The Pets at Primrose Cottage

by Sheila Norton

A charming and romantic story about living the simple life and the joy of animals, from the author of THE VETS AT HOPE GREEN.Emma Nightingale needs a place to hide away. Fresh from the heartbreak of a failed relationship, she takes refuge in quiet Crickleford. And not before long – and quite accidentally too – Emma finds herself the town’s favourite pet-sitter, a role she isn’t certain of at first, but soon her heart is warmed by the animals; they expect nothing more of her than she is able to give.The last thing Emma wants is for people to discover the real reason she is lying low, but then the handsome reporter from the local paper takes an interest in her story. Can Emma keep her secret and follow her heart’s desire…?

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2018

About the author

Winner of the RoNAs 'Christmas and Winter Seasonal Award' novel, 2022, with 'Winter at Cliff's End Cottage'.

I live in Chelmsford, UK, with my husband Alan. We have three married daughters and six grandchildren. I've been writing ever since I was a little girl, and finally achieved my lifelong ambition to have a novel published, with the acceptance in 2002 of 'The Trouble With Ally'. Prior to this, I'd been having short stories published in women's magazines for about ten years.

My most recent books are stories set in the English county of Devon, and most include pets in the story! They are feel-good contemporary fiction.

I worked for most of my life as a medical secretary. I now write full-time. I like to relax by reading, walking,swimming, and seeing my family and friends.

I am passionate about my writing and love to hear from my readers. I am also happy to give talks to writers' groups and others, and book signings, in my local area.

Reviews

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma needs a safe place to stay. Because of something that happened between her and her famous ex-boyfriend she's being haunted by the press. She ends up in rural and quiet Crickleford, staying with a very nice family. She's their first lodger and Emma fits right in. She needs to find something to do and before she knows it she's started her own pet-sitting business. She can't tell the people in Crickleford who she really is and lying about her history proves to be quite a challenge. Fortunately pets love unconditionally and they slowly heal her heart.

Emma tries to stay away from publicity, but she keeps landing herself in situations that are bringing her local fame. She also becomes close with a journalist. Can she trust Matt? She's afraid he'll eventually expose her, but her intuition is telling her he's a nice guy and she can't help feeling drawn to him. Is her heart telling her the right thing? Crickleford and Emma are a good match, but will she be able to stay? Is it possible to hide her past from everyone she now holds dear? What would her new friends think if they'd know the truth? Does Emma risk being heartbroken all over again?

The Pets at Primrose Cottage is a wonderful heartwarming story. I immediately loved Emma. She's a strong and fiery person. She also has many secrets and I couldn't wait to find out what they were. She doesn't have much confidence in her own abilities, but she's really good with animals and she's caring and helpful, which makes her a fabulous main character to read about. Emma's adventures are fascinating and entertaining and they kept me glued to the pages. I read The Pets at Primrose Cottage with a big smile on my face.

Sheila Norton writes about the countryside in a delightful inspiring way. I was captivated by Crickleford and its inhabitants from beginning to end. I love reading about eccentric small towns and easily fell in love with this one. I liked how Sheila Norton writes about animals a lot as well, she gives them real and intriguing personalities that are making her story a joy to read. The Pets at Primrose Cottage is a fabulous feelgood story. It's charming, enchanting, endearing and dynamic. I highly recommend this amazing touching and amusing book.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all four parts of this book that make up the full novel and really enjoyed them.

The book is a very easy read and I really enjoyed the characters and watching them develop as I got further in to the story, it was the ending that I really wanted and I have already recommended the book to my mum – it is definitely a book that she will enjoy!

For me it is the perfect holiday read and it was a great read for me that took me away from the day to day. Five stars overall from me, it is a very enjoyable story with some characters that I found easily to engage with and very likable.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Shelia's books so much and throughly enjoyed this one I simply couldn't put it down as so good the cover is brilliant and the book gets you hooked straight away. The characters are brilliant and plot for the book is fantastic and so believable just a simply fantastic read and full of starting over and also learning to be honest and telling the truth. Shows how friends can be so important and help you move forward and plenty about animals as well and of course you can't be with out romance as well.
Emma has had to escape from her boyfriend and turns up back at home but when the press is after her to get her side of the story she decides she has to start again away from her parents so moves into a families home in Crickleford and rents out a room. She changes her name so people won't recognise her and she tries to keep herself to herself and not mix with anyone. Before she knows it she is starting to look after people's pets and she's really enjoying it. She's making new friends but keeps telling different lies as she doesn't want her past catching her up. Problem is when she is looking after one pet and the house is broken into a journalist turns up on the doorstep and she panics. She also when out walking sees a beautiful little cottage that she dreams of living in but knows it will never happen. This journalist keeps trying to get closer to Emma and can she learn to trust him but when the village has a bad flood she rescues plenty of people and ends up going home with the journalist and she tells him the truth of her full story and how she ran away but she soon learns she has been tracked down by the press and she thinks it's all due to her new friend and she has to run away as she knows the village won't be happy with all her lies and who she really is. She runs to her sisters but so upset and misses looking after pets and especially misses her friends but when a paper turns up at her parents she gets her sister to read it to her and she realises the village she ran away from miss her terribly will she decide to go back and be happy again or continue to run. Can she be happy and undo all the lies and be honest with everyone about who she is and can she be happy with romance again.
Worth far more than five stars so well written and didn't want it to end.

[Anniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma used to be one of the It girls in America, when she was still together with her famous boyfriend. Unfortunately their relationship ends on bad terms and Emma needs a quiet and safe place to calm down and hide from the press. Emma ends up in Crickleford, where she rents a room from a nice and warm family. She needs to look for a job now that she has to earn her own money again. She has no idea what to do, but accidentally lands a pet sitting job. She loves animals, so she starts her own pet-sitting company. How long will Emma be able to hide in Crickleford before the press finds her again?

Emma tries to keep to herself, but in a small town like Crickleford nothing stays a secret for long. She tells little lies to prevent having to disclose who she really is. While she tries to stay hidden in the shadows, Emma almost becomes a local heroine overnight and her brave actions are putting her in the spotlight more than once. When she gets to know local journalist Matt she has to remind herself of the reasons why she came to Crickleford in the first place. Everyone loves a good story, but how will Emma's end when the locals find out who she really is?

The Pets at Primrose Cottage is such a sweet and heartwarming story. Emma is a kind soul, but she lost herself in the glitter and glamour of the rich and famous. She never wants to become that person again and works hard to look after of the pets that are in her care. Emma doesn't think highly of herself. She's sad she can't compare to her genius sister, but it's not all brains that make someone special. Emma is so smart and is very brave when others are needing her. I loved her from the start and was wishing for her to find the courage to break down her walls and be open to the possibility of love.

Crickleford is a nice and quaint small town, where everybody knows each other. I always love to read about those kind of places. The local people are all so warm and inviting and I loved their trusting nature. Sheila Norton's vivid descriptions of the town and the lovely cottages made it easy for me to have a clear picture of the place. Being a dog owner myself I enjoy reading about animals and I found myself laughing out loud multiple times about Emma's adventures. The pets have their own personalities and this was so relatable for me. The Pets at Primrose Cottage is a feelgood story about secrets, fabulous animals and learning to trust again. It's my first book by Sheila Norton and she got me addicted to her easy-flowing writing style. I can't wait to read another one of her stories.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review can be found at thecosiestcorner.blogspot.com

I've been so excited to read this new novel by Sheila Norton that when I got the chance, I simply couldn't put it down! The cover as always, looks so inviting and pretty, it's cosy-looking and beautiful! I love the font, the colours and the beautiful flowers.

Any books that involve romance and animals is a win win in my book! Straight away with this novel I was drawn in and couldn't put it down and straight from the beginning there is mystery in regards to why Emma had to leave her family home and find somewhere to lay low for a while. I loved the character of Lauren and Little Holly, they were friendly, inviting and Holly has a lot of cute sass that made me smile! I absolutely loved reading about Emma's job with the looking after of cute animals and I really enjoyed reading about the animals own little personalities - it was so cute!

Straight away I loved the descriptions of Crickleford and I just knew from the off that I was going to enjoy this novel and where it was set. I adore Sheila's style of writing; it's descriptive, enjoyable, humorous and lighthearted - all of which makes an easy read. At first I was a bit hesitant about Emma's past, wondering what on earth could have happened for Emma to have to go into hiding, I was so intrigued that I really couldn't stop reading! I don't want to give too much away, but lets just say that it was a fantastic ending and such a brilliant read.

Sheila Norton is one of my favourite writers now, I just love how she can draw a reader in so quickly! I loved every single page of this novel and I was sad when I finished it. This novel is about love, friendship and is utterly heartwarming. Definitely 5 stars from me. If you haven't read a Sheila Norton novel before now, then I urge you to read this.

[Jannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

This was very endearing and sweet. Its a simple story, with charming (albeit shallow in description) characters, and has a bit of cutesy cheesiness that I didn't hate. I did get annoyed with the main character's many silly lies. However it was written very engaginly and kept me interested. A nice relaxing bit of fluff.

[Linda Dobinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is adorable and uplifting, and we could all do with a bit of that these days. I liked the first person narrative as that always make me feel close to the character, and Emma is a great character. She is kind, caring and clever.
But I have to mention the pets - they are all so loveable. My favourites were Sugar and JoJo.
I recommend this book.

[Charlotte Louise Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, couldn’t put it down. Great book as an easy reader.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an array of pets there are in this book and their owners too and as an animal lover I enjoyed meeting them all, as it turns out even the simplest sounding of pet sitting jobs can cause mayhem!

Meet Emma, she is clearly hiding things about her past but even the reader can't full guess everything to start with ,but what is clear is that she needs to make a fresh start and she is trying to reinvent herself as a pet sitter.

I loved everyone in the small town of Crickleford, and all their personalities are really distinct.

Originally published in 4 parts, each part clearly deals with a different aspect of Emma's story and generally leaves you wanting a little bit more moving onto the next one. As a full book it works really well, and I found this to be a very quick read, in part as I didn't put it down once!

