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Down on Daffodil Lane
‘If you’re only going to read one book this year and you’re a fan of chick lit, make it this one!’ - Han’s Book Review
A charmed life…Maria Charm’s world might have recently crumbled, but that doesn’t mean she’s going to let it get her down.
Sure, her ex-husband broke her heart and decimated her trust, and while it would be so tempting to spend forever in her dressing gown, a tub of ice-cream in one hand and a glass of Chardonnay in the other, Maria wants more from her new—single—life!
A make over of her lovely little cottage on Daffodil Lane and a new job at Harriet’s café are just the distractions Maria needs to carve a new life in the country. One distraction she doesn’t need is Mr Tall, Brooding and Handsome from down the lane! 'Maria may only be in town temporarily, but there's nothing temporary about the tingles she feels at gorgeous Brad's touch…
After everything she’s been through, can Maria ever trust a man again? Could risking her heart with Brad lead to a charmed life on Daffodil Lane?
Find out in Rebecca Pugh’s dazzling novel, Down on Daffodil Lane!
What reviewers are saying about Rebecca Pugh‘I recommend reading this book more than any book I'd ever recommend. A true 5 heart read. And I read this is one beautiful scrumptious sitting!’ - The Brunette’s Bookshelf on Down on Daffodil Lane
‘I loved this debut novel and found it to be a comforting and enjoyable read perfect for cosying up in front a warm fire.’ – Sincerely Book Angel on Return to Bluebell Hill
‘a warm, heart-warming, enticing story.’ – Sophie, Reviewed the Book on Return to Bluebell Hill
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2016
4 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Pugh
4 books148 followersRebecca Pugh is a twenty-four-year old writer from Shropshire. She signed her first two-book deal with HQ Digital UK back in 2014, and her debut novel ‘Return to Bluebell Hill’ was published in June the following year. Since then, she has written another three novels and is now working on her fifth.
When Rebecca is not writing, she can usually be found reading, both of which are her greatest passions in life. Some of her favourite authors include Holly Martin, Cathy Bramley, Sarah Morgan and Jill Mansell.
In Rebecca’s opinion, there is nothing as delicious as curling up with a good book, a cup of tea and a whole new fictional world to discover. There really isn’t enough time for all the books she plans to write and read, but she won’t let that put her off.
Rebecca’s next book ‘Right Here Waiting for You’ will be published by HQ Digital UK on May 31st 2017.
When Rebecca is not writing, she can usually be found reading, both of which are her greatest passions in life. Some of her favourite authors include Holly Martin, Cathy Bramley, Sarah Morgan and Jill Mansell.
In Rebecca’s opinion, there is nothing as delicious as curling up with a good book, a cup of tea and a whole new fictional world to discover. There really isn’t enough time for all the books she plans to write and read, but she won’t let that put her off.
Rebecca’s next book ‘Right Here Waiting for You’ will be published by HQ Digital UK on May 31st 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 8, 2016
I have loved both Return to Bluebell Hill and A Home in Sunset Bay by Rebecca Pugh, they were both suitably gorgeous novels to sink your teeth into. In fact I have read them both this year, so you can imagine how much I was anticipating this read, to the point it has been my most anticipated read of the year!
Anyway, Down on Daffodil Lane follow Maria Charm after a messy divorce running off to Daffodil Lane cottage, owned by her mothers best friend, to help decorate the place and get herself some well earned R&R. Because sometimes you just need that time am I right?!
We have such a bundle of extraordinary characters. First of all Maria Charm. I just loved reading about Maria. She was so strong and independent. She had such an oomph about her. With her simplistic elegance to her and her subtle strength I just loved reading about her, watching her develop throughout the novel. I've never rooted for a Happily Ever After more than when reading about Maria.
When Maria moves to Daffodil Lane she meets Harriet the owner of Harriets Place, the lovely little cafe that Maria comes across. And she is just adorable. The typical mumsy kind of character, that I adored she was there for Maria to help her feel welcome and like she had a purpose. She was so cute! Millie, Millie, Millie. I LOVE Millie. She was funny, sarcastic and gave Maria a new lease of life. A new best friend for Maria in a town she didn't know, living a life she ever knew. She allowed Maria to find herself again, proving the power of Friendship really can mend a broken heart.
