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A New Happy Place
How do you get your mojo back when you’ve got a broken heart? Violet is a seamstress who has big dreams of designing her own wedding gowns and opening her own bridal shop. But things fall apart when she finds Philip, her boyfriend, in a compromising position with one of her colleagues . Violets decides it is time to go back home to her eccentric mother and particular father, Fred. And after wallowing, Violet decides to re-evaluate her life, put the past behind her, and search for happiness. She meets with old friends and builds an unlikely friendship with a group of zany women from her mother's Zumba class . With the help of her friends, old and new, Violet begins to rebuild her life. Then she meets the handsome Ben Matthews and there is instant chemistry . But with life throwing up yet more problems, their relationship is put to the test. Can Violet find love and happiness again or is she destined to a life of loneliness?
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2020
429 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 20, 2020
When Violet’s life is turned on its head after seeing her boyfriend cheating on her, she is on a quest to discover what her new ‘happy place’ is. This is the crux of the story as readers follow Violet’s return to her birthplace – a quiet village in Lancashire. Here, she soon learns that everyone has a different happy place and, by accepting the past and moving on, she can have one of her own too.
I was drawn to this story from the very beginning. I have read many books from the publisher, Bloodhound Books, and I was intrigued to see that this was a break from their typical crime genre. Instead, this felt like a breath of fresh air – both with the publisher and my own reading experiences. Violet is a very likeable character and her internal monologue, commenting on scenes unfolding before her, was in a style that many readers could relate to.
As you would expect in any romance story, there is the stunning hero. In this case, it is architect Ben, who also happens to play for the local rugby team – never a bad thing! The writer establishes Ben as such a warm, supportive character from the very beginning and although I was anticipating a “crisis” in his developing relationship with Violet, was desperate to see them come together. As for Violet, having suffered from a serious case of mis-trust, she can’t stop herself from falling for Ben. It’s a perfect match and everyone can see this too – from her close friends to all the local gossips.
I relished in seeing Violet develop as a character. She realises she was trying to become someone that was not true to herself and so, moving back home with her parents, works really hard as trying to establish her own business. Violet makes dresses and designs her own bridal gowns and I loved how the writer shows her dedication to become an independent business woman. The ending was so satisfying in relation to this theme and it felt totally deserved for Violet.
This was a lovely story and I wished that I could become friends with Violet and everyone in her village! They all seem such characters, particularly the ladies in the ‘Golden Girls’ Zumba fitness class. Warmth radiated from the pages which is something I enjoy experiencing. The writer has created a perfect balance between romance and plot development, meaning that I was quick to reach the end! I could easily see this becoming the start of the series so I wonder if the writer will consider returning to Lancashire; I would love to know what happens next to these characters.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was drawn to this story from the very beginning. I have read many books from the publisher, Bloodhound Books, and I was intrigued to see that this was a break from their typical crime genre. Instead, this felt like a breath of fresh air – both with the publisher and my own reading experiences. Violet is a very likeable character and her internal monologue, commenting on scenes unfolding before her, was in a style that many readers could relate to.
As you would expect in any romance story, there is the stunning hero. In this case, it is architect Ben, who also happens to play for the local rugby team – never a bad thing! The writer establishes Ben as such a warm, supportive character from the very beginning and although I was anticipating a “crisis” in his developing relationship with Violet, was desperate to see them come together. As for Violet, having suffered from a serious case of mis-trust, she can’t stop herself from falling for Ben. It’s a perfect match and everyone can see this too – from her close friends to all the local gossips.
I relished in seeing Violet develop as a character. She realises she was trying to become someone that was not true to herself and so, moving back home with her parents, works really hard as trying to establish her own business. Violet makes dresses and designs her own bridal gowns and I loved how the writer shows her dedication to become an independent business woman. The ending was so satisfying in relation to this theme and it felt totally deserved for Violet.
