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Glendale Hall #2
New Beginnings At Glendale Hall
Two weddings and a baby…but who will get their happy ever after?
Emily Prescott’s life isn’t going to plan. Her dreams of starting a family with fireman boyfriend Greg and opening up her own bakery in London feel like they will never come true. So when a wedding
invite arrives from her oldest friend, Beth Williams, Emily is thrilled. Not only will she get to return to her childhood home in Scotland, but best of all – Beth wants her to bake the wedding cake!
However, her excitement is cut short when she discovers that Greg has cheated on her. Devastated by his betrayal, Emily flees to Glendale Hall, Beth’s grand estate in the Highlands, and tries to distracts herself with helping with the wedding plans, but that’s not easy when Greg keeps hounding her to forgive him. Then she’s introduced to Glendale’s new young and handsome vicar Brodie, and things become even more complicated.
When Emily discovers that Greg’s betrayal runs deeper than she imagined, she finds herself with a whole host of decisions to make, especially when she discovers her long awaited dream is finally being fulfilled – at exactly at the wrong time…
Escape to Scotland and fall in love with this gorgeous and inspiring romance from the bestselling author of Coming Home to Glendale Hall! The perfect feel-good read for fans of Holly Martin, Heidi Swain, and Jill Mansell.
Praise for the Glendale Hall series:
‘Family, friendship, community spirit and Christmas...Victoria has cooked up the perfect festive feast!’ Heidi Swain, bestselling author of The Christmas Wishlist
‘Everything you could possibly want in a heartwarming festive read and I loved every second of it!’ Books of All Kinds
‘5☆ A Heart Warming, Cosy Romance, Full of Festive Cheer that will Melt Your Heart!’ Dash Fan Book Reviews
‘Full of charm, heart, humour, pathos and emotion, Coming Home to Glendale Hall is a brilliant read I absolutely adored.’ Bookish Jottings
‘An amazing, emotional roller coaster festive second-chance romance and just – wow! – what a great read.’ Splashes into Books
‘With romances brewing and lots of Christmas sparkle, this is a lovely book to savour. Second chances and starting anew with a clean page - there is hope and affection in every page.’ Books Life and Everything
‘all the ingredients you’d want in a wonderful festive fiction treat; warmth, tradition, family, joy and hope…An utter treat full of heart and guaranteed to lift your spirits.’ Bee Books Beauty
‘I adored the beautiful storytelling, the outstanding seasonal descriptions and attention to detail, but most of all I adored the poignant and emotional underlying message.’ The Writing Garnet
‘This is one of those special festive books which you dive straight into and feel sorry when it has finished…A heart-warming tale of second chances, love and forgiveness.’ Books Life and Everything
‘Victoria Walters has made me her loyal fan with this fabulous book.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2020
157 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Walters
52 books467 followersVictoria Walters is a full-time author living in Surrey. Victoria writes sweet and spicy rom coms including the BookTok viral hits THE LOVE INTEREST, THE PLOT TWIST and THE PARIS CHAPTER. She used to work in publishing and a bookshop, and has been a bookworm since childhood.
Victoria is also the author of the bestselling uplifting and romantic series GLENDALE HALL and the cosy crime series THE DEDLEY END MYSTERIES. Find out more about her by following on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on X at @Vicky_Walters or on Facebook and TikTok at Victoria Walters author.
Her new grumpy/sunshine spicy romance LONG STORY SHORT is out now.
Victoria is also the author of the bestselling uplifting and romantic series GLENDALE HALL and the cosy crime series THE DEDLEY END MYSTERIES. Find out more about her by following on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on X at @Vicky_Walters or on Facebook and TikTok at Victoria Walters author.
Her new grumpy/sunshine spicy romance LONG STORY SHORT is out now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
February 15, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
I can only hope you never have any problems in your life, Hazel, because no one will be at all sympathetic if this is how you treat other people going through a tough time.
I think that if you’re the kind of person who worries about not being good enough then you have nothing to worry about. The people who think they can do anything and everything are not always the people you want to be around, are they?
My Review:
This story needs a warning label for dieters as the delicious descriptions of divine baked goods had my mouth watering and ample stomach area groaning for sugar and butter. The tale was insightfully written from the first person POV of Emily, a character I often wanted to give a pinch and swat to the back of the head for being so indecisive, lily-livered, and easily manipulated by her selfish boyfriend, even after knowing he had betrayed her. ARG! But then again, maybe I’m too harsh, as I do tend to espouse to the Lorena Bobbitt School of Revenge. The engaging storylines were relevant, slowly paced, heartfelt, and highly caloric. But be aware - this book is a bane to dieters everywhere and apt to cause diabetes ;)
I can only hope you never have any problems in your life, Hazel, because no one will be at all sympathetic if this is how you treat other people going through a tough time.
I think that if you’re the kind of person who worries about not being good enough then you have nothing to worry about. The people who think they can do anything and everything are not always the people you want to be around, are they?
My Review:
This story needs a warning label for dieters as the delicious descriptions of divine baked goods had my mouth watering and ample stomach area groaning for sugar and butter. The tale was insightfully written from the first person POV of Emily, a character I often wanted to give a pinch and swat to the back of the head for being so indecisive, lily-livered, and easily manipulated by her selfish boyfriend, even after knowing he had betrayed her. ARG! But then again, maybe I’m too harsh, as I do tend to espouse to the Lorena Bobbitt School of Revenge. The engaging storylines were relevant, slowly paced, heartfelt, and highly caloric. But be aware - this book is a bane to dieters everywhere and apt to cause diabetes ;)
January 24, 2020
This is the second book in the Glendale Hall series, and can easily be read as a standalone. We follow our main character, Emily Prescott, whose life is turned upside down when she discovers that her longtime boyfriend Greg has cheated on her. Devastated by his betrayal, she flees to her hometown of Glendale, Scotland to serve as bridesmaid and make the wedding cake for her friend Beth's wedding. When Emily learns that she's pregnant, she leans on her friends and family for support and has to make some tough decisions about her relationship with Greg and their baby's future, especially when she discovers that Greg's betrayal runs much deeper than she imagined.
New Beginnings At Glendale Hall by Victoria Walters is an uplifting and heartwarming romantic story about friendships, self-discovery, and chasing your dreams. The story is beautifully written, well-paced, and makes for a delightful and relaxing read. The main character, Emily is lovable and easy to relate to. She is so kind and selfless, always thinking of others and their happiness. The author did an excellent job of developing Emily's character, and I enjoyed following her journey as she slowly regained her self-confidence, and with the support of her amazing friends and family, found the courage to follow her heart. With the author's detailed description, I could easily picture the lovely and peaceful little village of Glendale and enjoyed getting to know the villagers. This was an enjoyable read, with wonderful characters, a sweet slow-burn romance, and delicious descriptions of cake and pastries. I will definitely be reading future books in this series and look forward to reading Beth and Drew's love story in Coming Home to Glendale Hall.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
New Beginnings At Glendale Hall by Victoria Walters is an uplifting and heartwarming romantic story about friendships, self-discovery, and chasing your dreams. The story is beautifully written, well-paced, and makes for a delightful and relaxing read. The main character, Emily is lovable and easy to relate to. She is so kind and selfless, always thinking of others and their happiness. The author did an excellent job of developing Emily's character, and I enjoyed following her journey as she slowly regained her self-confidence, and with the support of her amazing friends and family, found the courage to follow her heart. With the author's detailed description, I could easily picture the lovely and peaceful little village of Glendale and enjoyed getting to know the villagers. This was an enjoyable read, with wonderful characters, a sweet slow-burn romance, and delicious descriptions of cake and pastries. I will definitely be reading future books in this series and look forward to reading Beth and Drew's love story in Coming Home to Glendale Hall.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2020
New beginnings are indeed at the very heart of my first read by Victoria Walters, and with a likeable bunch of characters and some real and difficult issues mingled in amongst the overall feel-good factor, I’d call it a success.
When life gives you lemons, then just make the best damn lemonade that you can.”
Having read the blurb, it was pretty clear there would be some form of angst of the love-triangle variety. Not for everyone, its not a plot I’m fond of but it worked and worked well—it wasn’t overplayed, drawn out or frustrating with the spotlight shining more on Emily starting over, focussing on herself and her dreams despite the curveballs she’s thrown. All whilst being supported by a fun bunch of friends and family and Glendale’s gorgeous vicar, Brodie.
I must warn you. I’m a minister who drinks, as well as being young with a cracking sense of humour.”
Whether it’s coincidence I don’t know, but there’s lovely little village near Inverness called Brodie that also has a stately home/castle and in my head that was Glendale adding another little layer to my enjoyment of this story. And, having discovered this was actually Victoria Walters’ second outing to this lovely highland village, I can definitely say New Beginnings at Glendale Hall can easily be read as a stand-alone, and with a writing voice which worked for me, I’ll be checking out more from her in the future.
Copy received courtesy of Hera Books via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
When life gives you lemons, then just make the best damn lemonade that you can.”
Having read the blurb, it was pretty clear there would be some form of angst of the love-triangle variety. Not for everyone, its not a plot I’m fond of but it worked and worked well—it wasn’t overplayed, drawn out or frustrating with the spotlight shining more on Emily starting over, focussing on herself and her dreams despite the curveballs she’s thrown. All whilst being supported by a fun bunch of friends and family and Glendale’s gorgeous vicar, Brodie.
I must warn you. I’m a minister who drinks, as well as being young with a cracking sense of humour.”
Whether it’s coincidence I don’t know, but there’s lovely little village near Inverness called Brodie that also has a stately home/castle and in my head that was Glendale adding another little layer to my enjoyment of this story. And, having discovered this was actually Victoria Walters’ second outing to this lovely highland village, I can definitely say New Beginnings at Glendale Hall can easily be read as a stand-alone, and with a writing voice which worked for me, I’ll be checking out more from her in the future.
Copy received courtesy of Hera Books via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
February 10, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
I read the first book in the series, Coming Home to Glendale Hall, last year and thoroughly enjoyed it, so when I found out the sequel, New Beginnings At Glendale Hall, was ready I just had to have it. I was not disappointed and it was certainly worth the wait.
Whilst the main focus of the book is on Emily Prescott and her annoying boyfriend/ex-boyfriend Greg. Beth, Drew, Izzy, and house-keeper Sally from the first book all played their roles too in this one.
Emily is best-friends with Beth. She is the friend that Beth turned to all those years ago when she found out she was pregnant and had no-where and no-one to help her. The pair have kept in touch even though Beth now lives in Scotland and Emily in London.
With the wedding of Beth and Drew nearing, Emily’s boyfriend casually lets it slip that he can’t attend the wedding as he has to work, although others at his place of work have been given subsequent time off. He then goes out one evening stating that a friend needs him but returns in the early hours and with a message from a woman on his phone about their night together. Trouble is the woman is a colleague of Emily’s too.
Hurt and wanting to put some distance between them she heads to Scotland early, telling everyone she wanted to make the wedding cake she promised to Beth there rather than trying to transport it. Greg doesn’t seem to be able to get the message though that Emily needs some time to work out how she feels as he hounds her with phone calls and telling her it was a one-off and a mistake – But was it?
New Beginnings At Glendale Hall was everything I hoped it would be. I adored the first book but this one was so amazing, even with the annoying rat Greg playing a part. Emily is such a beautiful character who deserved to be treated with respect, not like a doormat. Her journey of self-discovery is certainly worth reading about, especially being set in the scenic Scottish highlands and at the amazing Glendale Hall.
The book reminded me of the film, Four Weddings and a Funeral (without a funeral I might add). It is just such an interesting, engaging, and unputdownable read. There were plenty of poignant moments alongside some humour too and there was also the amazing quirky character of Vicar Brodie who you just can’t help loving.
Whilst it is the second in a series and I do believe that you should read the first book before reading this one, it is not essential as it does work as a standalone too. It is a relaxing read with plenty going on to keep you entertained the whole way through. I do hope that we will be back at Glendale Hall once again as I miss it already.
I read the first book in the series, Coming Home to Glendale Hall, last year and thoroughly enjoyed it, so when I found out the sequel, New Beginnings At Glendale Hall, was ready I just had to have it. I was not disappointed and it was certainly worth the wait.
Whilst the main focus of the book is on Emily Prescott and her annoying boyfriend/ex-boyfriend Greg. Beth, Drew, Izzy, and house-keeper Sally from the first book all played their roles too in this one.
Emily is best-friends with Beth. She is the friend that Beth turned to all those years ago when she found out she was pregnant and had no-where and no-one to help her. The pair have kept in touch even though Beth now lives in Scotland and Emily in London.
With the wedding of Beth and Drew nearing, Emily’s boyfriend casually lets it slip that he can’t attend the wedding as he has to work, although others at his place of work have been given subsequent time off. He then goes out one evening stating that a friend needs him but returns in the early hours and with a message from a woman on his phone about their night together. Trouble is the woman is a colleague of Emily’s too.
Hurt and wanting to put some distance between them she heads to Scotland early, telling everyone she wanted to make the wedding cake she promised to Beth there rather than trying to transport it. Greg doesn’t seem to be able to get the message though that Emily needs some time to work out how she feels as he hounds her with phone calls and telling her it was a one-off and a mistake – But was it?
New Beginnings At Glendale Hall was everything I hoped it would be. I adored the first book but this one was so amazing, even with the annoying rat Greg playing a part. Emily is such a beautiful character who deserved to be treated with respect, not like a doormat. Her journey of self-discovery is certainly worth reading about, especially being set in the scenic Scottish highlands and at the amazing Glendale Hall.
The book reminded me of the film, Four Weddings and a Funeral (without a funeral I might add). It is just such an interesting, engaging, and unputdownable read. There were plenty of poignant moments alongside some humour too and there was also the amazing quirky character of Vicar Brodie who you just can’t help loving.
Whilst it is the second in a series and I do believe that you should read the first book before reading this one, it is not essential as it does work as a standalone too. It is a relaxing read with plenty going on to keep you entertained the whole way through. I do hope that we will be back at Glendale Hall once again as I miss it already.
February 4, 2020
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Coming Home to Glendale Hall was my first book by Victoria Walters, which focused on single parent Beth who got a second chance at love with her first boyfriend Drew. This time we follow Emily's story, who is Beth's friend, and how she tries to put back her life after everything falling apart. She is getting ready to travel to Glendale to attend Beth and Drew's wedding and bake their wedding cake, but decided to leave earlier than planned after she discovers that her boyfriend Greg cheated on her. It was really great to be back in Glendale, a small town in the Scottish Highlands, and get reacquainted with my favorite characters from the previous book. This book was about friends and family, chasing your dreams, and finding love when you least expect it. Emily was so lucky with the group of people around her that had her back no matter what. There were a lot of difficult decisions she had to make, and I was happy that she had people around her that could give her advise and support.
This book like the previous one was very heartwarming and a feel-good romance. The pacing was great and I loved that the author took the time to tell Emily's story. I felt like I was in Glendale together with the characters, and I really enjoyed spending time with all of them. The characters were great and they really elevated the story. My favorite thing about this book was the setting and the community of Glendale. It just felt very peaceful and it made me feel very cozy. This book is so much more than a romance novel. For me the romance in this book was not the most important thing that was highlighted. This book was Emily's journey to self-discovery and believing that anything is possible. That was so much more important than her finding love again. There are so many things in this book that people can relate to, which I loved. I really enjoy this author's writing, and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Coming Home to Glendale Hall was my first book by Victoria Walters, which focused on single parent Beth who got a second chance at love with her first boyfriend Drew. This time we follow Emily's story, who is Beth's friend, and how she tries to put back her life after everything falling apart. She is getting ready to travel to Glendale to attend Beth and Drew's wedding and bake their wedding cake, but decided to leave earlier than planned after she discovers that her boyfriend Greg cheated on her. It was really great to be back in Glendale, a small town in the Scottish Highlands, and get reacquainted with my favorite characters from the previous book. This book was about friends and family, chasing your dreams, and finding love when you least expect it. Emily was so lucky with the group of people around her that had her back no matter what. There were a lot of difficult decisions she had to make, and I was happy that she had people around her that could give her advise and support.
This book like the previous one was very heartwarming and a feel-good romance. The pacing was great and I loved that the author took the time to tell Emily's story. I felt like I was in Glendale together with the characters, and I really enjoyed spending time with all of them. The characters were great and they really elevated the story. My favorite thing about this book was the setting and the community of Glendale. It just felt very peaceful and it made me feel very cozy. This book is so much more than a romance novel. For me the romance in this book was not the most important thing that was highlighted. This book was Emily's journey to self-discovery and believing that anything is possible. That was so much more important than her finding love again. There are so many things in this book that people can relate to, which I loved. I really enjoy this author's writing, and I look forward to reading more of her books.
January 11, 2020
Emily Prescott, expert baker, is in a dwindling relationship with firefighter boyfriend when she finds out he cheated on her. She doesn’t know how to handle the complicated mess of her life, so she flees to her childhood home in Scotland to serve as bridesmaid and make the wedding cake for her friend Beth’s wedding. The drama intensifies as even more issues come to light.
This is an enjoyable and relaxing read that gives me all the feelings I wish for in a book of this genre. I loved that this story has such a light, happy and sometimes funny vibe to it. There are patches of life wisdom scattered about, which I find an added bonus. I feel drawn in by plenty of descriptions of life in Glendale, which reminds me of rural life of my childhood in northern Norway. I always seem to enjoy stories set in Scotland. There’s just something about descriptions of relationships and the rural community feel that that appeals to me so much.
Beth Williams, bride and small town power house, is working to breathe new life into the community using her grandmother’s inheritance. She has chosen to make her wedding a major community rally to both make the wedding perfect and to add business and activity to the Glendale area.
I am pleased to see Emily has support of her close Scottish friends and family at a time when she feels life is tough and she doesn’t know what the next step is. There is a whole cast of background characters in this story who are all Emily’s friends and family. Most important is commitment phobic boyfriend Greg, who fortunately goes through a major development throughout and is essential to the plot. Also vital to this story is handsome minister Brodie Stewart. His presence intensifies the drama and complications even more.
I really appreciate how the writing relates a cozy vibe despite the complexities and drama of the plot. Relaxing summery weather descriptions add to a relaxed holiday feel. Wedding preparations get a distinct place in the story. We get to follow planning of the color scheme, bridesmaid’s dresses and wedding cake as well as the outdoor arrangement of flowers and lights on the gazebo in the grounds of Glendale Hall.
This was an enjoyable and relaxing read, just as I was expecting. I would recommend it to fans of Victoria Walters and readers of romance woman’s fiction. This is book 2 in the Glendale Hall series. I read it as a standalone, which worked out just fine, and will be on the lookout for future installments.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Hera, for this ARC in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
My rating: 5 stars / 5
This is an enjoyable and relaxing read that gives me all the feelings I wish for in a book of this genre. I loved that this story has such a light, happy and sometimes funny vibe to it. There are patches of life wisdom scattered about, which I find an added bonus. I feel drawn in by plenty of descriptions of life in Glendale, which reminds me of rural life of my childhood in northern Norway. I always seem to enjoy stories set in Scotland. There’s just something about descriptions of relationships and the rural community feel that that appeals to me so much.
Beth Williams, bride and small town power house, is working to breathe new life into the community using her grandmother’s inheritance. She has chosen to make her wedding a major community rally to both make the wedding perfect and to add business and activity to the Glendale area.
I am pleased to see Emily has support of her close Scottish friends and family at a time when she feels life is tough and she doesn’t know what the next step is. There is a whole cast of background characters in this story who are all Emily’s friends and family. Most important is commitment phobic boyfriend Greg, who fortunately goes through a major development throughout and is essential to the plot. Also vital to this story is handsome minister Brodie Stewart. His presence intensifies the drama and complications even more.
I really appreciate how the writing relates a cozy vibe despite the complexities and drama of the plot. Relaxing summery weather descriptions add to a relaxed holiday feel. Wedding preparations get a distinct place in the story. We get to follow planning of the color scheme, bridesmaid’s dresses and wedding cake as well as the outdoor arrangement of flowers and lights on the gazebo in the grounds of Glendale Hall.
This was an enjoyable and relaxing read, just as I was expecting. I would recommend it to fans of Victoria Walters and readers of romance woman’s fiction. This is book 2 in the Glendale Hall series. I read it as a standalone, which worked out just fine, and will be on the lookout for future installments.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Hera, for this ARC in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
My rating: 5 stars / 5
February 1, 2020
A BEAUTIFUL book which captured my heart with the depth of her writing. Victoria Walters is simply a wonderful wordsmith. She could spin yarns of prose which wrapped their delicate tendrils around my heart and made me feel all warm and gooey inside like rich chocolate.
Emily was betrayed by boyfriend Greg, and she came back home for Beth's wedding with her bag of broken dreams. Greg was a louse whose selfishness ran deep. This book was Emily's journey of self discovery and finding a richer life than she could have ever believed.
My second book by this author, and I was blown away by the way she could pull me into the story and make me long to turn pages faster to know what happened to Emily. But my heart wanted to read and revel in every word of the book. I loved, loved, loved Emily's characterization. Her journey touched me in my soul, there are facets of her which I could identify with.
Betrayal and loss of confidence came with a broken relationship, it was wonderful to see how Emily gained her life back. The emotions described were like the sparkly waters of the gentle brook; the current was strong but the waters were clear. Such was Victoria's writing.
Beautiful detailing, emotionally captivating, it was simply a heartwarming tale. Sighhh...
Emily was betrayed by boyfriend Greg, and she came back home for Beth's wedding with her bag of broken dreams. Greg was a louse whose selfishness ran deep. This book was Emily's journey of self discovery and finding a richer life than she could have ever believed.
My second book by this author, and I was blown away by the way she could pull me into the story and make me long to turn pages faster to know what happened to Emily. But my heart wanted to read and revel in every word of the book. I loved, loved, loved Emily's characterization. Her journey touched me in my soul, there are facets of her which I could identify with.
Betrayal and loss of confidence came with a broken relationship, it was wonderful to see how Emily gained her life back. The emotions described were like the sparkly waters of the gentle brook; the current was strong but the waters were clear. Such was Victoria's writing.
Beautiful detailing, emotionally captivating, it was simply a heartwarming tale. Sighhh...
January 4, 2020
Having thoroughly enjoyed Coming Home to Glendale Hall toward the end of last year, I was very excited to get my hands on the next book in the series.
And my expectations have been smashed, this was a fabulous book, filled with a great sense of community, a couple of weddings, a break up with tricky issues, new beginnings, and the gorgeous town of Glendale
This can easily be read as a standalone as the main focus of the book is Emily, whereas it was Beth's story in the previous book. However Beth does feature a lot in this story and we get a great continuation of what is happening in her life, especially as Beth and Emily are old friends.
I loved everything to do with Glendale Hall, it really felt like coming home to my own old friends, and it seems that Emily can't keep away. She heads up to the Hall in a rush from London after discovering her boyfriend, has cheated on her. Although that is only the tip of the issues with Greg but I'll leave you to discover those for herself.
There is though a clear connection between Emily and Brodie, the sexy local vicar, who doesn't act how you may expect a vicar to behave. I loved him!
This is just such a warm and friendly feeling book, that had me on the verge of tears at time, had me smiling at others, and generally had me within its thrall from start to finish. I loved it.
Thank you to Keshini at Hera Books for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And my expectations have been smashed, this was a fabulous book, filled with a great sense of community, a couple of weddings, a break up with tricky issues, new beginnings, and the gorgeous town of Glendale
This can easily be read as a standalone as the main focus of the book is Emily, whereas it was Beth's story in the previous book. However Beth does feature a lot in this story and we get a great continuation of what is happening in her life, especially as Beth and Emily are old friends.
I loved everything to do with Glendale Hall, it really felt like coming home to my own old friends, and it seems that Emily can't keep away. She heads up to the Hall in a rush from London after discovering her boyfriend, has cheated on her. Although that is only the tip of the issues with Greg but I'll leave you to discover those for herself.
There is though a clear connection between Emily and Brodie, the sexy local vicar, who doesn't act how you may expect a vicar to behave. I loved him!
This is just such a warm and friendly feeling book, that had me on the verge of tears at time, had me smiling at others, and generally had me within its thrall from start to finish. I loved it.
Thank you to Keshini at Hera Books for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 23, 2020
I don't always read the synopsis of a book if I've seen an author who is highly praised and/or a cover looks so inviting - I get on and read the book and have no idea what a treat or not I'm in for! This was one such book, and therefore on finding out what Greg had done to Emily, I felt emotional almost straight away; my eyes filled up, I had a not so nice feeling in my tummy - my heart was breaking for her. Emily knew that things weren't right between her and Greg, her Fire fighter boyfriend, and wanted them to be how they used to be but quite difficult really when Greg is being evasive and it's frustrating and heartbreaking for Emily. Where did they go wrong? No matter what, she never expected Greg to do what he did. Emily decides to travel up to Scotland earlier than planned (she is going up there soon as she is going to be a Bridesmaid for her friend and is also baking the Wedding cake), she needs time to get her head around what has happened and she needs time to think, away from Greg. She thinks that the change of air and scenery will do her good. I loved Emily from the beginning, such a selfless character which showed straight away - she always thinks of others before herself and having supported her friend Beth in her times of need, nothing was too much trouble for Emily.
My mouth was literally watering, as I imagined the taste of the delicious cupcakes and pastries that Emily and Molly - her lovely boss, and friend, served up in Molly's Bakery, and then later, baked up in Glendale, in the Highlands with Emily's Aunt Sally who Emily had taken her love of baking from when she was younger.
Emily is welcomed back to Glendale, close to where she grew up, before she moved down to London with her parents, when she was 14. I felt instantly at home at Glendale, it's as if I could feel all of Emily's emotions. The characters were so natural and I felt like I really knew them. I could visualize the setting: Glendale Hall, the Village and its little shops and all the scenery surrounding them as the author describes them so well. Everything within this book is perfect, it was a pleasure to read. I loved the quirky Reverand Brodie, always on hand to help, much like the other members within the warmhearted, close-knitted community. I felt a warmth inside while reading this even though I could have cried at times. A couple of delicate issues crop up and one features heavily in the main storyline, which I think the author handled exceptionally well and with much sensitivity. Emily had her hopes and dream - her dreams from childhood, but can they come true for her? Even with the love, care and support surrounding her? She has some difficult decisions to make and I really wanted to reach out and hug her. Can she find her happy ever after? I really hoped so. This book is life-affirming, full of surprises, an absolute joy and a real pick-me-up for someone going through a difficult time. And anyone who enjoys a cosy, pleasurable and very believable read will enjoy this. It's a book that will help you to understand, even accept, that there are second chances for us all - we just need positivity and some guidance. Thank you very much to Hera books and to NetGalley.
My mouth was literally watering, as I imagined the taste of the delicious cupcakes and pastries that Emily and Molly - her lovely boss, and friend, served up in Molly's Bakery, and then later, baked up in Glendale, in the Highlands with Emily's Aunt Sally who Emily had taken her love of baking from when she was younger.
Emily is welcomed back to Glendale, close to where she grew up, before she moved down to London with her parents, when she was 14. I felt instantly at home at Glendale, it's as if I could feel all of Emily's emotions. The characters were so natural and I felt like I really knew them. I could visualize the setting: Glendale Hall, the Village and its little shops and all the scenery surrounding them as the author describes them so well. Everything within this book is perfect, it was a pleasure to read. I loved the quirky Reverand Brodie, always on hand to help, much like the other members within the warmhearted, close-knitted community. I felt a warmth inside while reading this even though I could have cried at times. A couple of delicate issues crop up and one features heavily in the main storyline, which I think the author handled exceptionally well and with much sensitivity. Emily had her hopes and dream - her dreams from childhood, but can they come true for her? Even with the love, care and support surrounding her? She has some difficult decisions to make and I really wanted to reach out and hug her. Can she find her happy ever after? I really hoped so. This book is life-affirming, full of surprises, an absolute joy and a real pick-me-up for someone going through a difficult time. And anyone who enjoys a cosy, pleasurable and very believable read will enjoy this. It's a book that will help you to understand, even accept, that there are second chances for us all - we just need positivity and some guidance. Thank you very much to Hera books and to NetGalley.
February 5, 2020
I jumped into this book and didn't want to put it down until I had finished it, I felt like I had to try and slow myself down so I wouldn't finish it too quickly because this is a book you're going to want to last. One of the things I loved about this novel is that it picks up right after Coming Home to Glendale Hall, the previous book in the series, but it deals with a side character that we met in book one for its main storyline and the main characters from book one become the side story in this one.
Emily is a great character to get to know over the course of this novel. She has an optimistic outlook but definite lack of self confidence and some of her home life is hardly ideal. It was so great to watch her grow and flourish when she arrives back in Glendale, her home town, and I loved watching the small ways that she changed and the alterations in her own self-belief as the story progressed.
It was great to catch up with Beth, Drew and Izzy again after book one, as well as their housekeeper Sally and Drew's brother Rory. I felt like I was catching up with old friends and I loved getting to know what they had been up to. We also have a remarkable new character in this novel, Brodie, the local minister. If you are a fan of the hot priest from Fleabag, you will definitely be a fan of this minister and his relationship with the other characters in the cast.
A lot of this book surrounds family life and also baking, so definitely have some tea and cake to hand for this one. But this storyline does delve deeper too and does a good job of covering addiction and also unconventional relationships and careers, something I wish was tackled more in adult fiction. I really enjoyed everything it had to say and it left me feeling so happy by the end, I could happily go back to the beginning and read it all over again.
Emily is a great character to get to know over the course of this novel. She has an optimistic outlook but definite lack of self confidence and some of her home life is hardly ideal. It was so great to watch her grow and flourish when she arrives back in Glendale, her home town, and I loved watching the small ways that she changed and the alterations in her own self-belief as the story progressed.
It was great to catch up with Beth, Drew and Izzy again after book one, as well as their housekeeper Sally and Drew's brother Rory. I felt like I was catching up with old friends and I loved getting to know what they had been up to. We also have a remarkable new character in this novel, Brodie, the local minister. If you are a fan of the hot priest from Fleabag, you will definitely be a fan of this minister and his relationship with the other characters in the cast.
A lot of this book surrounds family life and also baking, so definitely have some tea and cake to hand for this one. But this storyline does delve deeper too and does a good job of covering addiction and also unconventional relationships and careers, something I wish was tackled more in adult fiction. I really enjoyed everything it had to say and it left me feeling so happy by the end, I could happily go back to the beginning and read it all over again.
January 9, 2020
New beginnings at Glendale Hall⠀
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💫Book Review💫⠀
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Firstly let me thank Vicky for gifting me a copy of this gorgeous book. And I’m so excited to share my thoughts. Well before I start gushing too much let me just point out that she’s only gone and done it again!!⠀
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💭My Thoughts💭⠀
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This was one of my highly anticipated reads of the year and my gosh, it did not disappoint. ⠀
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I am a huge fan of Vicky’s books and New Beginnings at Glendale Hall was just pure perfection. ⠀
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I was instantly drawn to Emily’s character and how she always puts others first before her own happiness. I absolutely sobbed when she found out about Greg’s deceitful behaviour and I just wanted to give her a hug.⠀
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Then she heads off to the beautiful Glendale Hall and that beautiful stately home seems to work it’s magic, because Emily finds family in the friends she makes there. Emily starts to make some of her dreams become a reality and starts putting herself first. ⠀
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I personally think Emily is an absolute legend, she’s really been put through a lot but she just keeps on going and never lets it get to her. ⠀
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Then there’s Brodie!! There are no words to describe how wonderful he is, he’s the perfect man. ⠀
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This book is beautifully written and I read it in a day. I laughed, I cried A LOT but mostly my heart was warmed by this story, full of community spirit and true friendships. I have a gaping hole left where this book was and I actually feel devastated that I’ve finished it.⠀
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The ending is left as a bit of a cliffhanger and I sincerely hope there will be a sequel to this absolutely gorgeous book!!! I don’t think I’ll be alone in wanting to find out what happens next, and I’m not ready for my visits to Glendale Hall to be over. ⠀
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ easy stars from me ⠀
⠀
💫Book Review💫⠀
⠀
Firstly let me thank Vicky for gifting me a copy of this gorgeous book. And I’m so excited to share my thoughts. Well before I start gushing too much let me just point out that she’s only gone and done it again!!⠀
⠀
💭My Thoughts💭⠀
⠀
This was one of my highly anticipated reads of the year and my gosh, it did not disappoint. ⠀
⠀
I am a huge fan of Vicky’s books and New Beginnings at Glendale Hall was just pure perfection. ⠀
⠀
I was instantly drawn to Emily’s character and how she always puts others first before her own happiness. I absolutely sobbed when she found out about Greg’s deceitful behaviour and I just wanted to give her a hug.⠀
⠀
Then she heads off to the beautiful Glendale Hall and that beautiful stately home seems to work it’s magic, because Emily finds family in the friends she makes there. Emily starts to make some of her dreams become a reality and starts putting herself first. ⠀
⠀
I personally think Emily is an absolute legend, she’s really been put through a lot but she just keeps on going and never lets it get to her. ⠀
⠀
Then there’s Brodie!! There are no words to describe how wonderful he is, he’s the perfect man. ⠀
⠀
⠀
This book is beautifully written and I read it in a day. I laughed, I cried A LOT but mostly my heart was warmed by this story, full of community spirit and true friendships. I have a gaping hole left where this book was and I actually feel devastated that I’ve finished it.⠀
⠀
The ending is left as a bit of a cliffhanger and I sincerely hope there will be a sequel to this absolutely gorgeous book!!! I don’t think I’ll be alone in wanting to find out what happens next, and I’m not ready for my visits to Glendale Hall to be over. ⠀
⠀
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ easy stars from me ⠀
February 4, 2020
This is such a cute story and I got through it so quickly! This is the second book in the series, but I hadn’t read the first, so I feel like it did well as a standalone.
The story follows Emily, who is a baker. She’s kind, sweet, and in love. But, once she finds out her boyfriend has cheated, Emily decided to embark on a “new beginning; hence the title; all in the hopes of fixing her relationship, if at all possible.
Emily goes from a woman who isn’t entirely confident in herself or her life choices, to a woman redefined and happy.
I absolutely loved the writer’s style of whimsical, yet straight-forward and never boring romance. She grabbed me from the very beginning of this story and I’m really looking forward to reading the first in the series.
The story follows Emily, who is a baker. She’s kind, sweet, and in love. But, once she finds out her boyfriend has cheated, Emily decided to embark on a “new beginning; hence the title; all in the hopes of fixing her relationship, if at all possible.
Emily goes from a woman who isn’t entirely confident in herself or her life choices, to a woman redefined and happy.
I absolutely loved the writer’s style of whimsical, yet straight-forward and never boring romance. She grabbed me from the very beginning of this story and I’m really looking forward to reading the first in the series.
May 20, 2020
I have been out of the loop recently with latest book releases but after finally stepping back into the world of books after finding my love of reading slowly returning I noticed one of my favourite new authors, Victoria Walters had a new book out titled New Beginnings at Glendale Hall and I immediately downloaded it to read. Like I say I have been out of the loop with releases so I read this book without actually realising that there had been an earlier release called Coming Home to Glendale Hall but I still managed to read this book as a stand alone novel with no issues and after meeting the characters I now can not wait to go back and read the first book in the series.
Emily is a baking goddess and is due to set off to Glendale Hall ahead of her best friend Beth’s upcoming wedding where she will be making her friends Wedding cake. At a time when she should be surrounded by love and positivity her world comes crashing down around her and leaves her heartbroken and craving the comfort and support of those at the Hall sooner than planned. Spending so much time with friends and loved ones is just what she needs especially when she has important decisions to make but will she be lead by her head or her heart?
Emily was such a selfless character who lacked confidence and has had more than her fair share of life struggles. Greg was a character who I quickly took a dislike to due to his actions but as the storyline progressed and we find out a little more about him I found myself becoming a little more understanding but not accepting of his actions and I still wanted a positive outcome for him. I loved Emily’s best friend Beth and I can’t wait to read about her character more when I get my hands on the previous book in the series which I am lead to believes centres more on her and her partner.
The storyline does cover a number of delicate issues that many face in the real world from fertility to mental health issues and each of these topics were weaved into the storyline perfectly highlighting and bringing awareness without bringing the uplifting feel of the storyline down at the same time giving depth to the storyline.
Victoria Walters has such a n easy flow to her writing style that picks you up and sweeps you away from the first chapter and will take you on an emotional journey having you laughing one moment and bringing a lump to your throat in the next. One thing that is always strong in this authors novels is the feeling of love, support and kindness along with community spirit and this was all plentiful in this book leaving me with a warm cosy feeling as I close the last page.
I loved this storyline and the characters, I am pleased that I am not leaving the characters behind now that I can be reunited with them in the other book in the series.
Emily is a baking goddess and is due to set off to Glendale Hall ahead of her best friend Beth’s upcoming wedding where she will be making her friends Wedding cake. At a time when she should be surrounded by love and positivity her world comes crashing down around her and leaves her heartbroken and craving the comfort and support of those at the Hall sooner than planned. Spending so much time with friends and loved ones is just what she needs especially when she has important decisions to make but will she be lead by her head or her heart?
Emily was such a selfless character who lacked confidence and has had more than her fair share of life struggles. Greg was a character who I quickly took a dislike to due to his actions but as the storyline progressed and we find out a little more about him I found myself becoming a little more understanding but not accepting of his actions and I still wanted a positive outcome for him. I loved Emily’s best friend Beth and I can’t wait to read about her character more when I get my hands on the previous book in the series which I am lead to believes centres more on her and her partner.
The storyline does cover a number of delicate issues that many face in the real world from fertility to mental health issues and each of these topics were weaved into the storyline perfectly highlighting and bringing awareness without bringing the uplifting feel of the storyline down at the same time giving depth to the storyline.
Victoria Walters has such a n easy flow to her writing style that picks you up and sweeps you away from the first chapter and will take you on an emotional journey having you laughing one moment and bringing a lump to your throat in the next. One thing that is always strong in this authors novels is the feeling of love, support and kindness along with community spirit and this was all plentiful in this book leaving me with a warm cosy feeling as I close the last page.
I loved this storyline and the characters, I am pleased that I am not leaving the characters behind now that I can be reunited with them in the other book in the series.
February 8, 2020
I loved the first book in this series and couldn't wait for this one and my word it didn't disappoint me at all amazingly well written with plenty of heartbreak and happiness and decisions to be made plenty of friendships and weddings and romance and starting again. Worth far more than five stars and didn't want it to end.
Beth years ago escaped to her friends place in London and Emily is still in London with boyfriend Greg they really want to start a family but nothing has happened and something just isn't right. She is so looking forward to going to Glendale hall to Beth's wedding and making her cake for her but when Greg says he can't have the time off she's so upset then she learns he's slept with her best friend so she decides to leave straight away to Glendale hall to be with her friend and aunt and friends. She arrives and opens up to Beth how she feels and that she's not sure her relationship can last. She then sees the local vicar and her heart skips a beat but knows it's not the right time but eh does listen to her. She suddenly learns she is pregnant and this really effects her and she rings Greg and he is so pleased he arrives to see her and support her. She decides to go back to London but things still aren't right but when Greg opens up that he's addicted to drink and gambling and owes loads of money she's so upset and feels she certainly can't stay with him. She is invited to another wedding at Glendale hall and heads back they are all supportive and suggests she moves up there and opens a bakery which is what she has always wanted what will she decide will she stick by Greg and go back and support him or follow her dream and what about the vicar as well. Have to read as simply brilliant.
Beth years ago escaped to her friends place in London and Emily is still in London with boyfriend Greg they really want to start a family but nothing has happened and something just isn't right. She is so looking forward to going to Glendale hall to Beth's wedding and making her cake for her but when Greg says he can't have the time off she's so upset then she learns he's slept with her best friend so she decides to leave straight away to Glendale hall to be with her friend and aunt and friends. She arrives and opens up to Beth how she feels and that she's not sure her relationship can last. She then sees the local vicar and her heart skips a beat but knows it's not the right time but eh does listen to her. She suddenly learns she is pregnant and this really effects her and she rings Greg and he is so pleased he arrives to see her and support her. She decides to go back to London but things still aren't right but when Greg opens up that he's addicted to drink and gambling and owes loads of money she's so upset and feels she certainly can't stay with him. She is invited to another wedding at Glendale hall and heads back they are all supportive and suggests she moves up there and opens a bakery which is what she has always wanted what will she decide will she stick by Greg and go back and support him or follow her dream and what about the vicar as well. Have to read as simply brilliant.
January 25, 2020
I first fell in love with Glendale Hall and the area in the authors previous novel, Coming Home To Glendale Hall. It doesn’t matter if you have read that one or not as they are written as stand alone’s. You will however want to, as no way can anyone pick this book up and not fall in love with Glendale.
Emily is yet another wonderful character, who I took to instantly. I loved her hopes and dreams as they could easily be any of ours or at least something similar. Gregg did grate on me to start with but even with him, I really liked by the end and whilst I couldn’t condone what he had done, I did have a bit more empathy towards him.
There is something about Glendale that has an almost magical feel. Whether it’s because of the idyllic setting or the wonderful characters, but I could easily have packed up and moved there myself. Through Emily’s own story, it offers the reader hope as well.
New Beginnings At Glendale Hall is a wonderfully uplifting read. I love the authors style of writing which draws you in, making you feel at home. Its a lovely comfy, cosy read that offers hope as well as inspiration. You can’t help but get a lovely feeling that warms you on the inside when reading these books. Fabulous!
My thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Hera Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Emily is yet another wonderful character, who I took to instantly. I loved her hopes and dreams as they could easily be any of ours or at least something similar. Gregg did grate on me to start with but even with him, I really liked by the end and whilst I couldn’t condone what he had done, I did have a bit more empathy towards him.
There is something about Glendale that has an almost magical feel. Whether it’s because of the idyllic setting or the wonderful characters, but I could easily have packed up and moved there myself. Through Emily’s own story, it offers the reader hope as well.
New Beginnings At Glendale Hall is a wonderfully uplifting read. I love the authors style of writing which draws you in, making you feel at home. Its a lovely comfy, cosy read that offers hope as well as inspiration. You can’t help but get a lovely feeling that warms you on the inside when reading these books. Fabulous!
My thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Hera Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
February 1, 2020
**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**
Title New Beginnings at Glendale Hall
Author Victoria Walters
Release Date February 5, 2020
Description from Amazon
Two weddings and a baby…but who will get their happy ever after?
Emily Prescott’s life isn’t going to plan. Her dreams of starting a family with fireman boyfriend Greg and opening up her own bakery in London feel like they will never come true. So when a wedding
invite arrives from her oldest friend, Beth Williams, Emily is thrilled. Not only will she get to return to her childhood home in Scotland, but best of all – Beth wants her to bake the wedding cake!
However, her excitement is cut short when she discovers that Greg has cheated on her. Devastated by his betrayal, Emily flees to Glendale Hall, Beth’s grand estate in the Highlands, and tries to distracts herself with helping with the wedding plans, but that’s not easy when Greg keeps hounding her to forgive him. Then she’s introduced to Glendale’s new young and handsome vicar Brodie, and things become even more complicated.
When Emily discovers that Greg’s betrayal runs deeper than she imagined, she finds herself with a whole host of decisions to make, especially when she discovers her long awaited dream is finally being fulfilled – at exactly at the wrong time…
Initial Thoughts
I loved the first book in this series and was super excited when Victoria Walters announced a sequel on Instagram. As soon as I saw it was available on NetGalley, I knew I had to apply.
Some Things I Liked
Lush details and an amazing setting. I loved the setting and descriptions of everything in Glendale Hall. This story, like the first in this series, makes me want to drop everything and hop on a plane to Scotland.
Imperfect characters. This series is filled with characters whose lives are quite complicated. I love the realism in the stories.
Incredible series value. Please see my thoughts below.
Clean, adorable rom-com. While exploring some tough themes, this story was quite clean and very suitable for younger readers.
Series Value
I’d love to keep returning to to the Scottish Highlands for more stories featuring Glendale Hall. There are so many characters that I’d love to see more of. I would absolutely keep reading if Victoria Walters writes more in this series.
Final Thoughts
I loved this book. As much as I enjoyed Coming Home to Glendale Hall, I liked New Beginnings even more. I really connected with the main character and this story gave me incredible wanderlust. While writing this post, I am simultaneously planning my own move to the magical Scottish Highlands (just kidding, well, kind of kidding 😉).
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendations for Further Reading
Make or Break at the Lighthouse B&B by Portia MacIntosh – this book is coming out on February 14th (review to come a bit closer to that date), but if you enjoyed the wit, romance, and ideas of starting over in a new place, try this rom-com by Portia MacIntosh.
The Move by Whitney Dineen – if you enjoyed the themes of starting over and finding yourself, try this new release by Whitney Dineen.
Title New Beginnings at Glendale Hall
Author Victoria Walters
Release Date February 5, 2020
Description from Amazon
Two weddings and a baby…but who will get their happy ever after?
Emily Prescott’s life isn’t going to plan. Her dreams of starting a family with fireman boyfriend Greg and opening up her own bakery in London feel like they will never come true. So when a wedding
invite arrives from her oldest friend, Beth Williams, Emily is thrilled. Not only will she get to return to her childhood home in Scotland, but best of all – Beth wants her to bake the wedding cake!
However, her excitement is cut short when she discovers that Greg has cheated on her. Devastated by his betrayal, Emily flees to Glendale Hall, Beth’s grand estate in the Highlands, and tries to distracts herself with helping with the wedding plans, but that’s not easy when Greg keeps hounding her to forgive him. Then she’s introduced to Glendale’s new young and handsome vicar Brodie, and things become even more complicated.
When Emily discovers that Greg’s betrayal runs deeper than she imagined, she finds herself with a whole host of decisions to make, especially when she discovers her long awaited dream is finally being fulfilled – at exactly at the wrong time…
Initial Thoughts
I loved the first book in this series and was super excited when Victoria Walters announced a sequel on Instagram. As soon as I saw it was available on NetGalley, I knew I had to apply.
Some Things I Liked
Lush details and an amazing setting. I loved the setting and descriptions of everything in Glendale Hall. This story, like the first in this series, makes me want to drop everything and hop on a plane to Scotland.
Imperfect characters. This series is filled with characters whose lives are quite complicated. I love the realism in the stories.
Incredible series value. Please see my thoughts below.
Clean, adorable rom-com. While exploring some tough themes, this story was quite clean and very suitable for younger readers.
Series Value
I’d love to keep returning to to the Scottish Highlands for more stories featuring Glendale Hall. There are so many characters that I’d love to see more of. I would absolutely keep reading if Victoria Walters writes more in this series.
Final Thoughts
I loved this book. As much as I enjoyed Coming Home to Glendale Hall, I liked New Beginnings even more. I really connected with the main character and this story gave me incredible wanderlust. While writing this post, I am simultaneously planning my own move to the magical Scottish Highlands (just kidding, well, kind of kidding 😉).
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendations for Further Reading
Make or Break at the Lighthouse B&B by Portia MacIntosh – this book is coming out on February 14th (review to come a bit closer to that date), but if you enjoyed the wit, romance, and ideas of starting over in a new place, try this rom-com by Portia MacIntosh.
The Move by Whitney Dineen – if you enjoyed the themes of starting over and finding yourself, try this new release by Whitney Dineen.
February 5, 2020
I am so pleased to be returning back to Glendale Hall and all the gang! After reading the first book in the series 'Coming Home to Glendale Hall' I was super excited to know that Victoria was busy writing a follow on.
As I mentioned above this is the second book in the Glendale Hall series but this can easily be read as a stand alone, Victoria's writing is wonderfully done that you would never feel that you've missed anything from the first book (although I urge you to read it, it's fab!)
I was thrown into this story straight from the off and I was hooked. Main character Emily, a lovely and down to earth person, relatable and all in all a blooming marvel at making the most delicious cakes! So it wasn't surprising that Emily would be making her oldest friend Beth's wedding cake.
I warmed to Emily from the first chapter, I loved that her passion was baking cakes, my passion in life would be eating them! However unfortunately the story isn't all sweetness and light. Emily, after discovering the love of her life isn't the man she thought he was. She decides to escape to Scotland earlier than planned to the safety of Glendale Hall and to her loved ones.
With a cheating partner pushing for forgiveness Emily tries to distract herself by helping Beth with all things wedding but things become even more complicated when the new, young and can we say extremely handsome vicar Brodie is introduced. Picture Joel from Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, well that's who he was in my mind. As well as a gorgeous face, Brodie had the personality to match. Kind, thoughtful and for Emily a good listener in her time of need.
All in all a fantastic follow on, filled with heartwarming moments and yummy cakes (we mustn't forget the cakes!) It's also filled with difficult every day situations that we all face in our lives from time to time and I really enjoyed the balance between the two.
Emily's story kept me guessing right until the end, I couldn't call where her journey would take me but I really enjoyed every chapter and even though Emily was going through a rough patch I felt the love and warmth she received from family and friends. It made me want to jump on a train to Glendale Hall myself to be part of the group.
Sometimes another book in the series can leave you disappointed when it doesn't live up to the first story but it's not the case here. If anything, I am really hoping there might be another story to come out of Glendale Hall, the setting is beautiful and the way Victoria tells a story will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy.
Big thank you to Victoria Walters and Rachel's Random Resources for asking me to join this fabulous blog tour and for the ARC which I have revived honestly.
As I mentioned above this is the second book in the Glendale Hall series but this can easily be read as a stand alone, Victoria's writing is wonderfully done that you would never feel that you've missed anything from the first book (although I urge you to read it, it's fab!)
I was thrown into this story straight from the off and I was hooked. Main character Emily, a lovely and down to earth person, relatable and all in all a blooming marvel at making the most delicious cakes! So it wasn't surprising that Emily would be making her oldest friend Beth's wedding cake.
I warmed to Emily from the first chapter, I loved that her passion was baking cakes, my passion in life would be eating them! However unfortunately the story isn't all sweetness and light. Emily, after discovering the love of her life isn't the man she thought he was. She decides to escape to Scotland earlier than planned to the safety of Glendale Hall and to her loved ones.
With a cheating partner pushing for forgiveness Emily tries to distract herself by helping Beth with all things wedding but things become even more complicated when the new, young and can we say extremely handsome vicar Brodie is introduced. Picture Joel from Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, well that's who he was in my mind. As well as a gorgeous face, Brodie had the personality to match. Kind, thoughtful and for Emily a good listener in her time of need.
All in all a fantastic follow on, filled with heartwarming moments and yummy cakes (we mustn't forget the cakes!) It's also filled with difficult every day situations that we all face in our lives from time to time and I really enjoyed the balance between the two.
Emily's story kept me guessing right until the end, I couldn't call where her journey would take me but I really enjoyed every chapter and even though Emily was going through a rough patch I felt the love and warmth she received from family and friends. It made me want to jump on a train to Glendale Hall myself to be part of the group.
Sometimes another book in the series can leave you disappointed when it doesn't live up to the first story but it's not the case here. If anything, I am really hoping there might be another story to come out of Glendale Hall, the setting is beautiful and the way Victoria tells a story will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy.
Big thank you to Victoria Walters and Rachel's Random Resources for asking me to join this fabulous blog tour and for the ARC which I have revived honestly.
March 22, 2021
Really enjoyed going on the journey with all the characters in this book.
January 14, 2020
Victoria has done it again!! Written a fantastic romantic novel which had me gripped from the very first page.
Emily had been there for Beth since she found out she was pregnant with her daughter Izzy, left Glendale and moved to London. Emily worked at Molly’s a wonderful bakery and life was plodding along nicely when she received an invitation to Beth and Drew’s wedding. She makes the journey to prepare the best wedding cake possible for her best friend. Life isn’t always as straightforward as you imagine it will be. Emily has some tough decisions to make and relies on family and friends to help her find the right outcome.
I definitely hope this isn’t the last visit to Glendale. I really want to move there and make friends with Emily, Beth and Heather.
Emily had been there for Beth since she found out she was pregnant with her daughter Izzy, left Glendale and moved to London. Emily worked at Molly’s a wonderful bakery and life was plodding along nicely when she received an invitation to Beth and Drew’s wedding. She makes the journey to prepare the best wedding cake possible for her best friend. Life isn’t always as straightforward as you imagine it will be. Emily has some tough decisions to make and relies on family and friends to help her find the right outcome.
I definitely hope this isn’t the last visit to Glendale. I really want to move there and make friends with Emily, Beth and Heather.
February 10, 2020
It’s no secret I was excited to return to Glendale Hall. To say these characters left their mark on me would be an understatement.
Some books are like a big warm hug and NBaGH enveloped me within its welcoming pages. So much so, I’m a tad bereft to be leaving once again!
I know this is only my second ever read by Victoria Walters but, boy, does she have the knack of speaking directly to the very heart of me. My emotions were all over the place! I was on the cusp of crying all the tears – all the bleeping time. I know my tear ducts are hard-wired to my emotions, but this poop was getting ridiculous *palms face*. (My cats were giving me very odd looks. Whaaa? Cliché? Moi? *snorts*)
“We don’t need to live with what was, we can instead live with what can be.”
Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us when we least expect it, but it felt like Fate had decided to throw all of Emily’s share at her AT. THE. SAME. TIME. Sheesh! Yet, with the help of her family and friends, if anyone can get through this it’ll be Emily.
You all know I’m guilty of having random songs or quotes go through my mind as I’m reading a new story. Well, this one was my new earworm...
“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.”
For me, this quote sums up Emily’s journey for me perfectly. All I kept saying was, ‘You got this!’ (Yes, I know I was talking to my kindle again. No, I wasn’t expecting a reply *blushes*.)
And, another thing... Victoria has accomplished the impossible. As one who can admit to the love of a bad boy in my reads, I lost my heart to a minister, no less. I know, right? Shocked and stunned doesn’t even begin to cover it, lol.
This is a story that shows us what is most important in life. With the love of the right people we are rich indeed!
Now, how long till I can hitch a ride back to Glendale? I’m waiting...
Some books are like a big warm hug and NBaGH enveloped me within its welcoming pages. So much so, I’m a tad bereft to be leaving once again!
I know this is only my second ever read by Victoria Walters but, boy, does she have the knack of speaking directly to the very heart of me. My emotions were all over the place! I was on the cusp of crying all the tears – all the bleeping time. I know my tear ducts are hard-wired to my emotions, but this poop was getting ridiculous *palms face*. (My cats were giving me very odd looks. Whaaa? Cliché? Moi? *snorts*)
“We don’t need to live with what was, we can instead live with what can be.”
Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us when we least expect it, but it felt like Fate had decided to throw all of Emily’s share at her AT. THE. SAME. TIME. Sheesh! Yet, with the help of her family and friends, if anyone can get through this it’ll be Emily.
You all know I’m guilty of having random songs or quotes go through my mind as I’m reading a new story. Well, this one was my new earworm...
“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.”
For me, this quote sums up Emily’s journey for me perfectly. All I kept saying was, ‘You got this!’ (Yes, I know I was talking to my kindle again. No, I wasn’t expecting a reply *blushes*.)
And, another thing... Victoria has accomplished the impossible. As one who can admit to the love of a bad boy in my reads, I lost my heart to a minister, no less. I know, right? Shocked and stunned doesn’t even begin to cover it, lol.
This is a story that shows us what is most important in life. With the love of the right people we are rich indeed!
Now, how long till I can hitch a ride back to Glendale? I’m waiting...
February 13, 2020
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.
Oh, how I loved returning to Glendale! The warmth, the community, and the drama, of course, all combine to make NEW BEGINNINGS AT GLENDALE HALL by Victoria Walters a superb story with the perfect amount of heart.
