Escape to the seaside village of Little Pondale with Part Four of this heart-warming and romantic, four-part serial.
Mia Ward was amazed to inherit her great-aunt Matilda’s thatched cottage in the tiny seaside village of Little Pondale – especially as Mia didn’t know she had a great-aunt Matilda. She was even more astonished to discover she’d only inherit the place if she lives there for a year.
But a lot can happen in a very short time, and life in Little Pondale is not going quite as Mia hoped. She may have finally beaten one fear, but now heartbreak threatens to drown her.
And when at last, she starts to unravel the mystery of Matilda’s past, she uncovers an extraordinary plan for her own future. Now just who can Mia trust?
As the nights draw in and cold winds steal through Sunbeam Cottage, she turns to an unlikely source for comfort and support. But with the fortune teller’s warning still ringing in her ears, is Mia about to make the biggest mistake of her life?
What everyone is saying about this bestselling serial
“Escape the world for a few hours with this brilliant series where the friendships are real, the romance is believable and the village is just gorgeous. Emily you are quickly becoming one of my favourite authors!” – Katie’s Book Cave - Reviewer
"Charming and engaging read that I struggled to put down." – By the letter book reviews - Reviewer
"The storyline keeps getting better with each moment that passes." -Jess bookish life – Reviewer.
"With a beautiful setting, romance and intrigue, this really is a fantastic series." -Sibzzreads. – Reviewer
"Emily Harvale is a truly wonderful writer and I wish I had discovered her books much earlier." A Lover of Books – Reviewer
"The engaging plot is a lovely mix of budding romance, sentimental moments, friendship, family, community, and a touch of mystery." What’s Better Than Books - Reviewer
Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She believes in love at first sight and she loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.
This was the perfect ending to this delightful serial.... from first book to last I was completely captivated by the engagin characters in these books... I enjoyed every minute I spend in Lily Pondale at Sunbeam cottage.... The characters, the plot, the setting, every aspect of these books was simply charming...
Looking back on the first book I never would have imagined where all these characters would have ended up.... but I am more than happy with this ending.... loved taking this journey with Mia... love how she followed her heart... overcame her fear’s.... and unraveled her Aunt Matilda’s mystery....
This was a satisfying conclusion to this serial... but the best news of all is it is not over.... there is a Christmas book! Absolutely recommend these delightful books... and I strongly encourage you to read them in order... you won’t want to miss a second with these characters!
*** many thanks to the author and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of this book ***
We’re back in Little Pondale with Mia, Ella, Lori and the residents of the seaside town, for the fourth instalment in the series.
It’s really hard to write a review of this book without giving away any spoilers to the earlier books, as this final part basically wraps everything up that has happened over the course of the series.
Mia now has access to her Great-Aunt Mattie’s diaries and has been left a note to read them in order, starting when Mattie was twelve-years-old.
Someone is still trying to force Mia out of town and they have noticed how much she likes Jet and is now focusing their attention on him, but they didn’t expect someone else to get in their way of hurting him.
The whole series has been a delight to read. I’ve enjoyed getting to know and spend the time with the characters. They have truly all grown on me.
We finally get to discover who the culprit is that is trying to run Mia out of town and why – Although I had worked this out a while ago. We also find out all about Mattie’s life and who her assets will go to if Mia leaves the cottage before her year is up. This did come as a surprise, but I certainly wasn’t shocked by the decision and think Mattie was a very clever woman.
I am also so glad to hear that Ms. Harvale has written a Christmas special as I’m not ready to say goodbye to the characters and their hectic lives just yet.
If you are looking for an engaging, fun series that will hook you into the lives of the characters and set in an adorable, quaint English seaside village, then this is the series for you.
I was always saying to Hector, “You need to be more open, Hector. Keeping feelings pent up inside will be the death of you.” I was wrong about that, of course. The car hitting him, tossing him in the air, and him landing on his head was the death of him. But if the car hadn’t killed him, stress would have.