This was a lovely story and I wished that I could become friends with Violet and everyone in her village! They all seem such characters, particularly the ladies in the ‘Golden Girls’ Zumba fitness class. Warmth radiated from the pages which is something I enjoy experiencing. The writer has created a perfect balance between romance and plot development, meaning that I was quick to reach the end! I could easily see this becoming the start of the series so I wonder if the writer will consider returning to Lancashire; I would love to know what happens next to these characters.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2020
Plot/Narrative
This was a thought-provoking, witty, funny and a heartwarming story, It made me think about my own happy place. It is book full of friendship, love, hope and dreams. It's a great quick summer read.
The main premise of this book is Violet finding her happy place again after moving home to live with her parents after finding her boyfriend had cheated on her. She was working at a prestigious wedding shop which she loved. She leaves everything behind in London and moves back to her home town, a small village in Lancashire. Where her two best friends are and the dreamy Ben and she begins to rebuilt her life, find out how to love herself and be herself again as well as learning to re trust.
Characters.
Oh my, I LOVED Violet character, she was brilliant. She is quirky and passionate. She one of those people you could easily become friends with. I love how detailed the author went into her sewing ( I used to sew). I really connected with her character.
Ah loved the perfect dreamy ben, the author created a wonderful and supportive character.
'The golden girls'was a nice addition to the characters in this book. They were amusing and entertaining characters.
And finally her two best friends, just bring out the best in violet, fully supportive and lovely best friends.
Writing/Pacing.
This was quick, fun and heart-warming book, I loved the author's writing style. It was a beautiful story.
Although im not sure why violet calls her parents by there actual names throughout, she has a treasured and easy relationship with her parents so that was slightly confusing.
Theme/Settings.
Friendship, Betrayal, Heartache, Hope, Dreams and Support.
The setting was a idyllic small village which had the tea shop and a lovely community spirit and support.
Overall Thoughts.
'This was a thought-provoking, witty, funny and a heartwarming story, It made me think about my own happy place. It is book full of friendship, love, hope and dreams. It's a great quick summer read. It had some lovely, brilliant characters who were laugh out loud funny. As well as a supportive spirted community in the small town in Lancashire. As a well as a supportive dreamy character in Ben, an architect. A quick, fun and heart-warming book, I loved the author's writing style. It was a beautiful story.'
This was a thought-provoking, witty, funny and a heartwarming story, It made me think about my own happy place. It is book full of friendship, love, hope and dreams. It's a great quick summer read.
The main premise of this book is Violet finding her happy place again after moving home to live with her parents after finding her boyfriend had cheated on her. She was working at a prestigious wedding shop which she loved. She leaves everything behind in London and moves back to her home town, a small village in Lancashire. Where her two best friends are and the dreamy Ben and she begins to rebuilt her life, find out how to love herself and be herself again as well as learning to re trust.
Characters.
Oh my, I LOVED Violet character, she was brilliant. She is quirky and passionate. She one of those people you could easily become friends with. I love how detailed the author went into her sewing ( I used to sew). I really connected with her character.
Ah loved the perfect dreamy ben, the author created a wonderful and supportive character.
'The golden girls'was a nice addition to the characters in this book. They were amusing and entertaining characters.
And finally her two best friends, just bring out the best in violet, fully supportive and lovely best friends.
Writing/Pacing.
This was quick, fun and heart-warming book, I loved the author's writing style. It was a beautiful story.
Although im not sure why violet calls her parents by there actual names throughout, she has a treasured and easy relationship with her parents so that was slightly confusing.
Theme/Settings.
Friendship, Betrayal, Heartache, Hope, Dreams and Support.
The setting was a idyllic small village which had the tea shop and a lovely community spirit and support.
Overall Thoughts.
'This was a thought-provoking, witty, funny and a heartwarming story, It made me think about my own happy place. It is book full of friendship, love, hope and dreams. It's a great quick summer read. It had some lovely, brilliant characters who were laugh out loud funny. As well as a supportive spirted community in the small town in Lancashire. As a well as a supportive dreamy character in Ben, an architect. A quick, fun and heart-warming book, I loved the author's writing style. It was a beautiful story.'
July 27, 2020
What’s your comfort food? Chocolate? Ice Cream? Chips? Mine’s Macaroni Cheese. Whatever it is, I bet it’s predictable and unsophisticated, and also that you’ve consumed more of it than usual over the last few strange months. Well, “A New Happy Place” is comfort food for the mind, the sort of book that wraps you up in a big warm hug and takes your mind to its own happy place.
This is a book that’s never going to make the Booker Shortlist or be taught to GCSE students – it isn’t great or memorable literature, it’s just a whole bunch of warm fuzzy glow all packed into a wonderfully readable package.
Seamstress Violet Brown is in her Happy Place, living with Philip, the love of her life, and working in a prestigious bridal shop in London. But in the course of one morning her whole world crashes down around her and she retreats, tail between legs, to her parents’ home in a small Lancashire village.
There she starts to rebuild her life with the help of her two best friends, newcomer Ben and her mother’s group of eccentric friends. All the usual womens’ fiction formula requirements are there – the village pub, the village gossip, a tea room (of course) and the inevitable conflict, and in a book of this genre it would be disappointing if they weren’t. It all pulls together into a charming and happy read, perfect for a sunny day in the garden since most of us won’t be spending sunny days on foreign beaches this year. All in all, a perfectly timed book.
I have just one reservation, which stopped me from giving it the full 5 stars. As a Lancashire lass myself, I just can’t picture a village close to Lancaster, however fictional, being populated entirely by white middle class people. Maybe in the 1950s, but not now. The whole atmosphere of the village said Cotswolds, or at the very least Cheshire, to me. But unless you are someone like me who always enjoys a strong sense of place in a book, that probably won’t bother you.
This is a book that’s never going to make the Booker Shortlist or be taught to GCSE students – it isn’t great or memorable literature, it’s just a whole bunch of warm fuzzy glow all packed into a wonderfully readable package.
Seamstress Violet Brown is in her Happy Place, living with Philip, the love of her life, and working in a prestigious bridal shop in London. But in the course of one morning her whole world crashes down around her and she retreats, tail between legs, to her parents’ home in a small Lancashire village.
There she starts to rebuild her life with the help of her two best friends, newcomer Ben and her mother’s group of eccentric friends. All the usual womens’ fiction formula requirements are there – the village pub, the village gossip, a tea room (of course) and the inevitable conflict, and in a book of this genre it would be disappointing if they weren’t. It all pulls together into a charming and happy read, perfect for a sunny day in the garden since most of us won’t be spending sunny days on foreign beaches this year. All in all, a perfectly timed book.
I have just one reservation, which stopped me from giving it the full 5 stars. As a Lancashire lass myself, I just can’t picture a village close to Lancaster, however fictional, being populated entirely by white middle class people. Maybe in the 1950s, but not now. The whole atmosphere of the village said Cotswolds, or at the very least Cheshire, to me. But unless you are someone like me who always enjoys a strong sense of place in a book, that probably won’t bother you.
June 21, 2021
I picked this book up having no idea that I had never read this author before, I can assure you after finishing it Ruth Hanna is going straight up the list of authors to read in the future. Violet is our main character but her life literally falls apart when she finds her boyfriend in a compromising position. She decides to up sticks and go back to her parents Violet and Fred.
This book I read in just two sittings over two days and absolutely loved every page. I was truly disappointed when I had finished it. Violet and her parents are such great characters to read about and I loved the setting, where they lived along with all the other featuring characters. The crazy golden girls of the village at their Zumba class and then the wonderful Ben Matthews! This book was a sheer pleasure to read and I would highly recommend it, a true feel good read!