You're also introduced to some hot book boyfriend in Daffodil Lane in Brad. Brad is rough and ready, down and dirty, hot and smouldering! Think Ian Somerhalder in Vampire Diaries. That piercing look, those strong 'cut through ice' cheekbones. That's Brad. He also had the adorable, soft and sensitive 'has been hurt before' kinda feel about him. He was just the cutest, most loving, sexy man in fictional history!!
I don't really want to go into too much detail, as always, I love my readers to know how I felt about a book without giving away too much information abut the storyline.
All you have to know is Down on Daffodil Lane is Rebecca Pugh;s best novel yet. She has excelled herself in each novel she has written, she's become more dynamic, with an exceptional writing style which battles some of the bets chick lit authors like Jill Mansell. You get captivated, and all wrapped in the stories she creates, the characters you'll fall head over heels in love with, and get the most satisfying ending. Down on Daffodil Lane is a story of heart-break, the owed of a good friend and what it means to mend you're own broken heart.
This novel is for anyone who's had their heart broken, this'll show you that you can get through and you can make everything better. You can learn to love again *this feels like lyrics doesn't it?*
I recommend reading this book more than any book I'd ever recommend. A true 5 heart read. And I read this is one beautiful scrumptious sitting!
Anyway, Down on Daffodil Lane follow Maria Charm after a messy divorce running off to Daffodil Lane cottage, owned by her mothers best friend, to help decorate the place and get herself some well earned R&R. Because sometimes you just need that time am I right?!
We have such a bundle of extraordinary characters. First of all Maria Charm. I just loved reading about Maria. She was so strong and independent. She had such an oomph about her. With her simplistic elegance to her and her subtle strength I just loved reading about her, watching her develop throughout the novel. I've never rooted for a Happily Ever After more than when reading about Maria.
When Maria moves to Daffodil Lane she meets Harriet the owner of Harriets Place, the lovely little cafe that Maria comes across. And she is just adorable. The typical mumsy kind of character, that I adored she was there for Maria to help her feel welcome and like she had a purpose. She was so cute! Millie, Millie, Millie. I LOVE Millie. She was funny, sarcastic and gave Maria a new lease of life. A new best friend for Maria in a town she didn't know, living a life she ever knew. She allowed Maria to find herself again, proving the power of Friendship really can mend a broken heart.
You're also introduced to some hot book boyfriend in Daffodil Lane in Brad. Brad is rough and ready, down and dirty, hot and smouldering! Think Ian Somerhalder in Vampire Diaries. That piercing look, those strong 'cut through ice' cheekbones. That's Brad. He also had the adorable, soft and sensitive 'has been hurt before' kinda feel about him. He was just the cutest, most loving, sexy man in fictional history!!
I don't really want to go into too much detail, as always, I love my readers to know how I felt about a book without giving away too much information abut the storyline.
All you have to know is Down on Daffodil Lane is Rebecca Pugh;s best novel yet. She has excelled herself in each novel she has written, she's become more dynamic, with an exceptional writing style which battles some of the bets chick lit authors like Jill Mansell. You get captivated, and all wrapped in the stories she creates, the characters you'll fall head over heels in love with, and get the most satisfying ending. Down on Daffodil Lane is a story of heart-break, the owed of a good friend and what it means to mend you're own broken heart.
This novel is for anyone who's had their heart broken, this'll show you that you can get through and you can make everything better. You can learn to love again *this feels like lyrics doesn't it?*
I recommend reading this book more than any book I'd ever recommend. A true 5 heart read. And I read this is one beautiful scrumptious sitting!
October 12, 2016
I can not tell you how much I enjoyed reading this book.
It was full of romance, drama, friendship, humour in certain parts and overall such a warm hearted and lovely read.
Straight away I was drawn into the world of Maria and loved being a fly on the wall and seeing how Maria’s life developed.
Maria is the main character throughout the story and even though I didn’t really feel I had anything in common with her and relate to any of the things that she was going through, I still felt really sorry for her, but also saw her as a very strong person which I really liked about her.
There are a number of other wonderful characters throughout the story which play a big role in Maria’s life. Whether That be Harriet who runs the café that Maria works in, single mum and hairdresser Millie who you wish was your best friend or the very handsome and mysterious Brad.