I am loving Sheila Norton's way with words while describing animals, and I could really picture all of the various pets being featured. I wasn't so keen on a few of the owners though!

A charming feel good story, that animal lovers will definitely adore!

Thank you to Netgalley and Ebury for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was cute, cozy, and uplifting. My one complaint is in regards to what Emma was hiding about herself, in particular her actions towards Shane. It all seemed a bit out of character and far fetched but this is fiction not real life.

I'm glad I waited and read all of the novellas in this collection at once. The whole story comes together in a nice tidy package. I'd love to read more about the characters of Crickleford

[Harriett Bunclark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read a book by Sheila Norton before. It was on my libraries new books in and the front cover caught my attention straight away and I'm so glad it did as I for one couldn't put it down.
The book follows Emma whos running away from her past and moves to a town called Crickleford and becomes a pet sitter in attempt to disguise herself from her past.
Along the way we meet many of the different pets Emma sits for and their owners and th3 hilarious journeys some of these pets present.
We also see how Emma herself develops throughout the book which I love to see a character grown and romantic relationships and friendships.
This book is an easy read and Sheila Norton knows clearly how to pull a reader into her world. I have already put the next book on my library order and look forward to more adventures. 5/5 stars

[Theta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Nightingale arrives in Crickleford fresh from a break up. Purely by accident, she ends up becoming the town's local pet-sitter, and she enjoys it. Then she meets Matt, a local reporter. Is Matt as friendly as he seems? Or does he have a hidden agenda? With Emma hiding a secret about her past, can she really trust Matt, and everyone around her?

I really enjoyed this book. This is the second book by Sheila Norton that I have read and enjoyed. It was a quick read, and very light-hearted. I loved hearing about the various pets that Emma looked after, and how she accidentally became a pet sitter and heroine. I found myself growing attached to all the characters, especially Emma, and I was really rooting for her to have her happy ending, because she really deserved it!

[Hayley Marsland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read quite a few books by Sheila Norton now and as usual I really enjoyed my latest from her.

This is about Emma Nightingale, who is looking for a place to hide away, since her relationship has failed.

Emma goes to the little Devonshire town of Crickleford, where - quite by accident - she ends up becoming a pet sitter.

The thing is though, Emma has a very good reason for wanting to lie low, a reason she could really do without anyone finding out about, especially, the handsome reporter from the local newspaper.

The people of Crickleford have really taken Emma into their hearts as well as their lives, will she be able to maintain her secret, and stay in the only place she has ever really felt at home ?

A truly lovely book.

[Michelle Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up as a light-hearted, easy read, and it was.. but it was so much more than that! I really liked the main character Emma and how slowly,throughtout the story, I found out, more about her and her background. And, of course, bit by bit, the so-called scandal that brought her to the tiny village of Crickleford and into the hearts of all that got to know her. Emma aka 'Candice' found out just how popular she was by the end of the book and it really was a feel good ending.

Will definitely be reading more by this author. I'm looking forward to reading The Vet's at Hope Green.

[Miss Skye Kite · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a truly lovely story, about starting over, lies being unearthed and over coming battles that you never thought you could. I loved reading this book, it had me hooked from the first page, I needed to keep reading, I wanted to find out more and definitely cannot wait to read more by Sheila Norton. It was wonderfully written and had my laughing and anxious all at the same time. I truly love a book with a happy ending so it’s definitely worth a read :)

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Sheila Norton and it certainly won’t be the last. It was very good and I couldn’t put it down.

I loved the story of Emma, she was a lovely character who moves to Crickleford to get over heartbreak.

It’s a very heartwarming story. I loved the setting of this book offered pure escapism.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m really looking forward to reading her next book.

[Sarah Baines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite simply one of the best books I've read this year.
It's such a gorgeous book. So much so that admittedly i fell in love with Crickleford and all the animals that Emma pet sits especially Pongo the dog!!! It's the first book by Sheila Norton I've read, it certainly won't be the last!

[Carole Hearn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming to Devon to start a new life Emma wanted nothing to do with the person she had become in New York. Settling down as a pet sitter she became friends with everyone in the village where she lived. This was a lovely feel good story that made me smile.

[Jennie Sarah Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened by audiobook. It’s a sweet and lovely tale which I really got in to after a couple of hours of listening. There’s no shockers or twists in the tale really but it is written well so you do get attached to the characters and giggle at some of the situations that happen.

[Sue Vickery · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the first book I've read by Sheila Norton. I couldn't take to Emma at first. The more I read the more I liked this story. Crickleford where she escaped to was a lovely village. I did like all the characters.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little story, easy to read and very likeable characters!!

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet book, quick and easy read.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read anything by this author before, and I will do again. I liked this light hearted book that had very engaging characters and a good storyline. Excellent read

[Sinead · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read. Easy story to get into and well rounded characters. Perfect for a lazy weekend.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really easy read that actually gave me a couple of real tears at the end, lol. I will definitely read more of her books!

[Jenna Coyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could not stop reading loved it will def read more of hers

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful read. Lots of memorable characters and crazy pets. thoroughly enjoyable. Will definitely read more of her books.

[Samantha Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Previously read this

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun romance with lots of animals