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Bluebell Castle #2
Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle
The summer she will never forget…
Time’s running out for Iggy Ludworth to restore the wild gardens of Camland Castle in time for the Summer Fete, so she ropes in hotshot gardener Will Talbot…
But she regrets her decision as soon as he sets foot in the historic grounds – not only is Will arrogant and bossy, he’s totally gorgeous!
And very soon, sparks are flying amongst the bluebells. Yet with summer nearly over, will their summer fling convince Will and Iggy to go the distance?
Time’s running out for Iggy Ludworth to restore the wild gardens of Camland Castle in time for the Summer Fete, so she ropes in hotshot gardener Will Talbot…
But she regrets her decision as soon as he sets foot in the historic grounds – not only is Will arrogant and bossy, he’s totally gorgeous!
And very soon, sparks are flying amongst the bluebells. Yet with summer nearly over, will their summer fling convince Will and Iggy to go the distance?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
93 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Bennett
29 books296 followersSarah Bennett has been reading for as long as she can remember. Raised in a family of bookworms, her love affair with books of all genres has culminated in the ultimate Happy Ever After – getting to write her own stories to share with others.
Born and raised in a military family, she is happily married to her own Officer (who is sometimes even A Gentleman). Home is wherever he lays his hat, and life has taught them both that the best family is the one you create from friends as well as relatives.
When not reading or writing, Sarah is a devotee of afternoon naps and sailing the high seas, but only on vessels large enough to accommodate a casino and a choice of restaurants.
You can connect with her via twitter @Sarahlou_writes or on Facebook www.facebook.com/SarahBennettAuthor
Sarah is the author of the Butterfly Cove, Lavender Bay and Bluebell Castle series for HQ Digital UK.
Born and raised in a military family, she is happily married to her own Officer (who is sometimes even A Gentleman). Home is wherever he lays his hat, and life has taught them both that the best family is the one you create from friends as well as relatives.
When not reading or writing, Sarah is a devotee of afternoon naps and sailing the high seas, but only on vessels large enough to accommodate a casino and a choice of restaurants.
You can connect with her via twitter @Sarahlou_writes or on Facebook www.facebook.com/SarahBennettAuthor
Sarah is the author of the Butterfly Cove, Lavender Bay and Bluebell Castle series for HQ Digital UK.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 11, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
At the end of the first week, she’d plonked a large glass jar on his desk together with a sliding scale of fines depending on the severity of the swear word he used… Anna was free to spend the contents of the swear jar on whatever took her fancy… Anna had so far enjoyed a hot air balloon experience, dinner at one of London’s top Michelin-starred restaurants and a helicopter flight over the city.
Bloody hell, she was spikier than a hedgehog.
It took a bit of shuffling around as no one wanted to stand to close to Helena— not that it was physically possible to stand too close when she’d chosen to wear a hat roughly the size of a satellite dish. She’d needed half a pew to herself to accommodate the enormous brim…
My Review:
Book two in this series was quite busy with creatively contrived and lushly described landscaping projects, wedding planning, the drama and pestilence of an unwanted and unexpected visitor, and two new budding romances. Although still an enjoyable and engaging read, book two in the series contained considerably more conflict, angst, and tension amongst the characters than book one; most of it primarily due to the prickly character traits of the main character of Igraine. I was compelled to Google the correct pronunciation of the obscure name of Igraine as I was annoying myself with numerous failed attempts to puzzle it out. I wanted to give both Igraine and her broth Arthur a kick in the backside in hopes of dislodging their craniums, as their gray matter had obviously been misplaced. I am curious to see what the deft wordsmith Sarah Bennett comes up with next for Tristan, the last, and my personal favorite of the triplet siblings.
Oh, happy, day! I scored three unusual additions to my Brit Word List with cloth ears – someone who fails to listen or is hard of hearing; piccalilli – a pickled vegetable relish; and upped sticks – packed up and moved away.
At the end of the first week, she’d plonked a large glass jar on his desk together with a sliding scale of fines depending on the severity of the swear word he used… Anna was free to spend the contents of the swear jar on whatever took her fancy… Anna had so far enjoyed a hot air balloon experience, dinner at one of London’s top Michelin-starred restaurants and a helicopter flight over the city.
Bloody hell, she was spikier than a hedgehog.
It took a bit of shuffling around as no one wanted to stand to close to Helena— not that it was physically possible to stand too close when she’d chosen to wear a hat roughly the size of a satellite dish. She’d needed half a pew to herself to accommodate the enormous brim…
My Review:
Book two in this series was quite busy with creatively contrived and lushly described landscaping projects, wedding planning, the drama and pestilence of an unwanted and unexpected visitor, and two new budding romances. Although still an enjoyable and engaging read, book two in the series contained considerably more conflict, angst, and tension amongst the characters than book one; most of it primarily due to the prickly character traits of the main character of Igraine. I was compelled to Google the correct pronunciation of the obscure name of Igraine as I was annoying myself with numerous failed attempts to puzzle it out. I wanted to give both Igraine and her broth Arthur a kick in the backside in hopes of dislodging their craniums, as their gray matter had obviously been misplaced. I am curious to see what the deft wordsmith Sarah Bennett comes up with next for Tristan, the last, and my personal favorite of the triplet siblings.
Oh, happy, day! I scored three unusual additions to my Brit Word List with cloth ears – someone who fails to listen or is hard of hearing; piccalilli – a pickled vegetable relish; and upped sticks – packed up and moved away.
August 9, 2019
Another and chanting story set in a wonderful whimsical castle. This is the second story in the bluebell castle Trilogy with each story focusing on one of the triplets. While it can be read as a standalone I think for optimum enjoyment you would want to read the first book as well. This is Iggy’s story. Iggy has been tasked with restoring the Castle Gardens to former glory and stat! When she can’t seem to get her vision off the ground she approaches celebrity gardener Will. Will and Iggy don’t get off to the best of starts but just like the flowers in the garden their love begins to bloom (How is that for cheesy). There was not only romance blooming in the story there was also some family drama with the arrival of the triplets mother Helena. Helena was a great character, a lot of fun to hate! This was such a delightful story with a bit of a fairytale vibe. Sarah Bennett has such an easy flow to her writing creating such a fun and flirty story. Looking forward to the next book in the trilogy Tristan‘s story!
February 29, 2020
The perfect pick me up on a drab winter’s day. Some parts felt a little rushed but overall my love of the Ludworth family and all the goings on at Bluebell Castle continues.
Love is in the air, darling girl. There’s no use in fighting it.”
Love is in the air, darling girl. There’s no use in fighting it.”
August 8, 2019
It seems only yesterday that I have read the first book in the Bluebell Castle series. I enjoyed the story of Arthur immensely and was hoping to know more about the triplets, especially Tristan. Well, so a tad bit disappointed knowing that this is about Iggy, the eldest who lost her title due to her gender.
Iggy was not one of the prominent characters in the first novel but here her personality and gardening skills completely take over the story. And Will compliments her character perfectly so much so that I eventually ended up loving this more than the first. The story follows the dual narrative technique contributing much to the emotional turmoil we are going to endure throughout. Igraine is a lovable lady (even with all her insecurities) and I am so happy that she found her own path at the end.
That being said, we also get to follow our first couple to their marriage vows and there comes a wedding of revelations and new beginnings (ah! not only for those two). On the whole, a beautifully put-together storyline for a relaxed and lazy evening. Can't wait for the last story in the series. . .