She sauntered towards him, which wasn’t as easy as she’d hoped, given that she was walking through water. Daniel Craig had made it look simple and ultra-sexy in the James Bond film.
Plus at our age, Fred and I can’t afford to wait. We could be dead at any time. And we’ve already told the vicar that if one of us dies before the wedding, we can have the funeral on the date instead. We’ll use all the same flowers and hymns.
My Review:
I quickly consumed this delightfully amusing and juicily informative installment from beginning to end, I believe I only put my Kindle down to refill my coffee cup, okay, I refilled like ten times, but still, I didn’t want to leave it longer than necessary as the secrets were finally, yes finally, being exposed and several mysteries were solved. And oh, snap! I could never have put so many deliciously scandalous details together. I was ridiculously impressed and nearly delirious with glee. What a clever girl that Emily Harvale, she definitely has an incredibly fertile imagination to have conjured up so many twisty and creative back-stories within a short novella.
This volume put a new spin on vicar and tart jokes and for an added treat, we were witness to a sweetly bizarre wedding where the elderly bride was given away by her constant companions - the ghost of her first husband and her beloved purple vest wearing pet rat, Prince Gustav, who sat upon a lavender pillow in his Cinderella carriage-like cage. I had grown so attached to Ms. Harvale’s quirky characters and eccentric little village and was feeling a bit rueful as I neared the end as for some reason I was under the impression this was to be the last in the series but - oh happy day - there will be more!
Yayy I'm so excited to be back for the fourth and final instalment. I love the Lily Pond Lane series so much and each time I get to read a new instalment I fall in love with it even more!
This is going to be a short but sweet review as I'm not prepared to give anything away! Let's just say all those juicy little stories get tied up perfectly.
You most definitely have to read these instalments in order. You won't want to miss out on anything!
So many fantastic characters I've grown to love, and become like friends. I have adored the mystery element that has been running through this gorgeous story from the start. It was so good to finally get answers as Aunt Matilda has been such a fascinating character.
I have such high praise for Emily Harvale, she bought Lily Pond Lane to life and melted my heart. With laughter, tears, romance, friendship, drama, mishaps, mayhem and mystery this series certainly has it all This truly has been a memorable series, I'm looking forward to reading again and again.
I highly recommend this captivating series.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
In this fourth and final novel in The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane series, Trick or Treat, we head back to Sunbeam Cottage where special occasions will be celebrated, sinister mayhem makers will be identified, and all of Aunt Matilda’s secrets and plans will finally come to light.
The writing is fluid and clear. The characters are genuine, charming, and fun-loving. And the delightfully captivating plot is the perfect mix of twists, turns, well-timed surprises, friendship, family, and newly blossoming romance.
Overall you can’t go wrong with this four-part series from Harvale that’s bursting with all the quaintness of village life, including an idyllic locale, unique, quirky personalities and plots filled with mystery, excitement, romance, drama and humour, and Trick or Treat is no exception. It’s a fantastic happy-ever-after ending for the gang and a gem of a finish for the series.
Thank you to Emily Harvale and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
Well if you have been following the blog you will know I started the beginning of the year with an Emily Harvale book, the first introduction to Mia and the village of Little Pondale. As we know by now Mia has been left a charming cottage by Aunt Matilda, but has to remain there for a year before inheriting.
True to Emily’s style there have been plenty of obstacles in the way en-route, not all huge insurmountable ones just little things that need an inking of thought or common sense.
I became involved with all the characters very early on and have enjoyed watching them all develop and the mysteries deepen. The friendships are realistic, the romance at last is going the right way. It’s such a delightful area to have a home, at last I have my own perfect cottage in bliss, so I can relate to Mia.
I’ve been itching to get my hands on this instalment and it has lived up to my expectations but then I wouldn’t accept anything less from Emily she has always managed to give me a happy ending.