It was just the story that caught my eye with this book but also the front cover. Can we all take a minute to admire how gorgeous it is and if the story doesn’t intrigue you to read this book I think the front cover definitely will.
I loved the whole concept of the story and how easy it was to follow and understand. Before I knew it I had finished the book and I did get quite sad about. I was instantly transfixed into the story from the very first page which doesn’t always happen with me when reading books and before I knew it I had finished the book which I did get quite sad about
It was full of romance, drama, friendship, humour in certain parts and overall such a warm hearted and lovely read.
Straight away I was drawn into the world of Maria and loved being a fly on the wall and seeing how Maria’s life developed.
Maria is the main character throughout the story and even though I didn’t really feel I had anything in common with her and relate to any of the things that she was going through, I still felt really sorry for her, but also saw her as a very strong person which I really liked about her.
There are a number of other wonderful characters throughout the story which play a big role in Maria’s life. Whether That be Harriet who runs the café that Maria works in, single mum and hairdresser Millie who you wish was your best friend or the very handsome and mysterious Brad.
It was just the story that caught my eye with this book but also the front cover. Can we all take a minute to admire how gorgeous it is and if the story doesn’t intrigue you to read this book I think the front cover definitely will.
I loved the whole concept of the story and how easy it was to follow and understand. Before I knew it I had finished the book and I did get quite sad about. I was instantly transfixed into the story from the very first page which doesn’t always happen with me when reading books and before I knew it I had finished the book which I did get quite sad about
July 14, 2017
Down on Daffodil Lane is Rebecca Pugh’s third novel. Rebecca’s books (so far) are light, relaxing and escapist reads with dreamy settings and endearing characters. This one is no different.
The book begins and we meet Maria, who is moving into a cottage on Daffodil Lane for a few weeks. She is not in a good way and is struggling to smile or be sociable thanks to her husband’s affair, and she is in desperate need of an escape from the events that happened back home. She has decided that she has enough to keep her going so she doesn’t even need to step out of the cottage her mum’s friend is letting her stay in, but then the opportunity of a job at a local café comes up and things begin to change.
Maria is a sweet, likeable character. At the beginning she is quite vulnerable and understandably shaky after her divorce. I could feel her need to get away from the sadness and hurt she felt back home. At times her setback made her seem younger than she was, and I was surprised to learn that she was in her early thirties, but the more we learn about her the more I could see that a setback could affect someone of any age, just like it did Maria. I found I was rooting from her early on, hoping for her to overcome the funk she was in over her ex. Sometimes I found myself frustrated at how she always brought everything back to her ex-husband, but only frustrated in the way I thought she deserved better and wanted her to be over him. Watching Maria stand on her own two feet in this book, with the support of some family and friends, is really satisfying and she is a character you’ll definitely want to have a happy ending.
It’s quite a way into the book before Maria meets Brad, a man who catches her eye inside the local pub. She was fascinated by him and he was drawn to her too. I didn’t love Brad. He was a nice character but I felt like his character could have been developed further and whilst this book was about Maria coming out of her shell and getting through a tricky part of her life, I felt this made the romance lack any real sparks or realism. Brad and Maria could relate to each other because of their previous bad relationship experiences and I thought that was a nice way for the author to begin their relationship, but just a little further into the book and the feelings they were proclaiming were much more than that which I thought was quick even for the sweetest of romance novels. For me, given the length of the novel, as a reader I would have preferred for them to just have the early relationship feelings and not necessarily fall in love as that would take away slightly from the believability and also detract a bit from Maria’s recovery from a bad breakup.
The pacing was where I had my biggest issue with this book. It is actually set over quite a long timeframe but it didn’t feel like that. The moments I felt needed more development were rushed and the more menial aspects to the story, such as Maria's decorating, seemed to go on too long. There were many parts of the book I liked, such as the friendship Maria built in her time on Daffodil Lane, as well as the blossoming relationships that both she and Millie were at the beginning of. Neither story is left particular open, so it's not that I had unanswered questions, but I felt the book lacked the things in between, the feelings and the emotions and the ups and downs. I got that Maria had had everything thrown at her before the timeline of the book began, so things weren't necessarily going to be too rough for her here, but the things that did happen all felt a bit contrived.