Iggy was not one of the prominent characters in the first novel but here her personality and gardening skills completely take over the story. And Will compliments her character perfectly so much so that I eventually ended up loving this more than the first. The story follows the dual narrative technique contributing much to the emotional turmoil we are going to endure throughout. Igraine is a lovable lady (even with all her insecurities) and I am so happy that she found her own path at the end.
That being said, we also get to follow our first couple to their marriage vows and there comes a wedding of revelations and new beginnings (ah! not only for those two). On the whole, a beautifully put-together storyline for a relaxed and lazy evening. Can't wait for the last story in the series. . .
June 10, 2021
Finished reading: June 10th 2021
“Life is complicated, dearest girl. If you wait for things to be simple, you'll find yourself waiting forever.”
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
April 27, 2024
*Summer Madness*
This is book 2 of 3 in the Bluebell Castle series. It is based on triplets with each book dedicated to each sibling. This time we concentrate on Igraine aka Iggy. She is a feisty no nonsense person and her speciality is gardening. From book one we continue with efforts to save the castle. The pressure is on Iggy to make good of the grounds and turn it into a place for holding a Summer fete. Given the scale of the task she seeks help from Will Talbot who came from a poor home and fell into gardening when a neighbour got him into it as he almost came to a sticky end with the wrong crowd. From there he excelled and is now a tv celebrity who has a seemingly chequered reputation.
That old saying never meet your idols comes to mind as things get off to a frosty start. Iggy is conflicted as she is trying to get on with the task but she is trying to ignore her growing attraction to Will.
Well as things go on the blast from the past mother turns up at the castle who left them when they were small and only contacts them if she can smell money.
She is a nightmare as she will sink at nothing to put the cat amongst the pigeons and she undermines her daughter Iggy continually and things come to a head as something ends up in the public eye and one question Iggy has to ask is will she go the distance with Will or will they fizzle out with the Summer?…
A lovely easy read that you can easily escape into their world.
This is book 2 of 3 in the Bluebell Castle series. It is based on triplets with each book dedicated to each sibling. This time we concentrate on Igraine aka Iggy. She is a feisty no nonsense person and her speciality is gardening. From book one we continue with efforts to save the castle. The pressure is on Iggy to make good of the grounds and turn it into a place for holding a Summer fete. Given the scale of the task she seeks help from Will Talbot who came from a poor home and fell into gardening when a neighbour got him into it as he almost came to a sticky end with the wrong crowd. From there he excelled and is now a tv celebrity who has a seemingly chequered reputation.
That old saying never meet your idols comes to mind as things get off to a frosty start. Iggy is conflicted as she is trying to get on with the task but she is trying to ignore her growing attraction to Will.
Well as things go on the blast from the past mother turns up at the castle who left them when they were small and only contacts them if she can smell money.
She is a nightmare as she will sink at nothing to put the cat amongst the pigeons and she undermines her daughter Iggy continually and things come to a head as something ends up in the public eye and one question Iggy has to ask is will she go the distance with Will or will they fizzle out with the Summer?…
A lovely easy read that you can easily escape into their world.
August 31, 2019
I couldn’t wait to read the second book in the series and didn’t disappoint me at all. Lovely to go back to the castle and is a heartwarming read and romantic and plenty about gardening. It’s a summer that won’t be forgotten either.
Iggy is doing the gardens at the castle and time is running out as she wants it ready for when it’s the summer fate. She contacts a hotshot gardener Will to help but will she live to regret that. He finally turns up but she soon learns that he’s bossy and arrogant but also she thinks he’s gorgeous. Sparks soon start flying amongst the bluebells but with the summer nearly over and what will happen with her fling with will she she be able to continue it or not.
Iggy is doing the gardens at the castle and time is running out as she wants it ready for when it’s the summer fate. She contacts a hotshot gardener Will to help but will she live to regret that. He finally turns up but she soon learns that he’s bossy and arrogant but also she thinks he’s gorgeous. Sparks soon start flying amongst the bluebells but with the summer nearly over and what will happen with her fling with will she she be able to continue it or not.
July 16, 2019
This is the second book in the Bluebell Castle series and can easily be read as a standalone.
I fell in love with Bluebell Castle in the first book in the series so was great to be back there. What a great setting for a story and was delighted that through Iggy and Will’s story, we get to see more of the castle and in particular the grounds. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t have one green finger in my body but you don’t need to, to appreciate the wonderful visions that both characters have in turning the grounds around.
Will is a fab love interest although I was a bit dubious for Iggy’s sake as to how true he is with his reputation and fame, you can’t help but fall under his spell either. Iggy is quite prickly to start with but her heart is in the right place with wanting the best for her family and their home and future. When we get to meet her and her brother’s mum, there is no wonder that she has a bit of a chip on her shoulder at times.
Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle certainly had me under it’s spell. I was captivated by the authors descriptions and the blossoming romance between both characters. It makes for an uplifting and heart warming read that I didn’t want to put down. Really looking forward to more in the series.
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, NetGalley and HQ Digital for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
I fell in love with Bluebell Castle in the first book in the series so was great to be back there. What a great setting for a story and was delighted that through Iggy and Will’s story, we get to see more of the castle and in particular the grounds. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t have one green finger in my body but you don’t need to, to appreciate the wonderful visions that both characters have in turning the grounds around.
Will is a fab love interest although I was a bit dubious for Iggy’s sake as to how true he is with his reputation and fame, you can’t help but fall under his spell either. Iggy is quite prickly to start with but her heart is in the right place with wanting the best for her family and their home and future. When we get to meet her and her brother’s mum, there is no wonder that she has a bit of a chip on her shoulder at times.
Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle certainly had me under it’s spell. I was captivated by the authors descriptions and the blossoming romance between both characters. It makes for an uplifting and heart warming read that I didn’t want to put down. Really looking forward to more in the series.
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, NetGalley and HQ Digital for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
June 9, 2021
A fantastic follow up to the first in this series, and following a story with Igraine/ Iggy at it’s centre. It was so nice to read the book from her vantage point, after her brother Arthur at the centre of the first book.
I love the family dynamic that they have and it was just a really enjoyable book overall. It has everything you want for perfect escapism, great characters and set in an idyllic castle, with plenty of drama and entertainment to keep you reading.
With the aim of restoring the family gardens to their former glory with a deadline to open up to the public, Iggy enlists the help of a well known famous gardener who she gets more from than she had originally imagined.. it was a lovely read and I’m so happy there’s one more left of these books to indulge in! I can’t wait to read the next one !
I love the family dynamic that they have and it was just a really enjoyable book overall. It has everything you want for perfect escapism, great characters and set in an idyllic castle, with plenty of drama and entertainment to keep you reading.
With the aim of restoring the family gardens to their former glory with a deadline to open up to the public, Iggy enlists the help of a well known famous gardener who she gets more from than she had originally imagined.. it was a lovely read and I’m so happy there’s one more left of these books to indulge in! I can’t wait to read the next one !
August 19, 2019
Such an enjoyable return to bluebell castle, it was great to be back with the loveable characters again. This time it’s Iggy’s turn, I loved Will so much, but you go through the story with Iggy unsure if you can trust him and wanting it to all end well. This book is a little ray of sunshine, a wonderful summer read and I, looking forward to more at Bluebell castle.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
August 7, 2019
This is the second book in the Bluebell Castle series and can easily be read as a standalone, but if you have not read Spring Skies Over Bluebell Castle, I definitely recommend you read it as well. I loved the first book in this series and fell in love with Bluebell Castle as well as the Ludworth family. Arthur, Igraine and Tristan are triplets, with Arthur inheriting the title of Baronet following his father's death. The first book is Arthur and Lucie's story, this one is Igraine's. With the castle gardens being in disrepair, Igraine wants to restore them. When Arthur let's her know he has some funds available, she contacts Will Talbot, the celebrity garden designer, to invite him to work with her on the gardens. With many things happening in Will's life, he doesn't jump at the opportunity right away, but when he sees pictures of the gardens and with his world spiralling out of control, he hops in his car and drives to Bluebell Castle, anxious to work in the dirt once again.
Will is a handsome rogue with a bad reputation and celebrity status that causes lots of problems. When Iggy starts to fall for him, she has a lot of roadblocks to get by. First it is her own temper and pride, but Will works his way to her heart and they begin to fall for one another. Enter Helena, the triplets mom, and things start to fall apart. She is a great female villain, one I loved to hate. I kept wishing that Arthur would see through her facade and kick her out, but he was blinded by her. Lancelot and Morgana once again play the role of surrogate parents and I love them both. They are caring, smart and very intuitive when it comes to "their children". This was a lovely romance with several bumps along the way that gave realism to the story. No romance should be without its trials and tribulations. Sarah Bennett writes in a descriptive way that lets the reader see what is happening. I loved this heartwarming story and visiting the Ludworths and their extended family and friends. I am looking forward to the final book in this trilogy to see what is in store for Tristan. I definitely recommend this book to lovers of romance and women's romantic fiction. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Will is a handsome rogue with a bad reputation and celebrity status that causes lots of problems. When Iggy starts to fall for him, she has a lot of roadblocks to get by. First it is her own temper and pride, but Will works his way to her heart and they begin to fall for one another. Enter Helena, the triplets mom, and things start to fall apart. She is a great female villain, one I loved to hate. I kept wishing that Arthur would see through her facade and kick her out, but he was blinded by her. Lancelot and Morgana once again play the role of surrogate parents and I love them both. They are caring, smart and very intuitive when it comes to "their children". This was a lovely romance with several bumps along the way that gave realism to the story. No romance should be without its trials and tribulations. Sarah Bennett writes in a descriptive way that lets the reader see what is happening. I loved this heartwarming story and visiting the Ludworths and their extended family and friends. I am looking forward to the final book in this trilogy to see what is in store for Tristan. I definitely recommend this book to lovers of romance and women's romantic fiction. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
August 6, 2019
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
It feels like yonks since we last caught up with the lord of the castle and his family! 'Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle' is book two in the 'Bluebell Castle' series, and personally I would advise that you read the books in order so that you're able to get a real feel for Arthur, Tristian and Iggy's life. If you're feeling a bit rebellious, I guess reading the books out of order would be 'ok' for some readers, however I do think that you will be missing out on too much character history if you do. Each to their own of course!
Forgive me for saying this, but I wasn't really taken with the book at first as Iggy really grated on me! She came across as such a marmite character who had such potential, but she wasn't offering that positive side to her personality very often. Iggy seemed to think that everyone was out to get her, didn't think that she was capable to do things because shes a woman....I don't recall anyone saying that to her! However, when a certain relative of Iggy's came on the scene, it became shockingly clear as to why she is the way that she is.
Believe it or not, I did warm up to Iggy the more I got to know her, especially when Will came to town. He brought out the positive side of her personality and i thought it was such a shame that Iggy has very little faith in herself. She is a good egg, really.
Romance is in the air and in every nook and cranny of the castle, what on Earth was the housekeeper putting in their food!! I felt quite emotional watching the main characters flourish after their recent heartache as discussed in book one. It can't have been at all easy for the siblings yet they're doing themselves proud.....most of the time.
What I love most about Sarah Bennett's storytelling, is the way she captures the essence of her characters. She creates them like they're real human beings instead of fictional characters, which allows the readers to relate to their emotions and their lives as though they're right in front of them. I loved the cosy, feel good factor of this book, and I loved how each of the siblings started off as caterpillars, yet by the end of the book they had turned into beautiful, empathetic butterflies who weren't afraid to spread their wings. Sarah Bennett has written a story which is guaranteed to make you feel untouchable, ready to conquer the world. I really, really enjoyed it.
It feels like yonks since we last caught up with the lord of the castle and his family! 'Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle' is book two in the 'Bluebell Castle' series, and personally I would advise that you read the books in order so that you're able to get a real feel for Arthur, Tristian and Iggy's life. If you're feeling a bit rebellious, I guess reading the books out of order would be 'ok' for some readers, however I do think that you will be missing out on too much character history if you do. Each to their own of course!
Forgive me for saying this, but I wasn't really taken with the book at first as Iggy really grated on me! She came across as such a marmite character who had such potential, but she wasn't offering that positive side to her personality very often. Iggy seemed to think that everyone was out to get her, didn't think that she was capable to do things because shes a woman....I don't recall anyone saying that to her! However, when a certain relative of Iggy's came on the scene, it became shockingly clear as to why she is the way that she is.
Believe it or not, I did warm up to Iggy the more I got to know her, especially when Will came to town. He brought out the positive side of her personality and i thought it was such a shame that Iggy has very little faith in herself. She is a good egg, really.
Romance is in the air and in every nook and cranny of the castle, what on Earth was the housekeeper putting in their food!! I felt quite emotional watching the main characters flourish after their recent heartache as discussed in book one. It can't have been at all easy for the siblings yet they're doing themselves proud.....most of the time.
What I love most about Sarah Bennett's storytelling, is the way she captures the essence of her characters. She creates them like they're real human beings instead of fictional characters, which allows the readers to relate to their emotions and their lives as though they're right in front of them. I loved the cosy, feel good factor of this book, and I loved how each of the siblings started off as caterpillars, yet by the end of the book they had turned into beautiful, empathetic butterflies who weren't afraid to spread their wings. Sarah Bennett has written a story which is guaranteed to make you feel untouchable, ready to conquer the world. I really, really enjoyed it.
August 14, 2019
Travel to the gorgeous Derbyshire countryside to escape into this lovely romance, the second book in the series. I believe it could be read as a standalone but the first book, Spring Skies over Bluebell Castle, is also a great read. The first book tells of the romance developing between Arthur Ludworth and Lucie. Arthur has inherited the title of Baronet along with their family home, a Castle and its estate lands, but is working with his siblings, Tristan and Igraine, to restore it all to its former glory and hoping to find ways to make it pay for its own upkeep. The three are triplets and very close.
This book is the Igraine’s story, telling how she strives to restore the castle gardens. When funding becomes available, she seeks the help of celebrity garden designer Will Talbot. He is in a compromising position when she initially calls and he suggests her timescale is ludicrous but, after seeing the pictures of the garden, he sees this as an opportunity to escape the paparazzi and start doing what he loves – gardening – again. Annoyed by his initial reaction, Iggy isn’t exactly welcoming to William. As he endeavours to show his true self rather than the bad reputation that is associated with his celebrity status, he gradually wins over Iggy and she starts to fall for him- but warily! When her mother, Helena, turns up things start to disintegrate! She is definitely the villain in the story but you’ll have to read it for yourself to discover just what she does and why. I certainly didn’t like her and couldn’t wait for Arthur to wake up to her machinations and kick her out!
I really enjoyed reconnecting with the Ludworth family again and reading Iggy and William’s story. It is a heartwarming romance fraught with difficulties to be overcome. I have no hesitation in highly recommending it and personally can’t wait to read Tristan’s story!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
This book is the Igraine’s story, telling how she strives to restore the castle gardens. When funding becomes available, she seeks the help of celebrity garden designer Will Talbot. He is in a compromising position when she initially calls and he suggests her timescale is ludicrous but, after seeing the pictures of the garden, he sees this as an opportunity to escape the paparazzi and start doing what he loves – gardening – again. Annoyed by his initial reaction, Iggy isn’t exactly welcoming to William. As he endeavours to show his true self rather than the bad reputation that is associated with his celebrity status, he gradually wins over Iggy and she starts to fall for him- but warily! When her mother, Helena, turns up things start to disintegrate! She is definitely the villain in the story but you’ll have to read it for yourself to discover just what she does and why. I certainly didn’t like her and couldn’t wait for Arthur to wake up to her machinations and kick her out!
I really enjoyed reconnecting with the Ludworth family again and reading Iggy and William’s story. It is a heartwarming romance fraught with difficulties to be overcome. I have no hesitation in highly recommending it and personally can’t wait to read Tristan’s story!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
July 7, 2019
Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle is the second book in the Bluebell Castle series. Here’s what I said about the first book in the series:” Spring Skies over Bluebell Castle will make you smile. If I were at Bluebell castle, I would be vying for Arthur’s attention, too! He is a fine fellow. I may still have a chance to win him, as there are two more books planned in this series. Good news- so start reading this book and enjoy your visit to Bluebell Castle.”
I hope you took my advice and did read the first book in the series, because now we are on to Book 2, which is billed as, “the bestselling and fantastically feel-good holiday romance for 2019!” Arthur and Lucie are now engaged, so I can no longer dream about sweet Arthur. But I did love getting to know his sister, “Iggy”, Igraine. As you may recall, most of the aristocratic Ludworths who reside at Camland Castle (fondly called Bluebell Castle) are named after Arthurian characters.
The Ludworths are moving forward with their vision of making the Castle solvent. It’s up to Iggy to get the vast gardens at the castle ready for public viewing. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the divine Will Talbot, award-winning landscaper and TV personality, who also features in Iggy’s romantic dreams, could help her?
Not only will you have a delightful summer visit to Bluebell Castle, but you will get to spy on Iggy and Will as they tiptoe through the tulips together. Readers will also enjoy the preparations for a big event at the Castle, and getting to know some of the other characters, such as Lancelot, Connie and a surprise visitor a bit better.
Author Susan Bennett is well known for her various happily ever after series, and the Bluebell Castle series continues to give us what we love- real characters, spectacular settings, and swoon-worthy love scenes and interesting storylines that open us to new ideas. Enjoy the second book in the series and then we’ll be on to book 3!
Thanks to the author, NetGalley, the publisher HQ Digital and Rachel’s Random Resources for a review copy. This is my honest review.
I hope you took my advice and did read the first book in the series, because now we are on to Book 2, which is billed as, “the bestselling and fantastically feel-good holiday romance for 2019!” Arthur and Lucie are now engaged, so I can no longer dream about sweet Arthur. But I did love getting to know his sister, “Iggy”, Igraine. As you may recall, most of the aristocratic Ludworths who reside at Camland Castle (fondly called Bluebell Castle) are named after Arthurian characters.
The Ludworths are moving forward with their vision of making the Castle solvent. It’s up to Iggy to get the vast gardens at the castle ready for public viewing. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the divine Will Talbot, award-winning landscaper and TV personality, who also features in Iggy’s romantic dreams, could help her?
Not only will you have a delightful summer visit to Bluebell Castle, but you will get to spy on Iggy and Will as they tiptoe through the tulips together. Readers will also enjoy the preparations for a big event at the Castle, and getting to know some of the other characters, such as Lancelot, Connie and a surprise visitor a bit better.
Author Susan Bennett is well known for her various happily ever after series, and the Bluebell Castle series continues to give us what we love- real characters, spectacular settings, and swoon-worthy love scenes and interesting storylines that open us to new ideas. Enjoy the second book in the series and then we’ll be on to book 3!
Thanks to the author, NetGalley, the publisher HQ Digital and Rachel’s Random Resources for a review copy. This is my honest review.
September 26, 2019
This was a treat to read. I've been waiting for this book since finishing the first book, Spring Skies Over Bluebell Castle.
This time around, the story is about Iggy and her efforts to help restore Bluebell Castle to its former glory and open up the grounds to the public. She enlists the help of celebrity gardener Will Talbot, but they get off to a rocky start. While getting to know a bit more about Iggy, we find that she has a big job getting the lands of the estate up to par, but also find out about her insecurities about self and what her future is going to look like after Arthur and Lucie tie the knot and Lucie becomes the Lady of Bluebell Castle. We eventually find out that her mother plays a part in her self insecurities, but I don't think the insecurities about what her role in managing the estate is going to be by the end. I hope it is a happy resolution by the end of the trilogy. It was great to catch up with all of the characters in the book. There's even a budding romance between Lancelot and Lucie's mother Constance. I hope there is someone for Morgana, but I don't think that exists.
I am looking forward to the last book in the trilogy that focuses on Tristan. I want to hear more about him.
This time around, the story is about Iggy and her efforts to help restore Bluebell Castle to its former glory and open up the grounds to the public. She enlists the help of celebrity gardener Will Talbot, but they get off to a rocky start. While getting to know a bit more about Iggy, we find that she has a big job getting the lands of the estate up to par, but also find out about her insecurities about self and what her future is going to look like after Arthur and Lucie tie the knot and Lucie becomes the Lady of Bluebell Castle. We eventually find out that her mother plays a part in her self insecurities, but I don't think the insecurities about what her role in managing the estate is going to be by the end. I hope it is a happy resolution by the end of the trilogy. It was great to catch up with all of the characters in the book. There's even a budding romance between Lancelot and Lucie's mother Constance. I hope there is someone for Morgana, but I don't think that exists.
I am looking forward to the last book in the trilogy that focuses on Tristan. I want to hear more about him.
August 12, 2019
In the previous book, the author introduced us to the Ludworth family. We learned a lot about their history and we concentrated on the life of Arthur in particular.
In this story we were lucky enough to be guests in the beautiful castle once again where we focus on Iggy, Arthur’s sister.
I love the banter between the family members and the way they all work together in order to achieve their goals, right?
You should leave the past behind, right? But sometimes you need the past in the present to secure the future. 🙂 Certain revelations explain the behaviour from some people to others or rupture completely the fragile relationship they had.
Not only the sun is responsible for the high temperatures. Sparks are flying everywhere. Will they sizzle and die or turn into blazing fires?
A lovely summer read. 5 stars.
Thank you, Sarah Bennett and Rachel’s Random Resources.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
In this story we were lucky enough to be guests in the beautiful castle once again where we focus on Iggy, Arthur’s sister.
I love the banter between the family members and the way they all work together in order to achieve their goals, right?
You should leave the past behind, right? But sometimes you need the past in the present to secure the future. 🙂 Certain revelations explain the behaviour from some people to others or rupture completely the fragile relationship they had.
Not only the sun is responsible for the high temperatures. Sparks are flying everywhere. Will they sizzle and die or turn into blazing fires?
A lovely summer read. 5 stars.
Thank you, Sarah Bennett and Rachel’s Random Resources.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
August 5, 2019
Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle is a delightful addition to the series. Iggy is smart, funny and determined. Will is bossy but so hot. When these two clash it is combustible. The gardens have never looked so good.
July 12, 2019
I would like to thank netgalley and HQ Digital for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
It's Iggy's turn!
Iggy is helping her brothers to save their ancestral home, Camland Castle. She loves the gardens and sets out to rescue them by employing a celebrity gardener with some disastrous results.
It's Iggy's turn!
Iggy is helping her brothers to save their ancestral home, Camland Castle. She loves the gardens and sets out to rescue them by employing a celebrity gardener with some disastrous results.
May 9, 2022
It was OK. Not as compelling as the first book because frankly, I'm not too interested in gardening. Also, I found Iggy a bit too gullible, trusting a guy she barely knows, and who has a dubious reputation. Wouldn't common sense tell you to tread carefully first? What if the rumours were true?
The first book is definitely better than this. The characters were fleshed out more realistically, and the effort of finding the art work was more detailed.
The first book is definitely better than this. The characters were fleshed out more realistically, and the effort of finding the art work was more detailed.
February 28, 2024
Although this was a great reading experience, I did prefer the first one in the series. I didn’t fall as much in love with the relationship here than in the previous one.
August 9, 2019
I have been a fan of Sarah’s work for quite a while now. I just love the way she writes such uplifting, feel good books. I read and loved the first book in the Bluebell Castle series and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the second book in the series. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because the second part of the trilogy called ‘Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle’ was released on 5th August 2019. I can certainly say that it is a fantastic book, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
Iggy Ludworth is one of those delightful female characters that you can’t help but take to from the first time you meet her. That’s how I felt anyway. Iggy is one of a set of triplets and she is the only girl. They really are a tight knit bunch but then they have had to be. They have inherited the castle but sadly it has become a bit rundown. Iggy decides that she will overhaul the garden, which is a task of mammoth proportions. Iggy certainly has ambition and that is to be admired. She is a huge fan of the bad boy gardener Will Talbot and asks if he will consider helping revamping the gardens. Will is portrayed as a bad boy but that’s only his showbusiness persona, although he does have a bit of a potty mouth and I chuckled out loud at the fact that his assistant has a swear box on her desk, which he fills on a regular basis. Anyway back to the point. Iggy and Will don’t exactly get off to the best of starts when he basically tells her that what she wants to do is unachievable in the time frame that she has come up with. However after a bumpy start, the pair do start to get along and suddenly it seems that romance could be in the air. Will Iggy and Will have a short term fling or a more long term affair? Well for the answer to that particular question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this book. In fact I was hooked on the story by the time I got to the end of the first page. I became so swept up in the story that I just couldn’t stop reading. It was as if the book had developed a hold over me and I certainly didn’t want to break that hold. I think part of the attraction of the story, for me at any rate, was that the characters were so likeable that you couldn’t help but take to them and hope that they got the ending that they deserved. Even ‘bad boy’ Will wasn’t that bad because underneath his tough image, lies a heart of gold. The pages of the book turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out what happened grew. I soon reached the end of the book, which I had mixed feelings about. Don’t get me wrong I was pleased to finish because I knew how the story ended but I was enjoying the author’s writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just didn’t want the book to the end.
‘Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle’ is extremely well written but then I wouldn’t expect anything else from Sarah Bennett. She has created great storylines for some lovely characters. Sarah knows how to grab your attention from the start and she draws you into the story from the first word onwards. She writes in such a way that compels you (in the nicest possible way) to keep reading. I took to the characters so much that I needed to know what happened to them. Sarah certainly knows how to perfectly combine drama with a lot of romance and more than a dash of humour.
In short, ‘Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle’ is one hell of a fantastic read. In fact, reading this book was most definitely a pleasure and not a chore. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I can’t wait to read the third part of the trilogy. Fortunately I don’t have too long to wait either because the third book in the series is called ‘Starlight Over Bluebell Castle’ and it is due for release on 4th November 2019. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Iggy Ludworth is one of those delightful female characters that you can’t help but take to from the first time you meet her. That’s how I felt anyway. Iggy is one of a set of triplets and she is the only girl. They really are a tight knit bunch but then they have had to be. They have inherited the castle but sadly it has become a bit rundown. Iggy decides that she will overhaul the garden, which is a task of mammoth proportions. Iggy certainly has ambition and that is to be admired. She is a huge fan of the bad boy gardener Will Talbot and asks if he will consider helping revamping the gardens. Will is portrayed as a bad boy but that’s only his showbusiness persona, although he does have a bit of a potty mouth and I chuckled out loud at the fact that his assistant has a swear box on her desk, which he fills on a regular basis. Anyway back to the point. Iggy and Will don’t exactly get off to the best of starts when he basically tells her that what she wants to do is unachievable in the time frame that she has come up with. However after a bumpy start, the pair do start to get along and suddenly it seems that romance could be in the air. Will Iggy and Will have a short term fling or a more long term affair? Well for the answer to that particular question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this book. In fact I was hooked on the story by the time I got to the end of the first page. I became so swept up in the story that I just couldn’t stop reading. It was as if the book had developed a hold over me and I certainly didn’t want to break that hold. I think part of the attraction of the story, for me at any rate, was that the characters were so likeable that you couldn’t help but take to them and hope that they got the ending that they deserved. Even ‘bad boy’ Will wasn’t that bad because underneath his tough image, lies a heart of gold. The pages of the book turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out what happened grew. I soon reached the end of the book, which I had mixed feelings about. Don’t get me wrong I was pleased to finish because I knew how the story ended but I was enjoying the author’s writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just didn’t want the book to the end.
‘Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle’ is extremely well written but then I wouldn’t expect anything else from Sarah Bennett. She has created great storylines for some lovely characters. Sarah knows how to grab your attention from the start and she draws you into the story from the first word onwards. She writes in such a way that compels you (in the nicest possible way) to keep reading. I took to the characters so much that I needed to know what happened to them. Sarah certainly knows how to perfectly combine drama with a lot of romance and more than a dash of humour.
In short, ‘Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle’ is one hell of a fantastic read. In fact, reading this book was most definitely a pleasure and not a chore. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I can’t wait to read the third part of the trilogy. Fortunately I don’t have too long to wait either because the third book in the series is called ‘Starlight Over Bluebell Castle’ and it is due for release on 4th November 2019. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
July 14, 2019
I described the first in this trigoligy from Sarah Bennett as Antiques Roadshow meets Downton Abbey - now Alan Titchmarsh has turned up and the Chelsea Flower Show is going to have competition!
Expect of course it isn't Alan Titchmarsh but Will Talbot, a lad from the wrong side who found the right side from the kindness of neighbour who sparked his interest in gardening and landscaping and has led to him being one of the most popular 'men about town'.
Trouble is Will doesn't want to play the PR, Social Media game anymore and wants to go back to getting his hands dirty.
When Iggy Ludworth dreams about gardeners it is always Will Talbot not just for the sophisticated good looks but the vision he has. Iggy is struggling with the vision of the gardens for Bluebell Castle. She decides to contact him and send him some photos of what she thinks he could help with.
The photos and the offer of the work comes at the right time for Will.
Escaping to a castle seems the perfect place to hide from the media. Even if his disappearance still makes for news.
Ensconced in the castle and the gardens and already feeling like part of the Ludworth family, especially with Iggy. Will finds that this is all he ever wanted to do - get his hands dirty with his love of gardening and turning an idea into reality whilst sharing it all with that someone special.
When a surprise visitor turns up and disrupts the harmonious atmosphere in the castle it seems that perhaps a castle is not the best place to hide for any of the family.
What I love about this second book is whilst the main plot line focuses on Iggy's, Arthur her brother was the main protagonist in the first book they are not forgotten and sidelined as they can be in such series of book by other authors. Arthur and Lucie are very much a part of the book as they are a part of the castle as well as the pack of dogs that seem to greet every visitor with vigour and enthusiasm. Tristan, Iggy's brother, their Aunt and Uncle, Morgana and Lancelot are there as well and they all have their parts to play and are not merely two dimensional added characters.
I almost feel like I could step into the castle and be apart of the renovation, the history and also its future.
This has to be my favourite series so far from this author and if you are looking for escapist reads that take you away, where it may not all be rosy but at least some people get their comeuppance and others get their happily ever afters then you need to by this series of books.
I am so looking forward to returning to the Bluebell Castle series later in the year.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. This has no way influenced my review.
In a world of sometimes sad stuff, escaping into a book with a happy ever after is the perfect tonic!
Expect of course it isn't Alan Titchmarsh but Will Talbot, a lad from the wrong side who found the right side from the kindness of neighbour who sparked his interest in gardening and landscaping and has led to him being one of the most popular 'men about town'.
Trouble is Will doesn't want to play the PR, Social Media game anymore and wants to go back to getting his hands dirty.
When Iggy Ludworth dreams about gardeners it is always Will Talbot not just for the sophisticated good looks but the vision he has. Iggy is struggling with the vision of the gardens for Bluebell Castle. She decides to contact him and send him some photos of what she thinks he could help with.
The photos and the offer of the work comes at the right time for Will.
Escaping to a castle seems the perfect place to hide from the media. Even if his disappearance still makes for news.
Ensconced in the castle and the gardens and already feeling like part of the Ludworth family, especially with Iggy. Will finds that this is all he ever wanted to do - get his hands dirty with his love of gardening and turning an idea into reality whilst sharing it all with that someone special.
When a surprise visitor turns up and disrupts the harmonious atmosphere in the castle it seems that perhaps a castle is not the best place to hide for any of the family.
What I love about this second book is whilst the main plot line focuses on Iggy's, Arthur her brother was the main protagonist in the first book they are not forgotten and sidelined as they can be in such series of book by other authors. Arthur and Lucie are very much a part of the book as they are a part of the castle as well as the pack of dogs that seem to greet every visitor with vigour and enthusiasm. Tristan, Iggy's brother, their Aunt and Uncle, Morgana and Lancelot are there as well and they all have their parts to play and are not merely two dimensional added characters.
I almost feel like I could step into the castle and be apart of the renovation, the history and also its future.
This has to be my favourite series so far from this author and if you are looking for escapist reads that take you away, where it may not all be rosy but at least some people get their comeuppance and others get their happily ever afters then you need to by this series of books.
I am so looking forward to returning to the Bluebell Castle series later in the year.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. This has no way influenced my review.
In a world of sometimes sad stuff, escaping into a book with a happy ever after is the perfect tonic!
July 31, 2019
I'm beginning to think it's time I be a little more cautious when it comes to picking out a book with a cover like this: so bright and eye-catching with cute illustrations. This is the second time in recent months that I was disappointed from what I hoped to be a romantic read. The potential just wasn't there.
Igraine 'Iggy' Ludworth has been working really hard on the gardens of Camland Castle. Ever since her brother Arthur had inherited it, it is essential that the Castle be restored as soon as possible, or their lack of financial resources would lead them into trouble. The deadline is getting nearer, and Iggy's to-do list continues to stay long. Eventually, she decides to ask Will Talbot, a gardener and a celebrity, for help. They started off on the wrong foot, but as they got to learn more about one another, love begins to bloom.
This whole book reminded me of my very bad experience with The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove. My expectations in the romance department just wasn't met. I felt nothing for this couple, and their interactions are sometimes so cheesy, it's awkward and absolutely unrealistic; it feels forced. And honestly, the more I got to learn about Will and Iggy, the more I disliked them. It all started with insta-lust, and there Will is trying to be gentlemanly, giving Iggy the time she needs to be more open in their relationship (or more of when she will share his bed), and then we find the next moment, him asking her when she is going to have sex with him. Pressure much? Then we also have Iggy being so unapologetic about her mistake at the end of the book. Of course we have a happily ever after, but the way the book handled Iggy's mistake, it's like it's trying to enforce the stereotype: the man always has to be the one to make up, to show his manliness and how much he deserves her.
Well, excuse me if I struggle to find anything healthy about this relationship.
The 2 stars are to praise the author's writing. I really like her flawless way of describing appearances and the goings-on. If only the plot and protagonists match up to her writing skills, this would have easily gotten a 4 or 5. I feel there isn't a lot of instances for Will and Iggy's relationship to build properly. However, I do like the other characters within the Ludworth family.
This review is written based on the ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley. This book can be read as a standalone.
by A Floret's Breath
Igraine 'Iggy' Ludworth has been working really hard on the gardens of Camland Castle. Ever since her brother Arthur had inherited it, it is essential that the Castle be restored as soon as possible, or their lack of financial resources would lead them into trouble. The deadline is getting nearer, and Iggy's to-do list continues to stay long. Eventually, she decides to ask Will Talbot, a gardener and a celebrity, for help. They started off on the wrong foot, but as they got to learn more about one another, love begins to bloom.
This whole book reminded me of my very bad experience with The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove. My expectations in the romance department just wasn't met. I felt nothing for this couple, and their interactions are sometimes so cheesy, it's awkward and absolutely unrealistic; it feels forced. And honestly, the more I got to learn about Will and Iggy, the more I disliked them. It all started with insta-lust, and there Will is trying to be gentlemanly, giving Iggy the time she needs to be more open in their relationship (or more of when she will share his bed), and then we find the next moment, him asking her when she is going to have sex with him. Pressure much? Then we also have Iggy being so unapologetic about her mistake at the end of the book. Of course we have a happily ever after, but the way the book handled Iggy's mistake, it's like it's trying to enforce the stereotype: the man always has to be the one to make up, to show his manliness and how much he deserves her.
Well, excuse me if I struggle to find anything healthy about this relationship.
The 2 stars are to praise the author's writing. I really like her flawless way of describing appearances and the goings-on. If only the plot and protagonists match up to her writing skills, this would have easily gotten a 4 or 5. I feel there isn't a lot of instances for Will and Iggy's relationship to build properly. However, I do like the other characters within the Ludworth family.
This review is written based on the ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley. This book can be read as a standalone.
by A Floret's Breath
August 6, 2019
⛲ Izzy's HUGE garden project becomes a romantic adventure😍
🌞 With a heroine trying to find her right place in the shifting dynamics of her close family, Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle offers lots of romance, heaps of forays into gardening on a large scale, and some twisted family dynamics. The celebrity gardener who stumbles into the scene and quickly falls for the castle grounds' potential and Izzy, the family's wild rose, shuns his celebrity and finds some restful anonymity as his attachment to the estate and people grows. With a requisite villain to stir things up and a⏰ ticking calendar of projects to complete before hosting two grand events, there's plenty of activity surrounding the romance and, ultimately, a good time is had by all.🌞
👥 The romance stays sweet and mostly closed door, but it also focuses on the emotional crossroads Will and Izzy have reached. Professionally, Will has had enough of fame, media appearances and leaving the actual gardening to his excellently capable staff. Izzy has been the main manager of the estate grounds but her brother's upcoming marriage may make her superfluous. Izzy is concerned her celebrity boyfriend is too good a catch for her (if he even wants to be caught!) and Will is insecure about his working class background. Helena, Izzy's ☁ black cloud, absentee mom, is a classic troublemaker and returns to the castle with a hidden agenda and stealth jabs. Drama, drama, drama! On the other end of the spectrum, Will's neighbor and gardening mentor Mrs. Tyler makes a cameo appearance and brings the support and☀ sunshine with her.
🗞I do wish the novel had included some maps of the castle property and maybe the before and after diagrams of the grounds and their transformation; I had some difficulty envisioning it all.
👍 😊 Overall, a feel-good, sweet romance with mild adversity and some fun, supportive secondary characters: a lovely summertime read😎
🌞 With a heroine trying to find her right place in the shifting dynamics of her close family, Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle offers lots of romance, heaps of forays into gardening on a large scale, and some twisted family dynamics. The celebrity gardener who stumbles into the scene and quickly falls for the castle grounds' potential and Izzy, the family's wild rose, shuns his celebrity and finds some restful anonymity as his attachment to the estate and people grows. With a requisite villain to stir things up and a⏰ ticking calendar of projects to complete before hosting two grand events, there's plenty of activity surrounding the romance and, ultimately, a good time is had by all.🌞
👥 The romance stays sweet and mostly closed door, but it also focuses on the emotional crossroads Will and Izzy have reached. Professionally, Will has had enough of fame, media appearances and leaving the actual gardening to his excellently capable staff. Izzy has been the main manager of the estate grounds but her brother's upcoming marriage may make her superfluous. Izzy is concerned her celebrity boyfriend is too good a catch for her (if he even wants to be caught!) and Will is insecure about his working class background. Helena, Izzy's ☁ black cloud, absentee mom, is a classic troublemaker and returns to the castle with a hidden agenda and stealth jabs. Drama, drama, drama! On the other end of the spectrum, Will's neighbor and gardening mentor Mrs. Tyler makes a cameo appearance and brings the support and☀ sunshine with her.
🗞I do wish the novel had included some maps of the castle property and maybe the before and after diagrams of the grounds and their transformation; I had some difficulty envisioning it all.
👍 😊 Overall, a feel-good, sweet romance with mild adversity and some fun, supportive secondary characters: a lovely summertime read😎
August 19, 2019
What a delightful read from Sarah Bennett! This is Bluebell Castle Book 2, and I loved it as much as the first one!
Iggy is on a tight deadline to restore the gardens of her family castle to their former glory in order to save her home. She is quite good at land management, but she isn’t even sure where to even begin the task. She has had a fascination with Will Talbot, “rock star of the gardening world,” for quite some time...and not just with his skills in the garden. She thinks he is the most gorgeous man she has ever seen, although she won’t admit that little fact to anyone. She knows she needs his skills in the garden if there is any hope to save Camland Castle.
Will has been in the public eye for some time now, and he has had about as much as he can tolerate. He has been so busy building his own brand that he can’t remember the last time he has put his hands in any kind of soil. When Iggy’s offer comes along, he accepts.
From his first meeting with Iggy, he is a goner. She is beautiful, but she also doesn’t pander to him, despite his fame. He finds himself wanting to know more about her.
“There was something about that frozen facade of hers that made him want to smash through it and find the real woman he could sense behind the icy mask.”
Iggy finds him arrogant, and he always knows how to push her buttons, yet she drawn to him. As they spend more time together, they are falling more and more for one another. It is a sweet love story, but there is also this amazing chemistry between them. Thankfully, Bennett, isn’t too graphic, she lets us, readers, use our own imagination!
The secondary cast of characters add a richness to the story. I adore the dynamic Iggy has with her brothers, Lucie, and the household staff. I also liked seeing how Will came to have his passion for gardening.
This is a wonderful book with an amazing setting, one I hated saying good-bye to. I’m so excited to see there will be another book this year!!!!
Iggy is on a tight deadline to restore the gardens of her family castle to their former glory in order to save her home. She is quite good at land management, but she isn’t even sure where to even begin the task. She has had a fascination with Will Talbot, “rock star of the gardening world,” for quite some time...and not just with his skills in the garden. She thinks he is the most gorgeous man she has ever seen, although she won’t admit that little fact to anyone. She knows she needs his skills in the garden if there is any hope to save Camland Castle.
Will has been in the public eye for some time now, and he has had about as much as he can tolerate. He has been so busy building his own brand that he can’t remember the last time he has put his hands in any kind of soil. When Iggy’s offer comes along, he accepts.
From his first meeting with Iggy, he is a goner. She is beautiful, but she also doesn’t pander to him, despite his fame. He finds himself wanting to know more about her.
“There was something about that frozen facade of hers that made him want to smash through it and find the real woman he could sense behind the icy mask.”
Iggy finds him arrogant, and he always knows how to push her buttons, yet she drawn to him. As they spend more time together, they are falling more and more for one another. It is a sweet love story, but there is also this amazing chemistry between them. Thankfully, Bennett, isn’t too graphic, she lets us, readers, use our own imagination!
The secondary cast of characters add a richness to the story. I adore the dynamic Iggy has with her brothers, Lucie, and the household staff. I also liked seeing how Will came to have his passion for gardening.
This is a wonderful book with an amazing setting, one I hated saying good-bye to. I’m so excited to see there will be another book this year!!!!
August 5, 2019
I'm a huge fan of Sarah's Butterfly Cove and Lavender Bay series' and I fell in love with Bluebell Castle after reading Spring Skies Over Bluebell Castle. So, I was so excited to return, this time to hear Iggy's story and to find out if she could find her own love.
Trying to restore their home (which just happens to be a castle) and it's grounds in order to financially keep from selling it, Iggy, Tristan and Arthur want to open their gardens and home to the public. Iggy, the estate manager, is in charge of the gardens but begins to fear she has bitten off more than she can chew. Enter Will - famous gardener and bad boy. Can Iggy and Will put aside their differences and work together to prepare the gardens in time? And will they ever reveal their true feelings for each other?
What setting is more romantic than a genuine countryside castle? Sarah Bennett creates the most normal but perfect settings for her romances and this is no different. This installment focuses more on the gardens and grounds and despite not have a single green finger, I'm more than happy to indulge in someone else's gardening skills. I was fascinated by all the gardening and design part and they were described so perfectly that at times I was standing right in there with Iggy and Will.
When Sarah writes a series, you get a whole host of main characters that bring depth and sparkle to each novel. This one is no different. As well as the main story of Iggy and Will, there is also Arthur and his new girlfriend Lucie, Tristan and Uncle Lancelot. Al;l of these characters have different quirks and personalities which really brings the family side of the story to life.
If you are reading a Sarah Bennett novel then you are onto a winner. She writes brilliant uplifting and feel good romances every time and you cannot fail to fall in love with her characters and settings.
Trying to restore their home (which just happens to be a castle) and it's grounds in order to financially keep from selling it, Iggy, Tristan and Arthur want to open their gardens and home to the public. Iggy, the estate manager, is in charge of the gardens but begins to fear she has bitten off more than she can chew. Enter Will - famous gardener and bad boy. Can Iggy and Will put aside their differences and work together to prepare the gardens in time? And will they ever reveal their true feelings for each other?
What setting is more romantic than a genuine countryside castle? Sarah Bennett creates the most normal but perfect settings for her romances and this is no different. This installment focuses more on the gardens and grounds and despite not have a single green finger, I'm more than happy to indulge in someone else's gardening skills. I was fascinated by all the gardening and design part and they were described so perfectly that at times I was standing right in there with Iggy and Will.
When Sarah writes a series, you get a whole host of main characters that bring depth and sparkle to each novel. This one is no different. As well as the main story of Iggy and Will, there is also Arthur and his new girlfriend Lucie, Tristan and Uncle Lancelot. Al;l of these characters have different quirks and personalities which really brings the family side of the story to life.
If you are reading a Sarah Bennett novel then you are onto a winner. She writes brilliant uplifting and feel good romances every time and you cannot fail to fall in love with her characters and settings.
July 22, 2019
I really enjoyed the first book of the series: Spring Skies Over Bluebell Castle and was looking forward to finding out how the triplets manage the good fortune that they end up with in the first installment. I liked what happened in this one, but I was expecting something even more. I will try to explain a little more coherently.
This book is all about the only female, eldest of the three and the woman who should have inherited if the laws of inheritance allowed for it. Iggy is breaking her head over what could be done to get the gardens of Bluebell Castle ready to go public. With this in mind and a bigger than average crush on the famous landscaper/gardener, Iggy decides that Will Talbot is the solution to their problems. I liked Will and I liked Iggy and their personalities separately and even together but I felt their story was a lot more rushed than the previous one. The foundation was laid with Iggy's thought process being described quite early on, but it still did not feel adequate. I wanted more of a buildup to their working together. There are further secrets revealed in this tale, of the past and once again the mother makes an arrival. She is present for more of the story than before and her priorities seem to swing through many phases but she brings her own downfall.
The way we leave things at the end, I wonder how much of a story is left for the youngest sibling. I will definitely be reading the last of the series whenever I get the chance!
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is completely based on my own reading experience.
This book is all about the only female, eldest of the three and the woman who should have inherited if the laws of inheritance allowed for it. Iggy is breaking her head over what could be done to get the gardens of Bluebell Castle ready to go public. With this in mind and a bigger than average crush on the famous landscaper/gardener, Iggy decides that Will Talbot is the solution to their problems. I liked Will and I liked Iggy and their personalities separately and even together but I felt their story was a lot more rushed than the previous one. The foundation was laid with Iggy's thought process being described quite early on, but it still did not feel adequate. I wanted more of a buildup to their working together. There are further secrets revealed in this tale, of the past and once again the mother makes an arrival. She is present for more of the story than before and her priorities seem to swing through many phases but she brings her own downfall.
The way we leave things at the end, I wonder how much of a story is left for the youngest sibling. I will definitely be reading the last of the series whenever I get the chance!
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is completely based on my own reading experience.
August 3, 2019
I loved this book about the romance that ensues when a group of triplets decide to improve their family estate. The Ludworth triplets (Igraine, Arthur and Tristan) have to figure out how to save the ancestral family home when Arthur inherits the title of Baronet. Each of them have their own strengths and abilities. This story is the second in the trilogy and centers on Igraine.
Igraine, who prefers Iggy, is a master at land management. She takes on the task of redoing and repairing the massive formal gardens. The gardens have been neglected for years and require a lot of work. Iggy hopes to get enough done to open them to the public in a few short months. When her brother tells her they have gotten an advance from the bank, Iggy knows just what help she wants—Will Talbot.
Will Talbot is a master at garden design. He blends the old with the modern and Iggy loves his style. She also thinks he is quite handsome and doesn’t hesitate to read about him and his relationships in the tabloids. Will has quite the reputation for being a playboy. When he rejects her offer and then shows up at the estate unexpectedly, Iggy is understandably suspicious.
What follows is a wonderful story about trust and romance. I loved every minute of this book. I don’t want to give too much away since there is a lot that happens in the book. The characters are wonderful and they all have stand out moments.
I haven’t read the first one in the series, but found that I had no need for extra background knowledge. Ms. Bennett does a great job of extending the first book while giving us a story that could be read on its own. I look forward to the further adventures of the Ludworth triplets.
Igraine, who prefers Iggy, is a master at land management. She takes on the task of redoing and repairing the massive formal gardens. The gardens have been neglected for years and require a lot of work. Iggy hopes to get enough done to open them to the public in a few short months. When her brother tells her they have gotten an advance from the bank, Iggy knows just what help she wants—Will Talbot.
Will Talbot is a master at garden design. He blends the old with the modern and Iggy loves his style. She also thinks he is quite handsome and doesn’t hesitate to read about him and his relationships in the tabloids. Will has quite the reputation for being a playboy. When he rejects her offer and then shows up at the estate unexpectedly, Iggy is understandably suspicious.
What follows is a wonderful story about trust and romance. I loved every minute of this book. I don’t want to give too much away since there is a lot that happens in the book. The characters are wonderful and they all have stand out moments.
I haven’t read the first one in the series, but found that I had no need for extra background knowledge. Ms. Bennett does a great job of extending the first book while giving us a story that could be read on its own. I look forward to the further adventures of the Ludworth triplets.
August 14, 2019
This was the first time that I visited Camland Castle and I think the first time that I’ve read a book featuring triplets. With this in mind, I was intrigued to get started and see what we had in store.
Iggy is the oldest of the trio but it was brother Arthur who inherited the historic castle and title, plus all the financial headaches that came with it. Iggy sets herself the job of restoring the overgrown castle grounds. She soon realizes that it is a much harder job than she first thought, so she reaches out to Will Talbot, gardener to the rich and famous (with an attitude to match!).
When Will gets stuck into the castle gardens he realizes that this is just what he needs. Away from the glaring publicity and media he enjoys getting back to what he does best, and his personality starts to mellow. Iggy has always fancied Will from afar, but how will he rate in the flesh?. Working alongside Will is a dream come true, but will romance blossom?
I loved the romantic setting and Sarah Bennett has produced some really relatable, fascinating characters in this feel-good, inspirational series. I wish I had read the first book, just to give me an added insight into the characters, but this worked fine as a standalone novel.
You could almost feel the chemistry between Iggy and Will, I loved how they bought out the best of each other, and it was exciting to see these characters grow. I really enjoyed my time at the castle and will look forward to other books featuring the Ludworth family.
Iggy is the oldest of the trio but it was brother Arthur who inherited the historic castle and title, plus all the financial headaches that came with it. Iggy sets herself the job of restoring the overgrown castle grounds. She soon realizes that it is a much harder job than she first thought, so she reaches out to Will Talbot, gardener to the rich and famous (with an attitude to match!).
When Will gets stuck into the castle gardens he realizes that this is just what he needs. Away from the glaring publicity and media he enjoys getting back to what he does best, and his personality starts to mellow. Iggy has always fancied Will from afar, but how will he rate in the flesh?. Working alongside Will is a dream come true, but will romance blossom?
I loved the romantic setting and Sarah Bennett has produced some really relatable, fascinating characters in this feel-good, inspirational series. I wish I had read the first book, just to give me an added insight into the characters, but this worked fine as a standalone novel.
You could almost feel the chemistry between Iggy and Will, I loved how they bought out the best of each other, and it was exciting to see these characters grow. I really enjoyed my time at the castle and will look forward to other books featuring the Ludworth family.
July 12, 2019
Iggy and her two twin brothers run Bluebell castle which Arthur the eldest male inherited from their father. Iggy is technically the eldest but being female prevented her from inheriting- something she really isn’t bothered about as Arthur has the headache of keeping the place going. A chance finding of a work of art has put things on a better footing and they are working hard towards getting things ready for the august bank holiday when they hope to be able to open to visitors. Matt is a celebrity gardener- or at least he was until things took off and now misses getting his hands dirty as he spends most of his time designing and chatting to clients rather than what he loves- the groundwork. He has teamed up with a reality star which is convenient for both of them to not only keep admirers away but to give them much needed coverage- something Matt is now getting very tired of. Iggy would love Matt to help with the castle garden but after a phone call he is far too busy and sounds above such things. can they get things ready in time and can Matt get back to the work he so loves? a highly enjoyable read with a smile- perfect for the summer
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