I would recommend buying all four books, start off in the Spring and end in the Fall with so much happening in between to keep you entertained. You will be delighted to know there is to be a Christmas edition to, which maybe introduces us to a few new people while catching up with friends from the past.
All four stories are of a nice novella length, if you haven’t read anything by this author before what are you waiting for?
My thanks to Emily and Rachel, from Random Resource’s for my copy .. I read voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
I have been eagerly awaiting the last instalment of this book and it met all my expectations and more.
I am totally in love with Little Pondale and was soooo good to be back there. It is such an idyllic place and you can't help but envision what life would be like living there. Unfortunately for Mia, it would be her cottage that I would love to live in. Not sure if she would be happy about a stranger coming to live there though.
From the start of these books, you think you know how this story is going to go but the author certainly throws some little twists and turns and keeps some surprises up her sleeve so that we are never fully sure how it's all going to end. The ending was perfect and actually better than I had hoped for. Obviously you are going to have to read it for yourself just to see how things are going to turn out for the characters.
The Cottage On Lily Pond Lane, part four, was the icing on the top of what has been an absolutely delightful read. It's such a feel good read that warms your heart and leaves you with a wonderful tingly glow. I'm actually quite emotional now that I have reached the end as I was so invested in the characters lives and they have had a special place in my heart since I read part one. I really can't praise the author and these books highly enough. Give them a go and you will see exactly what I mean.
My thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
This has been a truly enjoyable series; the first three books set the scene and continued the story beautifully. This fourth one leads on where the third left off, and by the final page all open questions have been completely answered - my kind of read!
Mia is still living in Sunbeam Cottage, left to her by the great aunt she never met. Her friend Ella is still by her side, but finding out about Mattie is very much Mia's quest. With Garrick departing and a new man arriving in their midst, plus Lori's return from the US there is plenty going on. Bit by bit, the puzzle of Mattie's living years is worked out and what an enthralling tale that is! The author has hidden depths which shine through. The mystery which has run through all four volumes finally gets sorted out but, like everything else in Mia's life, that's not quite as straightforward as you would first think.
All-in-all, this is a read full of romance and fun, with a spanner thrown in the works from time to time to keep you on your toes. Skilfully created, it's never obvious what's up next and there are certainly a few surprises along the way and with everything in the mix, it's a very readable and totally entertaining read. I've loved this series all the way through; it's well paced with plenty of giggles and a few puzzles to make your brain tick over. So enjoyable - and one I'm very happy to recommend.
My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources both for my copy and for inviting me to take part in this blog tour. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
My Review The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane-Part Four: Trick or treat by Emily Harvale
#lovely
The Good A lovely warm finale to a great book!
The Bad The mystery the diaries and Gill gave this book a different feel at the end. It was warmer. I loved the Jett thing..
The Ugly The best part of this whole series for me was the fortune teller. Then the secret spy and the issue of the house. They all were rounded up well.
4 Stars - I read this as part of a blog tour and will publish on Goodreads and Amazon
Ah, yes! Made it! So here we are into the ultimate, final book (well, there’s a Christmas one but this is the one that ties together all the mysteries, the will they won’t theys, etc), and I have to say I am happy out with the result. As you would expect there were some happy and some not so happy endings, a whole lot of drama and some sad moments (in particular Mattie’s contact with Mia, which made me take a second).
The drama, some of it the good old fashioned ‘get out of the way’ style (read it and you’ll know!) was done expertly, as was the big comeuppance of he/she who deserves it!
I loved this series, it was totally up my street and actually made me think that from now on I’ll definitely binge read book series instead of drifting in and out. Warm, fun, cliched in the best possible way and totally recommended!
I have really enjoyed the time I have been able to spend with the cast of the Lily Pond Lane series, it has been a complete treat to follow the story as it developed and I will certainly miss them!
I have to say that I am very happy with the ending and it was everything I had hope for. I have read that there is a Christmas novella due out later on in the year so I can't wait to read that and catch up with Mia and the gang - they almost feel like old friends now!