One thing I did really enjoy about this book, and all of Rebecca's books so far, is the beautiful description and detail she puts into the picturesque setting. Daffodil Lane sounded really dreamy and made this an ideal spring read as what better time to read this book than out in the garden on a sunny spring day with daffodils blooming both in and outside the book. Rebecca has a way with words that can make even the dullest of settings sound enchanting and magical. We are treat to another gorgeous location in Down of Daffodil Lane and it is brought to life beautifully.
Despite my issues, I found Down on Daffodil Lane to be a sweet book with empowering new friendships and a fictional setting I really wished was real. It’s an ideal book to read out on a sunny day – and I’m looking forward to reading the next book from Rebecca Pugh too.
The book begins and we meet Maria, who is moving into a cottage on Daffodil Lane for a few weeks. She is not in a good way and is struggling to smile or be sociable thanks to her husband’s affair, and she is in desperate need of an escape from the events that happened back home. She has decided that she has enough to keep her going so she doesn’t even need to step out of the cottage her mum’s friend is letting her stay in, but then the opportunity of a job at a local café comes up and things begin to change.
Maria is a sweet, likeable character. At the beginning she is quite vulnerable and understandably shaky after her divorce. I could feel her need to get away from the sadness and hurt she felt back home. At times her setback made her seem younger than she was, and I was surprised to learn that she was in her early thirties, but the more we learn about her the more I could see that a setback could affect someone of any age, just like it did Maria. I found I was rooting from her early on, hoping for her to overcome the funk she was in over her ex. Sometimes I found myself frustrated at how she always brought everything back to her ex-husband, but only frustrated in the way I thought she deserved better and wanted her to be over him. Watching Maria stand on her own two feet in this book, with the support of some family and friends, is really satisfying and she is a character you’ll definitely want to have a happy ending.
It’s quite a way into the book before Maria meets Brad, a man who catches her eye inside the local pub. She was fascinated by him and he was drawn to her too. I didn’t love Brad. He was a nice character but I felt like his character could have been developed further and whilst this book was about Maria coming out of her shell and getting through a tricky part of her life, I felt this made the romance lack any real sparks or realism. Brad and Maria could relate to each other because of their previous bad relationship experiences and I thought that was a nice way for the author to begin their relationship, but just a little further into the book and the feelings they were proclaiming were much more than that which I thought was quick even for the sweetest of romance novels. For me, given the length of the novel, as a reader I would have preferred for them to just have the early relationship feelings and not necessarily fall in love as that would take away slightly from the believability and also detract a bit from Maria’s recovery from a bad breakup.
The pacing was where I had my biggest issue with this book. It is actually set over quite a long timeframe but it didn’t feel like that. The moments I felt needed more development were rushed and the more menial aspects to the story, such as Maria's decorating, seemed to go on too long. There were many parts of the book I liked, such as the friendship Maria built in her time on Daffodil Lane, as well as the blossoming relationships that both she and Millie were at the beginning of. Neither story is left particular open, so it's not that I had unanswered questions, but I felt the book lacked the things in between, the feelings and the emotions and the ups and downs. I got that Maria had had everything thrown at her before the timeline of the book began, so things weren't necessarily going to be too rough for her here, but the things that did happen all felt a bit contrived.
One thing I did really enjoy about this book, and all of Rebecca's books so far, is the beautiful description and detail she puts into the picturesque setting. Daffodil Lane sounded really dreamy and made this an ideal spring read as what better time to read this book than out in the garden on a sunny spring day with daffodils blooming both in and outside the book. Rebecca has a way with words that can make even the dullest of settings sound enchanting and magical. We are treat to another gorgeous location in Down of Daffodil Lane and it is brought to life beautifully.
Despite my issues, I found Down on Daffodil Lane to be a sweet book with empowering new friendships and a fictional setting I really wished was real. It’s an ideal book to read out on a sunny day – and I’m looking forward to reading the next book from Rebecca Pugh too.
November 15, 2020
A nice cosy book perfect for curling up with on a lazy Sunday afternoon
March 5, 2017
One thing I love about ALL of Rebecca's books is that they always have ridiculously BEAUTIFUL book covers. I love the green countryside feel to the cover and the fact it is covered in flowers, or daffodils to be exact. The blurb definitely had be hooked form the beginning sentence.