Beth is getting married and it's only natural that she would want her best friend, Emily, to bake the cake. And getting the invite to Glendale comes at the perfect time for Emily because her plans for her future suddenly seem to have hit rock bottom. Her dream bakery is never going to happen, and Greg, the man she wanted to have children with, has cheated on her and that's only the start of her troubles with him. Escaping for some time out in the Scottish countryside could be just what the doctor ordered but as we all know, life has a habit of following you around and soon Emily must deal with a handsome vicar and an ex who keeps chasing her for forgiveness. But Glendale is the perfect place to make some decisions, even the most difficult ones ...
While this wonderful story is a sequel to Coming Home to Glendale Hall, it can easily be read as a standalone, but my advice is to buy both and have a great weekend! The characters and community spirit make the setting come alive as I have come to expect from Victoria Walter's excellent prose, and I think I may have fallen a little in love with the new vicar myself if I'm honest 🤣 There are weddings, misunderstandings, drama, and life-changing decisions to be made, and throughout it all, friendship and support that is invaluable.
NEW BEGINNINGS AT GLENDALE HALL by Victoria Walters is a beautiful story about life and finding happiness, even when it doesn't always go as planned. A must-read for all fiction fans.
Oh, how I loved returning to Glendale! The warmth, the community, and the drama, of course, all combine to make NEW BEGINNINGS AT GLENDALE HALL by Victoria Walters a superb story with the perfect amount of heart.
Beth is getting married and it's only natural that she would want her best friend, Emily, to bake the cake. And getting the invite to Glendale comes at the perfect time for Emily because her plans for her future suddenly seem to have hit rock bottom. Her dream bakery is never going to happen, and Greg, the man she wanted to have children with, has cheated on her and that's only the start of her troubles with him. Escaping for some time out in the Scottish countryside could be just what the doctor ordered but as we all know, life has a habit of following you around and soon Emily must deal with a handsome vicar and an ex who keeps chasing her for forgiveness. But Glendale is the perfect place to make some decisions, even the most difficult ones ...
While this wonderful story is a sequel to Coming Home to Glendale Hall, it can easily be read as a standalone, but my advice is to buy both and have a great weekend! The characters and community spirit make the setting come alive as I have come to expect from Victoria Walter's excellent prose, and I think I may have fallen a little in love with the new vicar myself if I'm honest 🤣 There are weddings, misunderstandings, drama, and life-changing decisions to be made, and throughout it all, friendship and support that is invaluable.
NEW BEGINNINGS AT GLENDALE HALL by Victoria Walters is a beautiful story about life and finding happiness, even when it doesn't always go as planned. A must-read for all fiction fans.
January 24, 2020
“𝙄'𝙢 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙮,” 𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙, 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮.
“𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩?” 𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙛𝙩𝙡𝙮.
“𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚,” 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙙, 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙥 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚.
𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮, 𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨. “𝙄'𝙢 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙤.”
*Deep sigh*
(This part totally broke my fragile heart.💔)
This was such an adorable story to read, full of ups and downs. I honestly didn’t like it that much in the beginning but as the story progressed, it just kept getting better. I couldn’t put it down and eventually stayed up past midnight to see how it all ended.
I totally fell in love with the gorgeous setting, the characters and the storyline, for me everything falls right into place. The main characters' chemistry came out surprisingly amazing. You never knew what was going to happen, but the feeling of them belonging together really came through at the end.
There were deep meanings to the topics discussed that I really love in this story and the author managed to get it all across very well. This was an amazing read and I can't wait to check out more of Victoria Walters' books.
This book will be released on February 5, 2020.
A big thank you to HeraBooks and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review
P.S. I kept listening to After the Love Has Gone by Earth, Wind and Fire on repeat the entire time I was reading this one. So I basically memorized the lyrics now. Haha
It's my soundtrack for this book.
In addition, I rewatched #ReadyOrNot Movie the other day and I couldn't help but randomly visualized the #LeDomas brothers as Greg and Brodie then Grace as Emily. Have you seen the movie? OMG it's sOooooo gory but I totally love it!!
“𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩?” 𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙛𝙩𝙡𝙮.
“𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚,” 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙙, 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙥 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚.
𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮, 𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨. “𝙄'𝙢 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙤.”
*Deep sigh*
(This part totally broke my fragile heart.💔)
This was such an adorable story to read, full of ups and downs. I honestly didn’t like it that much in the beginning but as the story progressed, it just kept getting better. I couldn’t put it down and eventually stayed up past midnight to see how it all ended.
I totally fell in love with the gorgeous setting, the characters and the storyline, for me everything falls right into place. The main characters' chemistry came out surprisingly amazing. You never knew what was going to happen, but the feeling of them belonging together really came through at the end.
There were deep meanings to the topics discussed that I really love in this story and the author managed to get it all across very well. This was an amazing read and I can't wait to check out more of Victoria Walters' books.
This book will be released on February 5, 2020.
A big thank you to HeraBooks and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review
P.S. I kept listening to After the Love Has Gone by Earth, Wind and Fire on repeat the entire time I was reading this one. So I basically memorized the lyrics now. Haha
It's my soundtrack for this book.
In addition, I rewatched #ReadyOrNot Movie the other day and I couldn't help but randomly visualized the #LeDomas brothers as Greg and Brodie then Grace as Emily. Have you seen the movie? OMG it's sOooooo gory but I totally love it!!
May 4, 2022
I enjoyed reading this 2nd book in the series by Victoria Walters as much as I did Coming Home to Glendale Hall. It had all the characters you fall in love with from the first book and a few new ones in the mix! Again family and friends supporting and helping through good and bad times rings loud throughout the book!
September 18, 2021
I didn't realise that this was a second book, as I haven't read the first one, luckily it works well as a stand alone. A heartwarming read with well written characters. Be warned - it'll leave you with a real craving for all of the delicious sounding bakes! (it's a shame some of the recipes aren't included!)
January 11, 2020
I enjoyed Coming Home to Glendale Hall very much, so when I saw this sequel, I naturally snapped it up. I’m so glad I did.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading New Beginnings at Glendale Hall, as with the previous book, it was very relaxing. Although plenty of difficulties occurred for Emily (and some of the people around her), it never felt miserable or upsetting. The pace of the story was great - it took place over months, and didn’t have people falling in love within days, which I do get a little sick of sometimes. The character development was also really good, as well as seeing favourite characters from the previous book, I enjoyed seeing Emily come into her own, as well as start learning to accept help from those who love her.
Overall, this was a very pleasing story, with well rounded characters, and a good dash of romance. Lots of cake too, of course!
I was given a free copy of this book. My opinions are (as always) my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading New Beginnings at Glendale Hall, as with the previous book, it was very relaxing. Although plenty of difficulties occurred for Emily (and some of the people around her), it never felt miserable or upsetting. The pace of the story was great - it took place over months, and didn’t have people falling in love within days, which I do get a little sick of sometimes. The character development was also really good, as well as seeing favourite characters from the previous book, I enjoyed seeing Emily come into her own, as well as start learning to accept help from those who love her.
Overall, this was a very pleasing story, with well rounded characters, and a good dash of romance. Lots of cake too, of course!
I was given a free copy of this book. My opinions are (as always) my own.
May 28, 2021
Loved the simplicity of this read enchanting
January 15, 2020
I thoroughly loved this sweet romance. The characters are multifaceted and believable. Right when you think there is no chance for a happy ending, you might be surprised. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 3, 2022
Still in love with this serie. But, I found it too easy the way they fell out of their relationship, Greg seemingly wanting to continue and accepting the end easily. I would have expected that her londons friend had some revelations too following the text she received while at Glendale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2020
Full review to follow on blog tour but I thoroughly enjoyed this return to Glendale and all the characters
A proper fab read
A proper fab read
January 7, 2020
Couldn’t wait to read this book as I absolutely loved coming home to Glendale hall! And new beginnings at Glendale hall was even better! Lovely to be back in Scotland and to be reunited with Beth and her family and to see the progression of various relationships! Emily is the main character this time and is such a likeable, lovely soul who deserves so much more than Greg could offer her,her story unfolds gradually with a few unexpected surprises on the way but leads to great things with her bakery, baby and Brodie! A great book that draws you in would highly recommend, would love to see another book back at Glendale in the future!
Thank you net galley for this early read
Thank you net galley for this early read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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