This was a delightful read and it left me feeling all warm and fuzzy - a brilliant way to pass a couple of hours and an excellent escape from the day to day reality for me - bliss!
Five stars from me for Trick or Treat - a fabulous ending to a great series and I have loved every minute - very highly recommended - grab a copy, relax and enjoy!!
What another fantastic read. With books in a series like this I’m often left disappointed. But not here. This book was just as good if not more exciting than the rest in the series. The author knows just how to keep you on the edge of your seat wondering whatever will happen next. Roll on the next book
Holy pumpkins and witches – that fortune teller has A LOT to answer for! I didn’t think it was possible for each part of this series to get even better as it went on, but it certainly does!
Poor Mia is still in a pickle thanks to the fortune teller’s mystic Meg antics, and everyone around her is unsure whether to take the rest of the predictions with a pinch of salt or believe in them when they see some of what the fortune teller said, come true right before their eyes. I’m not a pessimist, but even I would take something like this with a pinch of salt whilst also having an uncertain feeling in the pit of my stomach. No-one wants their life to change if they thought they were happy, but when the odds are stacked against a personal situation, what on Earth do you believe?
With Mia’s ‘friends’ showing their true colours and with some of them also sticking their noses in places which doesn’t concern them, Mia finally sees sense and begins to live her life her own way instead of the way everyone else sees fit. Of course that ruffles a few feathers, but in all honesty, why should it?
I am loving this series so far and I think the latest instalment allowed my jaw to drop even further. I was NOT expecting the journey the author took us on with certain characters, but by golly Emily Harvale certainly knows how to keep her readers interested. As I said at the start of this review, I really didn’t think it was possible for the standard of these novellas to rise with every new one published, but they do! They honestly just keep getting better and better the more we are able to delve into the characters lives in Little Pondale. Once again I am severely impressed by what I have read, and I absolutely cannot wait to catch up with Mia and co again.
If you’re after a read which ticks every single box, makes you laugh out loud and reach for the chocolate in one big swoop – ‘The Little Cottage on Lily Pond Lane – Trick or Treat’ is certainly for you. I’m not a fan of Halloween at all but if the season ended up being just like Emily Harvale described, it wouldn’t take me long to become a fan. Another gigglefest and cosyfest – I think I need to be taken to Little Pondale Anonymous!
LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS! My suspicions were right (call me Mattie)! This was full of action... The fortune tellings coming true and well learning all about Great Aunt Mattie, as much as she was willing to share anyway. We got our wedding, love all around and an arrest?
Very wholesome and I am so pleased with the ending!
I'm nearing the end of the series now and I have to say I'm really disappointed that it's coming to an end! I've absolutely loved every part in this series and I love Emily Harvale's easy style of writing. It's uplifting, lighthearted and easy to read which is what makes it so enjoyable. I know I've said this in all of my other reviews on this series but I love that the cover changes slightly with each new novella. This one has a beautiful, deep purple sky with cute little pumpkin bunting hanging along the top! Each cover gives you a clear idea as to what that particular novella is going to be about.
In this novella, we learn possibly the most we have ever known about Mattie. Some of the things that come out about her are really unbelievable but it goes with the story really well, it makes everything fall into place and make so much more sense. One thing I did find a little bit unbelievable was when Gill came to visit Mia, to talk about the letters that Mattie used to send to his grandfather, and Mia invited him to stay for as long as he wanted in the cottage. Don't get me wrong it's a lovely thought and Mia does come across as really selfless throughout the whole series but I just felt this was going a bit too far.
Mia had been through so much throughout this series, what with Garrick and Fiona, her secrets coming out about her inheritance, the fortune teller and of course the little messages someone has been secretly leaving on Mia's front porch warning her leave. I am so so eager to find out who has been leaving these messages! As they seem to be getting more and more aggressive. I was so hoping that in this novella we would find out. I love the characters in this series too. I really like Mia's mum Lori and was happy when she found love. I also really like Ella's way and felt that I was going to be saying 'Bloody Nora' soon too!
It's funny how your opinion can change of a character. Throughout the series, I loved Garrick and also Tom and wasn't too keen on Jet. But as the story has gone on, I dislike Garrick for what he's done to Mia, and Tom has gone way down in my estimations - I felt as though he was hiding something and I wanted to desperately know what it is! He was constantly shifty and being a bit funny when Mia mentioned Mattie's diaries so I knew something was going on with him!
I'll let you know how I get on with the rest of the novella's in the story!
From the very beginning of this series I became involved with all the characters and I must say that I have enjoyed watching them all develop and that was such a fun thing to read.Emily gave them this charm, actually she give the all town and all the books a charm and humor that makes us feel like we are a part of the story.
With the characters developing and the ongoing storyline, the mysteries deepen and the Mattie’s life keeps unfolding. But with this final book we get the answers to our questions and they are not quite as straightforward and expected as one would think based on the first book or the blurbs.
I was quite surprised to know Mattie’s secrets and the final few chapters in the book were so unexpected and satisfying. Emily kept us excited and curious from book one until the very end and she has the ability to create a setting and ambiance in the storyline flow and tone that makes this final book just the perfect ending to the mystery.
Then there is Mia's love life that was funny and in some ways real, because we are are looking for love. And Mia’s search for her Mr. Right, kept going until she did finds him and I got so happy! All of the characters in this series were wonderful, from the good, the bad and the in-between type of characters. So, no wonder I loved the romance and friendship as much as I loved the mystery.
The fact that the story focus on Mia's life as much as Mattie's secrets was a plus. And with each book, with each season change, the book takes a different color and flow, something that makes it perfect for those readers that plan on reading all four books one after the other. Emily give us a pace in the storyline that kept me at the edge of my seat.
And even though it was the ending book of the series, Emily Harvale wrote anther book set in this cute town, "Christmas on Lily Pond Lane", and I can't wait for that. It will be different I suppose, since in the end Mia's future is set in a go path and I'm curious to know more about that future.
[Thank you Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Emily Harvale for the eCopy of the book and for allowing me to be a part of this blog tour and give my honest review.]
I was very excited to reach the final part of Emily’s enchanting series, given how much I have enjoyed the previous parts and it did not disappoint at all.
Mia seems to have grown a pair in this final instalment, which I was very glad to see, and finally takes her love life in her own and hands and goes all out to grab what she wants.
We find out all of Aunt Mattie’s secrets at last with the aid of dashing newcomer to the book, Gill, who turns out to be a lovely character and suitable foil for Mia’s friend Ella.
Hettie gets her happy ending, as does Mia’s Mum Lori whose relationship with her hot cowboy tomboy is flourishing – heartening news for those middle-aged singletons who like to see a book that reflects the fact life is not over after 30.
The mystery of who has been sending the threatening messages and trying to drum Mia out of the village is solved and we find out who is to inherit under the codicil. Then it’s ciders all round at the happy conclusion of all the angst, broken hearts, mysteries and mayhem, just as you’d expect in a book of this kind and it is none the worse for it.
This part is a delightful as everything that has gone before and the ending is fun and surprising. The good guys get happy endings, the bad guys get their just desserts and the reader gets a sweet and satisfying conclusion to a lovely, warm series. I only wish the village I lived in was as lively as Little Pondale! I’ve really enjoyed this series and look forward to more from Emily.
I have to say this is the best installment yet in the series! More secrets about Mattie’s story are revealed. Readers also get to catch up what’s going on in Mia’s love life and where the fortune teller fits in! There is also a hint of danger….
I have been a fan of this series from the beginning. Everything about it is good, the writing, the character development, and the setting. I love how each time I return to the village the seasons have changed. I feel like I’m right there, and I loved that this one happened to take place at Halloween. Mia’s love life seems to change with each book as well, but I like that. She is looking for her Mr. Right, and she should never settle for just any man. However, my favorite thing about this book was the insight into Mattie. It is quite a feat for a writer to make a character into such an integral part of the plot of not only a book but, in this case a series, who is no longer living. Yes, the series is centered around Mia, but in my opinion, the series is also very much centered around Mattie. It is her actions that drive the series!!!! That is AMAZING!!!!!!
If all that wasn’t enough to make this such a great book, Harvale has one heck of a twist in store for her readers at the end of the book! If you like a book with great characters, a great storyline with romance and mystery, look no further than The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane. If you are like me, you will be ready to return as soon as you have finished the last page.
What a fun five-star read. I read parts three and four together, so am reviewing them as a pair, as I honestly don’t know where one ended and the other started, as they have such a great flow. My goodness Great Aunt Matilda, what a dark horse you are, what a character I would love to have dinner and drinks with, you just know the stories she would have would be amazing. Mia was a little annoying at times, but then I realised that she is very like me and goes off into her own head while explaining and only reveals half the details, a great way of keeping people on the hook. Honestly as this story goes and flows it just gets better and better, I adored all of the characters, they each play a different part of the village make-up, and they all have a really important part, no matter how small as in the case of Prince Gustaf. This is great story, and the author has a great way of weaving a tale, that makes you smile and makes you care about every single moment.
Looking forward to Autumn as the weather begins to change, I relished the chance to finally find out just what Mia's Great-aunt Matilda has been getting up to! There are lots of story strands which come together in this fourth and final part of the series and we finally see some of the characters in their true light. More than that, I cannot say- my lips are sealed!
Anyone who has stuck with Mia's story throughout will love returning to Lily Pond Lane. By now, we have a clear picture of just what it looks like and feel we know most of the characters (mmm, enough said) although there are some new faces to get to know. For a quick, holiday read before summer ends, it is ideal, with romance and mystery interwoven to the end.
In short: A satisfying conclusion to this tangled web of mystery and romance.
Loved, loved, LOVED the final book of this super cute, whimsical, cozy, and hilarious saga. I was super sad to turn that last page because I want so much more of life on Lily Pond Lane. However, a little birdie (aka the author) told me that there will be a Christmas Lily Pond Lane coming soon!!! Yes, please!!!!!! 💕
Wow i got the set of 3 to read while on holiday, demolished all of them in 2 days! Got into a panic when realized there was a fourth!! Luckily I found it and managed to finish that too. A warning though... You won't be able to stop once you start. Can't wait for the next one x
I have nothing but good things to say about this book, or this series for that matter. It’s so good I’m now cutting myself off so it’s not over haha. Mia finally finds her great aunts diaries and finds out more about her life growing up her mission in the secret service. And of course Jet is in this book.
Wow! I thought the first 3 books in this series were good but this one is fantastic, bringing together clues from the previous 3 books this has amazing twists and turns which have you hooked from the start to the finish and to be honest I’m left wanting more!!!
A charming ending to a charming series. Everything wrapped up nicely and exactly as you think it would. There were no twists, red herrings, or surprises but it had a happy ending with everyone getting what they wanted and being in love- what’s not to love about that. I still wish the characters had more dimension but they were still likable and the story was fun.
I have read quite a few of Emily's books and I've enjoyed all of them, however with this series I had to read one straight after the other because I couldn't wait for the conclusion. Needless to say my housework and cooking went out the window for a couple of days! I would recommend to anyone who wants a feel good story.
Really enjoyed the conclusion to this series of books... knew there was a baddy and had an idea who it was, after the falling angel I got it but not the rest... Thank you Emily for yet another fabulous set of books xxxxxx
I'd recommend that everyone should read these series of books I absolutely loved loved them .. This is the first time I've read an Emily Harvale book and I was not disappointed ☺
As Mia searches Mattie's cottage for clues, strange visitors and new friends people this tale. All is revealed in this book! Read this and see the result.