This book I read in just two sittings over two days and absolutely loved every page. I was truly disappointed when I had finished it. Violet and her parents are such great characters to read about and I loved the setting, where they lived along with all the other featuring characters. The crazy golden girls of the village at their Zumba class and then the wonderful Ben Matthews! This book was a sheer pleasure to read and I would highly recommend it, a true feel good read!
July 25, 2020
READ THIS BOOK!!
I just love this book! Such a heart warming story that is really relatable. You know sometimes you can be reading a story and think "that would never happen" and I get it, it's a story so it's pretty likely made up anyway, but A New Happy Place is not like that. Violet, her friends old and new and her family are all believable characters which makes reading it much more enjoyable. This book gives you the deepest frowns from anger and frustration, to the heart wrenching feelings of sorrow and upset, as well as plenty of the widest smiles and joy filled moments. It's so lovely. We'll done Ruth Hanna, I can't wait for your next book!
I just love this book! Such a heart warming story that is really relatable. You know sometimes you can be reading a story and think "that would never happen" and I get it, it's a story so it's pretty likely made up anyway, but A New Happy Place is not like that. Violet, her friends old and new and her family are all believable characters which makes reading it much more enjoyable. This book gives you the deepest frowns from anger and frustration, to the heart wrenching feelings of sorrow and upset, as well as plenty of the widest smiles and joy filled moments. It's so lovely. We'll done Ruth Hanna, I can't wait for your next book!
August 26, 2024
What a gift of a book this is!!
I didn't realize how much I needed this until I started reading.
It came into my life in the exact moment where I craved it the most.
This author DEFINITIVELY deserves more recognition! And here I am to spread her word 😂
My friends know how the "Bridget Jones" series re-ignited my love for reading and made me laugh and feel good for the very first time in a while. Well, this book is my new Bridget Jones.
I am not comparing both authors' style or plot, I am just trying to explain how much this story means to me.
I was at a quite low point, very anxious and not really wanting to read much. Then, I began to read and, to my surprise, I was soon giggling, laughing out loud and swooning over Violet, her family and friends. I so desperately want to live in a small town now!
I know it was kind of sterotypical, but I could not care less. I loved every bit of it.
This novel was a warm blanket wrapping my heart in a tender hug and telling me everything was going to be okay.
Drama aside, I really really really liked this story, I adored the author's writing style and I could not love the narrator's work more (I listened to the audiobook). Her accent is the cutest and she really does a great job.
Thank you so so much Ruth ❤
You gave me hope. And that is priceless.
PS: as a non-spice girlie, I appreciated the fade-to-black scenes.
PS 2: I just realized Violet is the very first main character I truly love (and do not want to shake furiously until they come into their senses), and I do not really care that much for the "book boyfriend".
I didn't realize how much I needed this until I started reading.
It came into my life in the exact moment where I craved it the most.
This author DEFINITIVELY deserves more recognition! And here I am to spread her word 😂
My friends know how the "Bridget Jones" series re-ignited my love for reading and made me laugh and feel good for the very first time in a while. Well, this book is my new Bridget Jones.
I am not comparing both authors' style or plot, I am just trying to explain how much this story means to me.
I was at a quite low point, very anxious and not really wanting to read much. Then, I began to read and, to my surprise, I was soon giggling, laughing out loud and swooning over Violet, her family and friends. I so desperately want to live in a small town now!
I know it was kind of sterotypical, but I could not care less. I loved every bit of it.
This novel was a warm blanket wrapping my heart in a tender hug and telling me everything was going to be okay.
Drama aside, I really really really liked this story, I adored the author's writing style and I could not love the narrator's work more (I listened to the audiobook). Her accent is the cutest and she really does a great job.
Thank you so so much Ruth ❤
You gave me hope. And that is priceless.
PS: as a non-spice girlie, I appreciated the fade-to-black scenes.
PS 2: I just realized Violet is the very first main character I truly love (and do not want to shake furiously until they come into their senses), and I do not really care that much for the "book boyfriend".
November 4, 2024
This book was super good. Got me in my feels. I lovvvvved it so much!!
July 4, 2021
Don't know what it was about this book but it was just what I needed this weekend (couch, book and endless cups of tea).
March 8, 2021
Right now I need a smile on my face, a warm feeling in my chest and a little tear in the corner of my eye - and after reading A New Happy Place I now have them all. This book is about relationships, trust, confidence and believing in yourself. The first part of the book is about Violet and her relationship with Philip until he cheated on her with her boss and she thinks she has lost everything. Or so she thought. But when she returned home, she realized that she had found it all - her friends and family, her dreams for the future, and possibly the man who would not manipulate her like her former boyfriend. She even found a senior's Zumba group full of quirky ladies talking about men and sex! This is a sweet and heartwarming story that will swell your heart and make you cheer Violet on in her pursuit of her dreams. Ben is truly worthy of your support too as he tries to win Violet over. There are many fun and colorful characters in the small English village and a couple of exes who try to upset the romance. The ending is very satisfying and will make you feel so good. You may even forget the pandemic and world problems for a few hours.
July 22, 2020
This is a cute story about rebuilding life after you have been cheated on. This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed and look forward in seeing what is next for her. This is a well written story that has characters that were fun to read about and made the story easy to read. I had no problem in connecting with them. They made the story feel real and I felt part of the story. Violet returns to her hometown to rebuild her life after she finds her boyfriend in a bad situation. Will she find happiness again? I highly recommend this book.
July 20, 2020
Violet finds her boyfriend in Compromising position with her co worker and decides to return home to her parents village. She is a seamstress who dreamed of designing her own wedding gowns and owning her own shop.
I really enjoyed this book as made my laugh when Violet attended her mothers zumba class. Her whole village trying to set her up with handsome architect and the more she tries to resist him the more she is attracted to him.
Definitely a summer read.
I really enjoyed this book as made my laugh when Violet attended her mothers zumba class. Her whole village trying to set her up with handsome architect and the more she tries to resist him the more she is attracted to him.
Definitely a summer read.
July 20, 2020
The story of Violet and her lost love is at times funny, poignant and occasionally a wee bit sad however it is a tale that most women will be able to relate to in parts at least. When she ends up with her mum's group of friends, it reminded me of the time I joined my mum's yoga class and I was the youngest by at least 30 years, but we did have some good times there too!!. It is a great summer read and highlights that there is always hope.
Thanks to Bloodhound books for the ARC to review.
Thanks to Bloodhound books for the ARC to review.
June 18, 2024
Omg, where do I begin???? I randomly found this book on kindle unlimited & started to read it a little & got hooked instantly. The way Ruth Hanna writes reels you in quick. Following a girl who tries to find her happy place in the world was so inspiring. For this being her ONLY book, it’s pretty impressive with how well she did. Even her acknowledgements at the end were breathtaking lol. I hope she writes more books because she’s talented.
August 18, 2020
Beautiful story of love, disappointments, and friendships.
This book is a great read. I couldn't put it down. I loved the main character,. Violet is a beautiful , strong, smart, and level headed woman that knew exactly what she wanted and went after it. All her friends and family supported her in every way. A must read!!
This book is a great read. I couldn't put it down. I loved the main character,. Violet is a beautiful , strong, smart, and level headed woman that knew exactly what she wanted and went after it. All her friends and family supported her in every way. A must read!!
September 14, 2020
Charming and perfect
Loved reading this sweet charming book.... perfect for these difficult times. I was so needing some form of light hearted escape and found it here. All characters were so delightful to meet... I want to go live in this lovely town. Thank you , Ruth....keep on writing.
Loved reading this sweet charming book.... perfect for these difficult times. I was so needing some form of light hearted escape and found it here. All characters were so delightful to meet... I want to go live in this lovely town. Thank you , Ruth....keep on writing.
January 31, 2021
WONDERFUL BOOK
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. It was a very quick read and I must say I was sad when I finished it but she did an amazing job summing up everyone’s lives so there’s no wondering what happens to who. I look forward to reading her next book. Thank you for this wonderfully heartfelt book. It was my happy place for a bit.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. It was a very quick read and I must say I was sad when I finished it but she did an amazing job summing up everyone’s lives so there’s no wondering what happens to who. I look forward to reading her next book. Thank you for this wonderfully heartfelt book. It was my happy place for a bit.
January 23, 2024
A thought provoking, funny, witty and heartwarming story. It made me think of my own happy place That warm, fuzzy feeling of contentment and satisfaction. The place where your heart is joyful and …happy. But what happens when you lose your happy place? What do you do when you have to start all over again…?
July 22, 2020
A sweet read about Violet who has a terrible break up and is forced to return to her parents home to start again. But she doesn’t just start again she really does pick her self up, dust herself down and boy does she recover! The type of book I love to read by the pool or on a long haul flight.
August 4, 2020
My Happy Place !
Is reading I loved this book and all the characters, so evocative of village life, I was
a postmistress in a Cornish village for thirteen years and met many people
Just like Hattie and Winnie. Thanks Ruth!!!!
Is reading I loved this book and all the characters, so evocative of village life, I was
a postmistress in a Cornish village for thirteen years and met many people
Just like Hattie and Winnie. Thanks Ruth!!!!
August 13, 2020
Lovely book
What a lovely book the Author wrote about insecurity and second chances to find happiness the book had me smiling and laughing at the Viv and d Ben would definitely recommend this book if you like HEA
What a lovely book the Author wrote about insecurity and second chances to find happiness the book had me smiling and laughing at the Viv and d Ben would definitely recommend this book if you like HEA
September 19, 2020
Truly wonderful!
What a wonderful and uplifting story. I couldn't wait to get back to the story each day. And what a wonderful message about finding your happy place. Thank you Ruth Hanna, hope there is more to come!
What a wonderful and uplifting story. I couldn't wait to get back to the story each day. And what a wonderful message about finding your happy place. Thank you Ruth Hanna, hope there is more to come!
September 27, 2020
Cute story
Enjoyed the story, but editing is seriously needed. I enjoyed the characters & Violets strength of character after the whole ex-boyfriend debacle. Really good writing, but recommend better editing.
Enjoyed the story, but editing is seriously needed. I enjoyed the characters & Violets strength of character after the whole ex-boyfriend debacle. Really good writing, but recommend better editing.
November 1, 2020
This is a book that a really enjoyed,I hope there will be a second book which would catch up with Violet and her friends.
It's a good read,hope there is a second book following Violet and her friends in the village and the golden girls
It's a good read,hope there is a second book following Violet and her friends in the village and the golden girls
August 12, 2020
Heart-warminf
If this was Ms. Hanna's first book, I can't wait for another. Well written and I couldn't put it down. What a delightful read.
If this was Ms. Hanna's first book, I can't wait for another. Well written and I couldn't put it down. What a delightful read.
August 14, 2020
Good read
Enjoyed the book very much. Romantic and uplifting,escaping from the reality of the pandemic. A good read for my daughter
Enjoyed the book very much. Romantic and uplifting,escaping from the reality of the pandemic. A good read for my daughter
August 16, 2020
A nice easy read with believable heartwarming characters - a bit of light relief!
September 3, 2020
A real heart warming story which makes you think about what your happy place is. Very cute and witty.
September 8, 2020
Lovely book
Feel good book I thoroughly enjoyed well worth a read , lovely characters and setting , a lovely story to cheer you up
Feel good book I thoroughly enjoyed well worth a read , lovely characters and setting , a lovely story to cheer you up
September 10, 2020
Brilliant
I loved every second of this book yrs I guessed the ending but what a delightful light read and I will look for more from Ruth Hanna
I loved every second of this book yrs I guessed the ending but what a delightful light read and I will look for more from Ruth Hanna
September 15, 2020
A lovely story of losing love and maybe finding it again
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews