. With a new job waiting for her, Tilly also rents an allotment to keep her busy in her spare time, intent on keeping her head down and herself to herself.

What Tilly isn’t expecting is the community that comes along with hiring an allotment on Ivy Lane and soon she finds herself surrounded by new friends, keen to help her out and she in return, finds herself helping her fellow gardener.

This is the first in what is to be a four part series, spanning the seasons of the year. In a similar vein to the allotments the story is growing itself around, the series starts it’s life in Spring. Tilly’s allotment is overgrown, a bit of a mess just like she finds herself to be at the moment and as she and her allotment neighbours start to kick her gardening space back into shape, she also finds herself feeling better.

Ivy Lane features a great set of characters, from the shy to the eccentric, from the sober to the drunk. There’s mysterious goings on in one of the neighbouring sheds, a good looking guy, who brings with him the suggestion of a possible romance on the horizon for Tilly, and so many funny moments, it’s amazing they fit in such a short book.

As an introduction to the series, this book has to fit a lot of information into it’s pages as we get to know both the setting and it’s residents. Now that we know the characters, I look forward to seeing how the story develops throughout the remaining seasons.

My Rating 5/5 ~ A great introduction to what looks set to be a brilliant series. I love the seasonal concept and whilst I don’t particularly like the waiting (impatient as I am), I have a feeling the rest of the series will be worth the wait. Funny, endearing, natural and unique, Ivy Lane looks set to keep me hooked throughout the year.