One aspect of the book that I loved was how Pugh portrayed Maria's life. The entanglement of romance, drama, friendship, and humour was perfect and it made the whole story come together. Maria, our main character, is going through a tough time which is why she's been sent, or given the opportunity to stay at Daffodil Lane cottage on the pre-tense that she re-decorates the whole place.
I would love this to happen to me.
Maria gets the chance to meet some other pretty special characters during her stay. There's Harriet who runs the cafe, and Millie, who has her own salon and is raising her little girl by herself. These ladies help Maria grow her strength to continue, and Maria's strong will make her both loveable and had me rooting for her.
Overall this book is everything I expected it to be, even with the ending being a slight surprise and even a bit misleading. All I will say is keep turning those pages. You won't regret it.
This review appeared on littlenovelist.com.
One aspect of the book that I loved was how Pugh portrayed Maria's life. The entanglement of romance, drama, friendship, and humour was perfect and it made the whole story come together. Maria, our main character, is going through a tough time which is why she's been sent, or given the opportunity to stay at Daffodil Lane cottage on the pre-tense that she re-decorates the whole place.
I would love this to happen to me.
Maria gets the chance to meet some other pretty special characters during her stay. There's Harriet who runs the cafe, and Millie, who has her own salon and is raising her little girl by herself. These ladies help Maria grow her strength to continue, and Maria's strong will make her both loveable and had me rooting for her.
Overall this book is everything I expected it to be, even with the ending being a slight surprise and even a bit misleading. All I will say is keep turning those pages. You won't regret it.
This review appeared on littlenovelist.com.
August 9, 2016
If you like your romances syrupy with a double dose of cheese then this is the novel for you.
Maria is recovering from a messy divorce and decides to take off to Daffodil lane, where she meets Harriet. As with all Pughs novels, there are now 3, there is upset, flirting, and another cafe. There is also Brad, gorgeous, rough and strong and typical in a fictional sense.
I really like Rebecca Pugh, she has a strong following on social media which will guarantee her 5* reviews, but as she knows I am honest with my book reviews so I know she will not take this personally.
This is the shortest of her novels, only 153 pages long, so as a reader I feel kind of cheated. This is more a novella than a novel.
You can tell she has a tender and affectionate heart, but her tales for me are too candy sweet and I would like to see her stories with a bit more bite to them. However, this book will appeal to the younger market and wonder if the publisher is better off marketing them towards them rather than womens fiction readers.
Maria is recovering from a messy divorce and decides to take off to Daffodil lane, where she meets Harriet. As with all Pughs novels, there are now 3, there is upset, flirting, and another cafe. There is also Brad, gorgeous, rough and strong and typical in a fictional sense.
I really like Rebecca Pugh, she has a strong following on social media which will guarantee her 5* reviews, but as she knows I am honest with my book reviews so I know she will not take this personally.
This is the shortest of her novels, only 153 pages long, so as a reader I feel kind of cheated. This is more a novella than a novel.
You can tell she has a tender and affectionate heart, but her tales for me are too candy sweet and I would like to see her stories with a bit more bite to them. However, this book will appeal to the younger market and wonder if the publisher is better off marketing them towards them rather than womens fiction readers.
September 24, 2016
This is Rebecca Pugh’s third novel and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I read the book in almost one sitting – just couldn’t put it down! Strong, lovable characters mixed with wonderfully descriptive setting makes this a very heart-warming story. I enjoyed the way the author introduces each character and affectionately describes how friendly everyone is towards the new comer to town.
I would love to live on Daffodil Lane and believe that it is reading books as sweet as this one might be the reason I am still single – no man could ever live up to the man of my book dreams! I look forward to reading more of Rebecca Pugh.
I would love to live on Daffodil Lane and believe that it is reading books as sweet as this one might be the reason I am still single – no man could ever live up to the man of my book dreams! I look forward to reading more of Rebecca Pugh.
August 17, 2016
I adore Becca's Books so much!! Everything about them - the beautiful places she introduces us to, the fabulous bunch of characters we meet, the writing style and the gorgeous front covers!!
Becca is a lovely person and her writing reflects that - she really has a way of transporting us into the book and I can picture the place perfectly! I never want her books to end!!
Becca is a lovely person and her writing reflects that - she really has a way of transporting us into the book and I can picture the place perfectly! I never want her books to end!!
August 16, 2016
Full review to follow
October 4, 2016
You can read my full review here.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews