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The Pets at Primrose Cottage #1
A Place to Hide
PART ONE of a serialised novel - a charming and romantic story about living the simple life and the joy of animals.
Emma Nightingale needs a place to hide away. Pursued by the demons left by her ex-boyfriend, she takes refuge in quiet Crickleford, a sleepy town in Dartmoor, where she can lay low.
Life in Crickleford is quiet and peaceful, but it won’t be for long if people discover the truth about Emma’s past. Not wanting to make too much of a fuss, she ends up lying about why she's there - she's looking after some cats, she says - then suddenly the town’s new ‘pet-sitter’ is in high demand!
While looking after an Alsatian, Emma finds all attention is on her, and the handsome young reporter from the local paper takes an interest in her story...
Note: this is part one of a four-part serialised novel. The full length paperback will be available in April 2018
Emma Nightingale needs a place to hide away. Pursued by the demons left by her ex-boyfriend, she takes refuge in quiet Crickleford, a sleepy town in Dartmoor, where she can lay low.
Life in Crickleford is quiet and peaceful, but it won’t be for long if people discover the truth about Emma’s past. Not wanting to make too much of a fuss, she ends up lying about why she's there - she's looking after some cats, she says - then suddenly the town’s new ‘pet-sitter’ is in high demand!
While looking after an Alsatian, Emma finds all attention is on her, and the handsome young reporter from the local paper takes an interest in her story...
Note: this is part one of a four-part serialised novel. The full length paperback will be available in April 2018
375 pages, Paperback
First published November 23, 2017
22 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Norton
62 books160 followersWinner 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 29, 2017
Because of her famous boyfriend Emma was used to constant publicity, but now that he is her ex she'd rather hide. She's broke and alone and has to start over. To stay under the radar she rents a room in Crickleford, a quiet town where people hopefully don't know who she is. Small town life might be peaceful, but the inhabitants of Crickleford are also curious about Emma and she can't give them the truth. That's why she makes things up, but is it such a good idea to tell people lies?
One of the things Emma wasn't truthful about is the kind of work she does and this lie is getting out of hand quickly. Before she knows it her pet-sitting services are being requested by many people. This isn't the kind of job Emma is looking for, but she's great with pets and she likes spending time with them more than she thought she would. Will staying at Primrose Cottage bring Emma her much needed peace and quiet or will she mess things up for herself?
The Pets at Primrose Cottage: Part One A Place to Hide is a promising beginning of a series. I immediately loved Emma. She doesn't know how to stay out of trouble, she makes things difficult for herself and she makes the most fabulous impulsive decisions she usually later regrets. She's fierce, kindhearted and soft at the same time and this combination makes her incredibly interesting. Sheila Norton writes about her with warmth and humor and that combination works really well.
The Pets at Primrose Cottage is a story about a fascinating small town. Crickleford has several fabulous inhabitants I'm curious to read about again. I'd also love to find out more about Emma's secrets. It's clear from the start that she's hiding something and I like it when a main character's circumstances are mysterious. Sheila Norton has written a fun first part of a series, a story that often made me laugh, and I can't wait to read the rest of Emma's adventures.
One of the things Emma wasn't truthful about is the kind of work she does and this lie is getting out of hand quickly. Before she knows it her pet-sitting services are being requested by many people. This isn't the kind of job Emma is looking for, but she's great with pets and she likes spending time with them more than she thought she would. Will staying at Primrose Cottage bring Emma her much needed peace and quiet or will she mess things up for herself?
The Pets at Primrose Cottage: Part One A Place to Hide is a promising beginning of a series. I immediately loved Emma. She doesn't know how to stay out of trouble, she makes things difficult for herself and she makes the most fabulous impulsive decisions she usually later regrets. She's fierce, kindhearted and soft at the same time and this combination makes her incredibly interesting. Sheila Norton writes about her with warmth and humor and that combination works really well.
The Pets at Primrose Cottage is a story about a fascinating small town. Crickleford has several fabulous inhabitants I'm curious to read about again. I'd also love to find out more about Emma's secrets. It's clear from the start that she's hiding something and I like it when a main character's circumstances are mysterious. Sheila Norton has written a fun first part of a series, a story that often made me laugh, and I can't wait to read the rest of Emma's adventures.
October 3, 2017
Sheila Norton is a new to me author. This is part #1 in a 4 part series. An enjoyable read, but a very short read and I've no idea why Norton has split this into 4 parts.
Emma Nightingale arrives in Cricklewood, Devon. She only came home from New York a few weeks ago and initially stayed with her parents, until this became untenable. Even Kate, her twin sister, thought it advisable for Emma to move away from London. Having no money, Emma's parents gave her enough to pay for her rent as a lodger at Lauren Atkinson's house.
Emma wants to hide away and is reluctant to tell anyone her true circumstances. Folks in Cricklewood are quite nosey, so very soon Emma resorts to fabricating tales about herself. People, because of the lies she has told, start giving her pet sitting jobs that she agrees to undertake in order to earn some money. Emma starts to settle in Cricklewood, but then her path crosses with someone who has the potential to reveal who she really is.
There is no real explanation in part #1 about what happened between Emma and Shane, her ex boyfriend. I am assuming that these details will be revealed in future episodes.
A Netgalley ARC.
Emma Nightingale arrives in Cricklewood, Devon. She only came home from New York a few weeks ago and initially stayed with her parents, until this became untenable. Even Kate, her twin sister, thought it advisable for Emma to move away from London. Having no money, Emma's parents gave her enough to pay for her rent as a lodger at Lauren Atkinson's house.
Emma wants to hide away and is reluctant to tell anyone her true circumstances. Folks in Cricklewood are quite nosey, so very soon Emma resorts to fabricating tales about herself. People, because of the lies she has told, start giving her pet sitting jobs that she agrees to undertake in order to earn some money. Emma starts to settle in Cricklewood, but then her path crosses with someone who has the potential to reveal who she really is.
There is no real explanation in part #1 about what happened between Emma and Shane, her ex boyfriend. I am assuming that these details will be revealed in future episodes.
A Netgalley ARC.
January 25, 2018
This is another story by Sheila Norton that is being released in four parts before the book is finally released and this is the first of those parts.
After splitting with her famous ex, Emma Nightingale is looking for some peace and quiet, away from the paparazzi and pressure that entails. She’s gone to Crickleford, a quiet Dartmoor town where she hopes to lay low till to let the infamy die. She’s broke and her parents have given her enough funds to enable her to stay there as a lodger at Lauren Atkinson’s home. As she’s wanting to hide her past, Emma accidentally tells some lies and this ends up with her becoming the town’s much sought after pet sitter. . . . . It is in this role that her adventures begin - resulting in more danger of being in the news!
The background to just what happened between Emma and her ex isn’t told in this part but may be revealed in the future parts. The story has a range of great characters and packs quite a lot into a relatively short novella. It is a warm, cosy read with a cliff hanger ending which means I really look forward to seeing what happens in future books in this series.
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
After splitting with her famous ex, Emma Nightingale is looking for some peace and quiet, away from the paparazzi and pressure that entails. She’s gone to Crickleford, a quiet Dartmoor town where she hopes to lay low till to let the infamy die. She’s broke and her parents have given her enough funds to enable her to stay there as a lodger at Lauren Atkinson’s home. As she’s wanting to hide her past, Emma accidentally tells some lies and this ends up with her becoming the town’s much sought after pet sitter. . . . . It is in this role that her adventures begin - resulting in more danger of being in the news!
The background to just what happened between Emma and her ex isn’t told in this part but may be revealed in the future parts. The story has a range of great characters and packs quite a lot into a relatively short novella. It is a warm, cosy read with a cliff hanger ending which means I really look forward to seeing what happens in future books in this series.
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
November 20, 2017
I got to know Sheila Norton after reading her previous serialized novel "The Vets at Hope Green" and when I spotted "The Pets at Primrose Cottage" available for request on NetGalley, I didn't hesitate long and requested the story.
I think I can guess what has happened in Emma's past, why did she move back from New York to Devon - there were enough hints for my liking but nevertheless, I am of course curious if my assumptions are right, so I am already looking forward to the next parts, especially as I really liked this novella. It was sweet and charming, optimistic and very promising. And even if I had a huge problem with Emma, to be honest, she made me feel almost desperate. I couldn't understand why she feels the need to tell so much lies. Yes, there was a reason, she was hiding (we don't know why, but I am sure more details will be revealed in the next parts) but really, no matter what situation, no matter what person, no matter what about, she has never told the truth. And it started to annoy, and bother me, and I didn't like to see her digging a hole for herself with her lies - she seemed as she was not capable of telling the truth.
However, there was something in Emma that made me like her and fell for her. She is full of life and light.
Sheila Norton's writing style in this novella is warm and chatty and she brings the setting, the situations and the characters to life. It was cosy, I liked the atmosphere of the sleepy town and adored the great number of the four - legged characters. I can't help it but I'm comparing "The Vets at Hope Green" and "The Pets at Primrose Cottage" all the time, and "The Pets" feel much better and much more promising, and I can only hope that it's going to continue in this lovely way.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
November 22, 2017
A new series set in a small town in Dartmoor called Crickleford. Emma is escaping her past life and renting a room here. She needs to find a new job- but there is more about her past life to be released in future books. She finds herself lying about her personal life and work and then having to remember what she has told everyone.
I loved the characters and the wider community and the animals that she finds herself looking after. I look forward to more pet sitting adventures and finding more out about Emma's previous life and why she's escaped.
There is definately a lot more fun to come in this series.
I loved the characters and the wider community and the animals that she finds herself looking after. I look forward to more pet sitting adventures and finding more out about Emma's previous life and why she's escaped.
There is definately a lot more fun to come in this series.
November 23, 2017
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I really enjoyed Sheila's previous book so as soon as I saw that this one was coming out I was really excited! I had been waiting for ages for it to be released!
This for me was a great start to the new book and an excellent part one, the story is laid out and we get to learn a little bit about Emma and her background, the book only touches on her life in New York and why she is now in hiding in a small town in Dartmoor so I feel that as the book progressed we will find out more about her back story. I really enjoyed that the main interactions that she has had are with the pets that she finds herself looking after. You can't beat a book set in the countryside with pets when you are looking for a warm and cosy feel-good read!
After reading this part, I am now eagerly looking forward to the next instalment - bring on part two! Four stars from me for this one - a very promising start!!
I really enjoyed Sheila's previous book so as soon as I saw that this one was coming out I was really excited! I had been waiting for ages for it to be released!
This for me was a great start to the new book and an excellent part one, the story is laid out and we get to learn a little bit about Emma and her background, the book only touches on her life in New York and why she is now in hiding in a small town in Dartmoor so I feel that as the book progressed we will find out more about her back story. I really enjoyed that the main interactions that she has had are with the pets that she finds herself looking after. You can't beat a book set in the countryside with pets when you are looking for a warm and cosy feel-good read!
After reading this part, I am now eagerly looking forward to the next instalment - bring on part two! Four stars from me for this one - a very promising start!!
November 23, 2017
There is obviously a bit of a mystery attached to Emma Nightingale and, very cleverly, the author hasn’t revealed it right at the beginning of this story!
We first meet Emma upon her arrival in Crickleford, her chosen place to escape from all the unwanted attention which is so upsetting to her family. She has arranged lodgings at Primrose Cottage which turns out to be every bit as idyllic as it sounds. As she begins to settle in and find a way of earning some cash – more by accident than by design – Emma is very wary of making friends and tends to shy away from publicity. Unfortunately, uncovering a burglar interferes with that plan ..
Sheila Norton writes easy to read, well flowing books with a fine cast of characters and intertwining storylines. This is a perfect read at the end of a stressful day and I’m already looking forward to the rest of the series. Very definitely recommended!
My thanks to publisher Ebury Digital for granting me an arc via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
We first meet Emma upon her arrival in Crickleford, her chosen place to escape from all the unwanted attention which is so upsetting to her family. She has arranged lodgings at Primrose Cottage which turns out to be every bit as idyllic as it sounds. As she begins to settle in and find a way of earning some cash – more by accident than by design – Emma is very wary of making friends and tends to shy away from publicity. Unfortunately, uncovering a burglar interferes with that plan ..
Sheila Norton writes easy to read, well flowing books with a fine cast of characters and intertwining storylines. This is a perfect read at the end of a stressful day and I’m already looking forward to the rest of the series. Very definitely recommended!
My thanks to publisher Ebury Digital for granting me an arc via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
January 8, 2018
Happy New Year, Readers!
Last night, I finished Pets At Primrose Cottage by Sheila Norton: Part 1. It was good. I don’t think I quite enjoyed it as much as her other serialised novel, The Vets At Hope Green because the lead female character came across as younger and more childish/immature in this part of Pets At Primrose Cottage. I have hope that she’ll grow up in the other parts.
3 Stars!
We follow Emma who used to live in America but after a scandal, she moves back home, to England. We, as the readers don’t know what happened, yet. I think this will be revealed in part 2 or 3 of this novel. She starts a pet sitting business to hide her lies to everyone, where she now lives in England.
Spoilers Below...
“Actually, I was sure it was worse for me, since I was the cause of all this fuss and attention”
This is Emma comparing her life to that of her twin sister, Kate. Emma thinks she’s the worse off in her family because of this thing that happened. She’s not living with her family because they, apparently, can’t deal with the stress of what happened to her. I’m sure this is overly dramatic, but then she seems to be one for being over dramatic so this isn’t a surprise.
“They said they were sorry I wasn’t staying, but their faces told me otherwise. They were relieved. I wasn’t the kind of daughter a family would want living with them. I was a liability"
tells us that Emma is being dramatic by saying her family doesn’t want her with them. She’d prefer to be on her own, is what she means, I think. She comes across to me as a selfish character here, because her parents didn’t tell her to go. She left because she wanted to or thought it was best. It’s like Emma wants someone to blame. I don’t like these sorts of characters. At the moment, she doesn’t have any redeeming qualities.
Emma wants to stay under the radar after what happened to her. That means that even in England she just wants to be in a quiet, little town, where nobody speaks to her. She chose the wrong town, when she chose Crickleford, in Dorset. People chat to her and want to know her business a lot. All we know is this “scandal” is something to do with her ex, who is still in America.
The pet sitting happens by accident. Emma is asked to look after the family she’s staying with cats’ while their on holiday. That’s where the title, Pets At Primrose Cottage comes from.
We don’t get any romantic twists in this part. This was kind of disappointing but I’m still interested in Emma’s story.
What did I like about Pets At Primrose Cottage, part 1?
I liked how the book is told in first person. We might get a look into why Emma is the way she is in future parts, I hope, and maybe see some redeeming qualities.
I liked the settings. I thought they were described well. I could easily picture where the characters were.
I thought the book (this part at least) was well written. I just didn’t like the main character.
What didn’t I like about Pets At Primrose Cottage, part 1?
As I said above, I didn’t like Emma’s character but I hope as we learn more about her in the other parts of the story, I’ll start to see why she’s like she is.
I didn’t like that there was no love interest. In Sheila Norton’s other novel the main love interest is introduced in the first part. I don’t think Pets At Primrose Cottage is focused so much on romance but I hope we get some, somewhere.
I technically read this in the last couple of days in December so it counts as part of my 2017 reading goal, although I��ll add it to my 2018 reading goal as I’m writing this review on January 1st, 2018.
I’ll be reading another arc next so stand by for that review in a few days...
Last night, I finished Pets At Primrose Cottage by Sheila Norton: Part 1. It was good. I don’t think I quite enjoyed it as much as her other serialised novel, The Vets At Hope Green because the lead female character came across as younger and more childish/immature in this part of Pets At Primrose Cottage. I have hope that she’ll grow up in the other parts.
3 Stars!
We follow Emma who used to live in America but after a scandal, she moves back home, to England. We, as the readers don’t know what happened, yet. I think this will be revealed in part 2 or 3 of this novel. She starts a pet sitting business to hide her lies to everyone, where she now lives in England.
Spoilers Below...
“Actually, I was sure it was worse for me, since I was the cause of all this fuss and attention”
This is Emma comparing her life to that of her twin sister, Kate. Emma thinks she’s the worse off in her family because of this thing that happened. She’s not living with her family because they, apparently, can’t deal with the stress of what happened to her. I’m sure this is overly dramatic, but then she seems to be one for being over dramatic so this isn’t a surprise.
“They said they were sorry I wasn’t staying, but their faces told me otherwise. They were relieved. I wasn’t the kind of daughter a family would want living with them. I was a liability"
tells us that Emma is being dramatic by saying her family doesn’t want her with them. She’d prefer to be on her own, is what she means, I think. She comes across to me as a selfish character here, because her parents didn’t tell her to go. She left because she wanted to or thought it was best. It’s like Emma wants someone to blame. I don’t like these sorts of characters. At the moment, she doesn’t have any redeeming qualities.
Emma wants to stay under the radar after what happened to her. That means that even in England she just wants to be in a quiet, little town, where nobody speaks to her. She chose the wrong town, when she chose Crickleford, in Dorset. People chat to her and want to know her business a lot. All we know is this “scandal” is something to do with her ex, who is still in America.
The pet sitting happens by accident. Emma is asked to look after the family she’s staying with cats’ while their on holiday. That’s where the title, Pets At Primrose Cottage comes from.
We don’t get any romantic twists in this part. This was kind of disappointing but I’m still interested in Emma’s story.
What did I like about Pets At Primrose Cottage, part 1?
I liked how the book is told in first person. We might get a look into why Emma is the way she is in future parts, I hope, and maybe see some redeeming qualities.
I liked the settings. I thought they were described well. I could easily picture where the characters were.
I thought the book (this part at least) was well written. I just didn’t like the main character.
What didn’t I like about Pets At Primrose Cottage, part 1?
As I said above, I didn’t like Emma’s character but I hope as we learn more about her in the other parts of the story, I’ll start to see why she’s like she is.
I didn’t like that there was no love interest. In Sheila Norton’s other novel the main love interest is introduced in the first part. I don’t think Pets At Primrose Cottage is focused so much on romance but I hope we get some, somewhere.
I technically read this in the last couple of days in December so it counts as part of my 2017 reading goal, although I��ll add it to my 2018 reading goal as I’m writing this review on January 1st, 2018.
I’ll be reading another arc next so stand by for that review in a few days...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog: thecosiestcorner.blogspot.com
I've been so excited to read this part 1 of Sheila Norton's new novel as her books always look so inviting and pretty. I already have The Vets at Hope Green on my TBR pile and I can't wait to dive in once I've finished reading this. First of all, the covers are so beautiful and cosy-looking. Like this one for example, I love the font, the colours, the snow and of course the little dog running along the bottom! The following 3 covers look as inviting as this one too.
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 because from the beginning there is mystery in regards to why Emma has 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 dog and cat sitting (my family also looks after dogs so I can fully relate to Emma!) and I loved reading about the animals own little personalities - it was so cute!
Straight away I loved the descriptions of Crickleford and I knew that I was going to enjoy this novel and where it was set (when the rest of the series comes out). I love Sheila's style of writing, it's descriptive, enjoyable, humorous and lighthearted - all of which makes for 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 couldn't put it down! And as it's only under 100 pages long, it didn't take long to finish it but that just left me so looking forward for the next one being released!
As I've mentioned before I'm not a huge fan of books that are split into parts, I get aggravated with the waiting and I get impatient! However, having said that, I did really enjoy this novella, and I am actually more excited than annoyed about having to wait. There's a bit of twist near the end of this novella, which to say I was shocked about would be an understatement! As always, it's left on a cliffhanger, meaning I can't wait to read the next one to see what happens!
Overall, a really quick paced and easy read with lots happening - I couldn't put it down! Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
I've been so excited to read this part 1 of Sheila Norton's new novel as her books always look so inviting and pretty. I already have The Vets at Hope Green on my TBR pile and I can't wait to dive in once I've finished reading this. First of all, the covers are so beautiful and cosy-looking. Like this one for example, I love the font, the colours, the snow and of course the little dog running along the bottom! The following 3 covers look as inviting as this one too.
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 because from the beginning there is mystery in regards to why Emma has 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 dog and cat sitting (my family also looks after dogs so I can fully relate to Emma!) and I loved reading about the animals own little personalities - it was so cute!
Straight away I loved the descriptions of Crickleford and I knew that I was going to enjoy this novel and where it was set (when the rest of the series comes out). I love Sheila's style of writing, it's descriptive, enjoyable, humorous and lighthearted - all of which makes for 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 couldn't put it down! And as it's only under 100 pages long, it didn't take long to finish it but that just left me so looking forward for the next one being released!
As I've mentioned before I'm not a huge fan of books that are split into parts, I get aggravated with the waiting and I get impatient! However, having said that, I did really enjoy this novella, and I am actually more excited than annoyed about having to wait. There's a bit of twist near the end of this novella, which to say I was shocked about would be an understatement! As always, it's left on a cliffhanger, meaning I can't wait to read the next one to see what happens!
Overall, a really quick paced and easy read with lots happening - I couldn't put it down! Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
November 5, 2017
The first in a new series by this author - and it was a delight. The lies told by the main character did get a bit irritating - more like something a child would do but I understand she is not wanting to divulge her past - whatever that maybe. Great characters. Great animals. Looking forward to the next installment.
November 15, 2017
There’s something about Sheila Norton’s books that make you feel like your welcoming old friends and I love how her novels are serialised.
In The Peta of Primrose Cottage, we meet Emma Nightingale. She’s trying to escape the past of her ex-boyfriend so she’s moved to a tiny village in Dartmoor. She’s enjoying the peace and quiet but worries it won’t last if people find out about her past. Trying to keep a low profile, she ends up lying about why she’s there and suddenly becomes the local ‘pet sitter’.
This really is a lovely heartwarming first part of a serialised novel and I can’t wait to read part 2 and find out not only how the characters evolve but also more about Emma’s past.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin UK Ebury Publishing and the author for the chance to review.
In The Peta of Primrose Cottage, we meet Emma Nightingale. She’s trying to escape the past of her ex-boyfriend so she’s moved to a tiny village in Dartmoor. She’s enjoying the peace and quiet but worries it won’t last if people find out about her past. Trying to keep a low profile, she ends up lying about why she’s there and suddenly becomes the local ‘pet sitter’.
This really is a lovely heartwarming first part of a serialised novel and I can’t wait to read part 2 and find out not only how the characters evolve but also more about Emma’s past.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin UK Ebury Publishing and the author for the chance to review.
October 26, 2017
I have adored books by Sheila Norton previously so I was delighted when I was offered a copy of The Pets at Primrose Cottage: A Place to Hide .. once again this book has been split into parts so each section is novella length.
Emma has taken retreat in a little village in Devon, it seems she is running away from her problems. All we know is she is the black sheep of the family with an ex-boyfriend in New York.
She moves in with a family as their lodger, wants to keep herself to herself and maintain a low profile. As it turns out she becomes a bit of a ‘whisperer’ and is asked by many of the locals to pet sit. What should be a simple pass time evolves into great big dramas for Emma. Her wards are a mix of dogs and cats, but along the way she gets caught up with some of the well meaning busy bodies and tends to dig a hole for herself with her lies. She is totally incapable of telling the truth and re-invents her entire life!
This is such a lovely story, you can’t help but feel for Emma but her dilemmas are all of her own making. Sheila is a wonderful storyteller and I whizzed through this story enjoying every minute of it. I could picture the scene, love the descriptions of the little cottages and as expected got somewhat frustrated when I got to the end of part one with it’s cliffhanger because I need to know what happens next! However I know the next part will be arriving soon and it gives me something to look forward to.
My thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for my ARC which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Emma has taken retreat in a little village in Devon, it seems she is running away from her problems. All we know is she is the black sheep of the family with an ex-boyfriend in New York.
She moves in with a family as their lodger, wants to keep herself to herself and maintain a low profile. As it turns out she becomes a bit of a ‘whisperer’ and is asked by many of the locals to pet sit. What should be a simple pass time evolves into great big dramas for Emma. Her wards are a mix of dogs and cats, but along the way she gets caught up with some of the well meaning busy bodies and tends to dig a hole for herself with her lies. She is totally incapable of telling the truth and re-invents her entire life!
This is such a lovely story, you can’t help but feel for Emma but her dilemmas are all of her own making. Sheila is a wonderful storyteller and I whizzed through this story enjoying every minute of it. I could picture the scene, love the descriptions of the little cottages and as expected got somewhat frustrated when I got to the end of part one with it’s cliffhanger because I need to know what happens next! However I know the next part will be arriving soon and it gives me something to look forward to.
My thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for my ARC which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
November 23, 2017
The Pets At Primrose Cottage part one by Sheila Norton is a delightful taster of the book to come.
Set in the Devonshire countryside, the reader 'feels' at home in the fresh air. A warm welcome awaits in the village with its olde worlde charm and a wonderful mix of unique characters.
The story is told in the first person in the voice of Emma, a visitor. There is clearly a mystery to solve? Who is she? Why is she running? I am sure all will become clear in the fullness of time.
Naturally, the pets play leading roles. I am already in love with several dogs and a couple of cats.
A wonderful read. I cannot wait for the rest of the story.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Set in the Devonshire countryside, the reader 'feels' at home in the fresh air. A warm welcome awaits in the village with its olde worlde charm and a wonderful mix of unique characters.
The story is told in the first person in the voice of Emma, a visitor. There is clearly a mystery to solve? Who is she? Why is she running? I am sure all will become clear in the fullness of time.
Naturally, the pets play leading roles. I am already in love with several dogs and a couple of cats.
A wonderful read. I cannot wait for the rest of the story.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
December 28, 2017
I have been looking forward to this series coming out for a little while now. So needless to say I was extremely excited when I got to read this book earl for an honest review. So thank you for this wonderful opportunity.
Emma is trying to escape her old life and her horrible ex boyfriend. When trying to find the best place to start again. Emma finds herself moving to Crickleford which on the surface seems the perfect place to lie low.
But with it being a village Emma knows in order to keep her profile of the down low she will need to tell a little white lie so that people don't go asking to many questions and digging around in her past.
Which leads to Emma saying that she is in Crickleford to look after some cats. It doesn't take long for Emma's services to be in high demand.
It is not long until Emma is put in charge of pet sitting an adorable Alsatian. The only problem is that the owner is a reporter and he is extremely interested in Emma's past life.
This is a really fantastic start to a much anticipated book series. I for one cannot wait to read the next part of the story. For I loved part one.
Emma is trying to escape her old life and her horrible ex boyfriend. When trying to find the best place to start again. Emma finds herself moving to Crickleford which on the surface seems the perfect place to lie low.
But with it being a village Emma knows in order to keep her profile of the down low she will need to tell a little white lie so that people don't go asking to many questions and digging around in her past.
Which leads to Emma saying that she is in Crickleford to look after some cats. It doesn't take long for Emma's services to be in high demand.
It is not long until Emma is put in charge of pet sitting an adorable Alsatian. The only problem is that the owner is a reporter and he is extremely interested in Emma's past life.
This is a really fantastic start to a much anticipated book series. I for one cannot wait to read the next part of the story. For I loved part one.
November 24, 2017
Normally I wouldn't dream of reading the first part of a series unless I knew I could read the remainder of the book immediately after. I find it difficult waiting until full length publication but I always manage to hold out and would be glad I have done so. So what made me read the first in a new series from Sheila Norton, an author who I had never read before? I think it was both the beautiful cover and the catchy sounding title that drew my attention to this book.
The Pets of Primrose Cottage: Part One A Place to Hide was a very quick read and in fact turned out to be just what I was looking for when I had an hour or two to spare and didn't want to become bogged down in a full length book. This opening to the new series provided just enough intrigue to keep the readers hooked whilst introducing a cast of new characters. There were numerous storylines put in place, some of which the outcomes already seem obvious whereas others I'm not quite sure what direction they will go in even though tantalising clues have been dropped. I realise there has to be a balance between what is revealed, and what is kept hidden for the moment, given this is only the first of four parts but the impatient side of me wanted all the answers now but I will have quite a while before the final outcome is revealed.
Crickleford in Devon on the edges of Dartmoor is the setting for this book. Like many other books I have read in this genre there is the distinct small town feel, where at times the town can feel very small in terms of the fact everyone knows everyone else's business and any news can spread like wildfire. So the arrival of a new resident, Emma Nightingale taking up a room as a lodger with Lauren Atkinson and her family allows for plenty of gossip and questions.
The reader will have similar questions regarding Emma just like the residents do. But Emma is not revealing much and in fact what she does reveal is innumerable lies which really made me frustrated with her. I wouldn't use the word hate regarding the character of Emma but she really wasn't someone I could easily warm too as she told lie upon lie when clearly there was no need for it. Yes she wanted to keep her recent past hidden, and the reasons for coming to such a small village, but her lies were too far fetched and only got her in to a tangled web that would become increasingly difficult to get out of. Quite why she felt the need to go to such lengths is beyond me. It really was a case of once she started she couldn't stop and she was more than reluctant to admit the truth for fear people would laugh at her or even criticise.
There are brief glimpses into the reasons as to why Emma has returned from America and even why she can't stay with her parents. I have my own suspicions as to the exact reasons for Emma running away from everything and I am interested to see will they be proven correct in the end. Clearly Emma is escaping from something that caused her great hurt but also humiliation. She lived a totally different life in contrast to the situation she finds herself in now and to some extent probably wishes nothing had changed and that she didn't find herself living in someone else's house and with very little money. Emma is seeking anonymity,to be uncontactable, to hide her true identity and lifestyle but she hasn't bargained on the inquisitiveness of the residents of Crickleford.
It was enjoyable to read of Emma's exploits as again her lies see her end up working as a cat and dog sitter. Any book which features animals is always a winner for me and I enjoyed this part of the story immensely. There are numerous characters introduced but all very fleeting in particular Matt Sorrento, the local newspaper reporter. I'd love to see more of these people featured more in the future parts of the story.
Overall A Place to Hide was a nice introduction to the series although way too fleeting for me. Emma is an enigma of a character who really does need to grow on me as her actions in this part didn't make me see her true character which is surely lurking there under the surface. I'll definitely be back to see what happens next in part two New Beginnings, a sample chapter of which was included here.
The Pets of Primrose Cottage: Part One A Place to Hide was a very quick read and in fact turned out to be just what I was looking for when I had an hour or two to spare and didn't want to become bogged down in a full length book. This opening to the new series provided just enough intrigue to keep the readers hooked whilst introducing a cast of new characters. There were numerous storylines put in place, some of which the outcomes already seem obvious whereas others I'm not quite sure what direction they will go in even though tantalising clues have been dropped. I realise there has to be a balance between what is revealed, and what is kept hidden for the moment, given this is only the first of four parts but the impatient side of me wanted all the answers now but I will have quite a while before the final outcome is revealed.
Crickleford in Devon on the edges of Dartmoor is the setting for this book. Like many other books I have read in this genre there is the distinct small town feel, where at times the town can feel very small in terms of the fact everyone knows everyone else's business and any news can spread like wildfire. So the arrival of a new resident, Emma Nightingale taking up a room as a lodger with Lauren Atkinson and her family allows for plenty of gossip and questions.
The reader will have similar questions regarding Emma just like the residents do. But Emma is not revealing much and in fact what she does reveal is innumerable lies which really made me frustrated with her. I wouldn't use the word hate regarding the character of Emma but she really wasn't someone I could easily warm too as she told lie upon lie when clearly there was no need for it. Yes she wanted to keep her recent past hidden, and the reasons for coming to such a small village, but her lies were too far fetched and only got her in to a tangled web that would become increasingly difficult to get out of. Quite why she felt the need to go to such lengths is beyond me. It really was a case of once she started she couldn't stop and she was more than reluctant to admit the truth for fear people would laugh at her or even criticise.
There are brief glimpses into the reasons as to why Emma has returned from America and even why she can't stay with her parents. I have my own suspicions as to the exact reasons for Emma running away from everything and I am interested to see will they be proven correct in the end. Clearly Emma is escaping from something that caused her great hurt but also humiliation. She lived a totally different life in contrast to the situation she finds herself in now and to some extent probably wishes nothing had changed and that she didn't find herself living in someone else's house and with very little money. Emma is seeking anonymity,to be uncontactable, to hide her true identity and lifestyle but she hasn't bargained on the inquisitiveness of the residents of Crickleford.
It was enjoyable to read of Emma's exploits as again her lies see her end up working as a cat and dog sitter. Any book which features animals is always a winner for me and I enjoyed this part of the story immensely. There are numerous characters introduced but all very fleeting in particular Matt Sorrento, the local newspaper reporter. I'd love to see more of these people featured more in the future parts of the story.
Overall A Place to Hide was a nice introduction to the series although way too fleeting for me. Emma is an enigma of a character who really does need to grow on me as her actions in this part didn't make me see her true character which is surely lurking there under the surface. I'll definitely be back to see what happens next in part two New Beginnings, a sample chapter of which was included here.
November 23, 2017
I really enjoyed getting into this story. ‘The Pets at Primrose Cottage’ is a lighthearted contemporary book that will be released whole in a few months but at the moment has been split into four parts with ‘Part one: A Place to Hide’ being a great introduction to the tale. Emma needs a place to get away from her old life and heads into the small town of Crickleford where she hopes to start a new life, away from anyone who might know her. But in a small town where people talk, can she really leave her old life behind?
I really enjoyed the last serialised book I read by Sheila Norton which was ‘The Vets at Hope Green’ so I was more than happy when the publisher asked me if I’d like to read this one. It was easy to get into the story right away with Emma narrating her tale. I enjoyed reading about the small town atmosphere and what it was like to be a new person there and I immediately warmed to Emma’s character as I could see myself feeling out of place in a small sleepy town too.
Once Emma settles in as a lodger with a family it’s not long before she is asked to take care of some animals. Through doing this we’re introduced to more characters and I love how much focus there was on some of the pets. A particular alsatian was really well portrayed and I loved the way Sheila Norton’s books can focus so much on the animals and yet still be about the human characters too. All of the human characters are well thought out, just like the setting, I could instantly see everything in my mind and really enjoyed getting into this story.
This first part is only a snapshot of what is happening in the story but it ends in a brilliant way that keeps you eager to read more. I’ll definitely be reading all four parts and can’t wait for the next one already which will be ‘Part two: New Beginnings’. If you don’t enjoy having to wait for all four parts to be released or prefer them all in one book then you’ll have to wait until February/March to get your hands on the full story but I can certainly recommend this series already based on what I’ve read.
As I said, I enjoyed Norton’s ‘The Vets at Hope Green’ already, but in this book, there’s something about the mystery surrounding Emma’s past and her being an outsider to a small town that makes this book even more appealing, to me, than ‘The Vets at Hope Green’. Although this book already has an air of predictability to it, being a lighthearted romantic contemporary story, this didn’t bother me as there’s still so much of Emma’s past to be revealed and I can’t wait to see what else will happen with the animals in the next part of the story!
-Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy.
I really enjoyed the last serialised book I read by Sheila Norton which was ‘The Vets at Hope Green’ so I was more than happy when the publisher asked me if I’d like to read this one. It was easy to get into the story right away with Emma narrating her tale. I enjoyed reading about the small town atmosphere and what it was like to be a new person there and I immediately warmed to Emma’s character as I could see myself feeling out of place in a small sleepy town too.
Once Emma settles in as a lodger with a family it’s not long before she is asked to take care of some animals. Through doing this we’re introduced to more characters and I love how much focus there was on some of the pets. A particular alsatian was really well portrayed and I loved the way Sheila Norton’s books can focus so much on the animals and yet still be about the human characters too. All of the human characters are well thought out, just like the setting, I could instantly see everything in my mind and really enjoyed getting into this story.
This first part is only a snapshot of what is happening in the story but it ends in a brilliant way that keeps you eager to read more. I’ll definitely be reading all four parts and can’t wait for the next one already which will be ‘Part two: New Beginnings’. If you don’t enjoy having to wait for all four parts to be released or prefer them all in one book then you’ll have to wait until February/March to get your hands on the full story but I can certainly recommend this series already based on what I’ve read.
As I said, I enjoyed Norton’s ‘The Vets at Hope Green’ already, but in this book, there’s something about the mystery surrounding Emma’s past and her being an outsider to a small town that makes this book even more appealing, to me, than ‘The Vets at Hope Green’. Although this book already has an air of predictability to it, being a lighthearted romantic contemporary story, this didn’t bother me as there’s still so much of Emma’s past to be revealed and I can’t wait to see what else will happen with the animals in the next part of the story!
-Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy.
November 27, 2017
I’m not generally a big fan of serialised novels, but I will make exceptions for those that sound interesting. Seeing that this one was set on Dartmoor and featured cute pets, I couldn’t resist.
Sadly, this didn’t really work for me, and it wasn’t because it was only the first part of a longer book. I do wish more details of quite why Emma has absolutely nothing were made clearer (because at first I thought she was guilty of fraud or something serious), but enough clues are dropped that I could mostly work out what was going on, even if I think it was a bit extreme. I also find it hard to believe that her pet-sitting exploits were so easy, considering she had no experience with dogs. But those are minor things that I could definitely get over.
If only I liked Emma. Without knowing more about her situation I couldn’t find much sympathy for her – and when she started lying repeatedly for no real reason at all, I couldn’t even like her. She’s just… not my kind of character, I guess.
Which is a shame, because this seems otherwise kind of cute and fun, if not quite as full of Dartmoor or cute pets as I’d like. There’s a nice gossipy village (that seems to support a huge array of businesses for being supposedly off the main tourist track), some interesting characters and plenty of scope for both romance and a perfect home. But, sadly, thanks to Emma it wasn’t enough for me to want to read any more.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
Sadly, this didn’t really work for me, and it wasn’t because it was only the first part of a longer book. I do wish more details of quite why Emma has absolutely nothing were made clearer (because at first I thought she was guilty of fraud or something serious), but enough clues are dropped that I could mostly work out what was going on, even if I think it was a bit extreme. I also find it hard to believe that her pet-sitting exploits were so easy, considering she had no experience with dogs. But those are minor things that I could definitely get over.
If only I liked Emma. Without knowing more about her situation I couldn’t find much sympathy for her – and when she started lying repeatedly for no real reason at all, I couldn’t even like her. She’s just… not my kind of character, I guess.
Which is a shame, because this seems otherwise kind of cute and fun, if not quite as full of Dartmoor or cute pets as I’d like. There’s a nice gossipy village (that seems to support a huge array of businesses for being supposedly off the main tourist track), some interesting characters and plenty of scope for both romance and a perfect home. But, sadly, thanks to Emma it wasn’t enough for me to want to read any more.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
October 9, 2017
I loved Sheila's book, The Vets at Hope Green, an ARC which I reviewed for an honest review. I was really excited for The Pets at Primrose Cottage, and was even more so when I was sent the ARC of the first part of the book. This review is for part 1 of 4.
Emma ends up in a small Devon town called Crickleford after she leaves New York where she was living with her boyfriend. She pays rent for a room in a cottage where Lauren lives with her husband Jon and their 4 year old daughter Holly.
As always, Sheila Norton has created a cosy story located in a sleepy town and with plenty of family moments and animals.
Emma takes on the task of looking after Lauren and Jon's cats, cutely named Romeo and Juliet as well as a neighbour's dog named Pongo.
This part of the book contains a sneek peak of part #2 in the series, New Beginnings which I was happy about as I can never wait long for Sheila Norton's writing!
I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens with Matt Sorrentino, a journalist Emma meets.
The book is so visual and appealing, from the cosy cottages to the friendly characters to the ones that aren't so friendly.
Devon is a county I have a fondness for due to numerous family holidays spent there, and I could imagine myself being in the town's small and homely bars and shops as I listened to the book.
A very pleasant book.
Emma ends up in a small Devon town called Crickleford after she leaves New York where she was living with her boyfriend. She pays rent for a room in a cottage where Lauren lives with her husband Jon and their 4 year old daughter Holly.
As always, Sheila Norton has created a cosy story located in a sleepy town and with plenty of family moments and animals.
Emma takes on the task of looking after Lauren and Jon's cats, cutely named Romeo and Juliet as well as a neighbour's dog named Pongo.
This part of the book contains a sneek peak of part #2 in the series, New Beginnings which I was happy about as I can never wait long for Sheila Norton's writing!
I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens with Matt Sorrentino, a journalist Emma meets.
The book is so visual and appealing, from the cosy cottages to the friendly characters to the ones that aren't so friendly.
Devon is a county I have a fondness for due to numerous family holidays spent there, and I could imagine myself being in the town's small and homely bars and shops as I listened to the book.
A very pleasant book.
December 5, 2017
What an exciting start to a series! I loved the start of this and have sat and chuckled my way through these two parts. I don’t usually like books that are split into four parts, but as I had the first two parts to read together it doesn’t feel as bad. I am disappointed though that I shall have to wait for parts three and four as I was really getting into the story!
Emma’s character is fantastic! I love the way that lies just trip of the tongue so easily for her! She’s telling so many different things to so many different people that she feels that she will need to write down what she’s been telling people! The village sounds a beautiful place to live, up on Dartmoor, although there are no secrets in this village which I’m sure Emma will shortly find out. Emma obviously has a background which hasn’t been gone into fully during these first two parts but I’m sure that all will be revealed by the end of the four parts!
This is definitely a book full of love, laughs and pets! I have really enjoyed these first two parts, and cannot wait until the next two parts are available!!
Emma’s character is fantastic! I love the way that lies just trip of the tongue so easily for her! She’s telling so many different things to so many different people that she feels that she will need to write down what she’s been telling people! The village sounds a beautiful place to live, up on Dartmoor, although there are no secrets in this village which I’m sure Emma will shortly find out. Emma obviously has a background which hasn’t been gone into fully during these first two parts but I’m sure that all will be revealed by the end of the four parts!
This is definitely a book full of love, laughs and pets! I have really enjoyed these first two parts, and cannot wait until the next two parts are available!!
November 24, 2017
The pets at primrose cottage part one is the start of a promising set. Emma is the lead character in this book and this part of the book tells you nothing of her past only that she is/was a celebrity living in America and has had a public split from her boyfriend. Emma has gone back to Crickleford in the Devonshire countryside where she used to spend her early family holidays as a young child, Emma has gone there hoping to keep away from the press.
Whilst looking for a job she manages to find herself being the local cat and dog sitter and there are a lot of laughs and question marks on this part of her life. Emma seems to not be able to stop telling white lies to keep people off the track of her being a celebrity and I think in the next instalments this is going to trip her up!!
I read Sheila Nortons last book and that ws good but I feel this is going to be even better!!
I would like to thank netgalley and Ebury Press, Penguin random house fir this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
Whilst looking for a job she manages to find herself being the local cat and dog sitter and there are a lot of laughs and question marks on this part of her life. Emma seems to not be able to stop telling white lies to keep people off the track of her being a celebrity and I think in the next instalments this is going to trip her up!!
I read Sheila Nortons last book and that ws good but I feel this is going to be even better!!
I would like to thank netgalley and Ebury Press, Penguin random house fir this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2018
I do like Sheila Norton's books. But she is so naughty keeping my waiting for part two when I read part one in just one night!
Emma has moved from America to the little remote Dartmoor town of Crickleford in Devon. Her family don't want her around, she is a liability! So she is lodging in Primrose Cottage in Devon, and trying to work out how to earn an income to pay for her board and lodgings.
Something happened to Emma while she was living in America and she doesn't want anyone to know who she is. She is keeping a low profile and fending off questions from the locals. But in doing so finds herself telling whopping lies. Lies that she has to live with or denounce. She really can't afford to be noticed.
She finds herself settling in to Crickleford, imagines settling there permanently. She just needs an income!
More please! I want to know what happens next. Engaging to read and relaxing too. As I already said, I enjoy reading Sheila Norton.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. NetGalley does not allow for paid reviews.
Emma has moved from America to the little remote Dartmoor town of Crickleford in Devon. Her family don't want her around, she is a liability! So she is lodging in Primrose Cottage in Devon, and trying to work out how to earn an income to pay for her board and lodgings.
Something happened to Emma while she was living in America and she doesn't want anyone to know who she is. She is keeping a low profile and fending off questions from the locals. But in doing so finds herself telling whopping lies. Lies that she has to live with or denounce. She really can't afford to be noticed.
She finds herself settling in to Crickleford, imagines settling there permanently. She just needs an income!
More please! I want to know what happens next. Engaging to read and relaxing too. As I already said, I enjoy reading Sheila Norton.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. NetGalley does not allow for paid reviews.
December 30, 2020
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Ebury Digital for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I've read a few of Shelia's books in the past and they always put a smile on my face.
There's a lot of mystery around Emma's old life and ex-boyfriend. Emma seems like she has had quite the past but very little is given away in this part. I love that Emma unintentionally becomes a pet sitter. I'm a dog person so the two dogs she looks after in this book were my favourite. They were both so different in their personalities and care needs.
This book is a great little teaser of what is to come in the next 3 parts. Crinkleford is a lovely little village in Devon. The town has spotty phone signal and is probably as cut off as you could get in the UK. Shelia has me intrigued about Emma's past and longing for more of Crinkleford.
There's a lot of mystery around Emma's old life and ex-boyfriend. Emma seems like she has had quite the past but very little is given away in this part. I love that Emma unintentionally becomes a pet sitter. I'm a dog person so the two dogs she looks after in this book were my favourite. They were both so different in their personalities and care needs.
This book is a great little teaser of what is to come in the next 3 parts. Crinkleford is a lovely little village in Devon. The town has spotty phone signal and is probably as cut off as you could get in the UK. Shelia has me intrigued about Emma's past and longing for more of Crinkleford.
October 30, 2017
This is a charming story centered around Emma,who is trying to shake off her past by hiding in a quiet town next to Dartmoor. But, try as she might, Emma just cannot keep her head down and stay out of the limelight.
To make ends meet, Emma sets up as a pet sitter and all the pets she encounters in this part are adorable, especially Pongo who is scared of almost everything, but turns out to be brave when most needed.
I enjoyed reading part one and found myself chuckling away in places. I now cannot wait to read part two to find out what Emma does next and, to find out what her story actually is.
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily placed an honest review.
To make ends meet, Emma sets up as a pet sitter and all the pets she encounters in this part are adorable, especially Pongo who is scared of almost everything, but turns out to be brave when most needed.
I enjoyed reading part one and found myself chuckling away in places. I now cannot wait to read part two to find out what Emma does next and, to find out what her story actually is.
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily placed an honest review.
December 24, 2022
1.5 stars because good plot, but not well-executed.
Emma used to be a celebrity, and when things came crashing down, she moved to a town where she spent time as a child.
I really liked the plot on how she found heself again, as her own person rather than depending on others, and how she gets accepted into the town through her own merit.
What I didn't like was how 2D it was. There was no suspense and no feelings for me. I was just reading words to get through the plot. Also, I felt the lies she created was too much. I can forgive that part, but it just makes me feel like: "why did you say that??" There are so many better things she can say.
Emma used to be a celebrity, and when things came crashing down, she moved to a town where she spent time as a child.
I really liked the plot on how she found heself again, as her own person rather than depending on others, and how she gets accepted into the town through her own merit.
What I didn't like was how 2D it was. There was no suspense and no feelings for me. I was just reading words to get through the plot. Also, I felt the lies she created was too much. I can forgive that part, but it just makes me feel like: "why did you say that??" There are so many better things she can say.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2021
This was quite a nice bedtime read and I enjoyed the animals in the book. I don't know why Emma was portrayed as being so stupid. Dyslexic people have a problem with reading etc they are not stupid . I can understand Emma being scared of people especially the press after what happened in the States but I think it would have happened differently in real life and the police would have made their presence known at the parents house over Xmas. The flood scenes did ring true which could have panned out a little bit more. Not a bad book but irksome at times
May 9, 2023
After many dark, dramatic books I was looking for something SUPER light, and that is exactly what I got here.
This is a silly, frothy book, but I am glad I stuck with it. The lead character comes across as really hopeless, makes some seriously rubbish decisions, and acts childish, but it kind of works when you look at the book overall as a character arc. I loved the illiteracy theme, that's not something you see in a book like this often, I kind of wish it was explored even more.
So thank you very silly, very light, very frothy book that has little emotional depth, but was kind of cute, and exactly what I needed.
This is a silly, frothy book, but I am glad I stuck with it. The lead character comes across as really hopeless, makes some seriously rubbish decisions, and acts childish, but it kind of works when you look at the book overall as a character arc. I loved the illiteracy theme, that's not something you see in a book like this often, I kind of wish it was explored even more.
So thank you very silly, very light, very frothy book that has little emotional depth, but was kind of cute, and exactly what I needed.
October 29, 2017
A great start to a series. Emma needs somewhere to lay low for a while and heads to Crickleford to do so. In trying to keep her secret she tells a few fibs along the way and ends up working as a pet sitter for the locals.
She finds herself in a bit of bother while pet sitting Pongo the Alsatian and her secret is threatened to be revealed by the handsome local reporter.
I can't wait to see what happens next. Sheila Norton is really good at leaving us with a cliffhanger! Which drives me crazy each time!
She finds herself in a bit of bother while pet sitting Pongo the Alsatian and her secret is threatened to be revealed by the handsome local reporter.
I can't wait to see what happens next. Sheila Norton is really good at leaving us with a cliffhanger! Which drives me crazy each time!
March 7, 2023
Loved this story and fell into it fairly quickly. Great characters whom I instantly took a liking to. Set in a village on the edge of Dartmoor.
The story is about Emma Nightingale, who looks for a peaceful and out of the way place to live and get away from the demons she is so desperate to get away from and her life in America.
But can Emma keep her secret when a handsome reporter from the local paper takes an interest in her.
The story is about Emma Nightingale, who looks for a peaceful and out of the way place to live and get away from the demons she is so desperate to get away from and her life in America.
But can Emma keep her secret when a handsome reporter from the local paper takes an interest in her.
August 17, 2018
Emma's naivety was a bit annoying in the beginning and her heroic acts were a bit unrealistic, maybe as if the author wanted to explicitly show just how much of a good person she was. However, this was not the worst thing ever. I mean, it was a fun romantic novel, it's not supposed to be a realistic guide on how to be a good person!
So yes, I really did enjoy reading this. :)
So yes, I really did enjoy reading this. :)
February 2, 2020
Beautiful
I started reading this book suffering from bout of anxiety and it helped so much. The simplicity of the story was relaxing and entertaining I could relate to Emma starting out a new life feeling scared but courageous. I actually feel more optimistic about my own life and I'm gona read next book straightaway.
I started reading this book suffering from bout of anxiety and it helped so much. The simplicity of the story was relaxing and entertaining I could relate to Emma starting out a new life feeling scared but courageous. I actually feel more optimistic about my own life and I'm gona read next book straightaway.
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