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The daughter of a celebrated illustrator, Lorna Larkham has spent years trying to live up to her mother’s talent – but after a disappointing time at art school and a disastrous foray into the art world, she has come to the conclusion she just doesn’t have the creative spark.
But when a dying friend urges her to live without fear, Lorna forces herself to take one last leap of faith: moving back to the countryside and buying the little art gallery she remembers so fondly from her childhood.
The gallery, however, is struggling and Lorna can’t think how to save it. Until she meets Joyce Rothery, a famous local artist who hasn't painted for years but who’s still brimming with ideas; if anyone can break through the elderly woman's tough exterior, that is.
Then Joyce has to put her fiercely guarded independence aside and turn to Lorna for help herself. When other friends – and an old flame – fighting battles of their own also appear on Lorna's doorstep, she starts to realise that bravery, and creativity, come in many forms. As she and Joyce unleash some artistic magic on the residents of Longhampton, can Lorna face her fears . . . and create the life she's always wanted?
An inspiring, life-enhancing novel that will make you see your life afresh . . . Perfect for fans of Lucy Diamond, Jojo Moyes and Veronica Henry.
But when a dying friend urges her to live without fear, Lorna forces herself to take one last leap of faith: moving back to the countryside and buying the little art gallery she remembers so fondly from her childhood.
The gallery, however, is struggling and Lorna can’t think how to save it. Until she meets Joyce Rothery, a famous local artist who hasn't painted for years but who’s still brimming with ideas; if anyone can break through the elderly woman's tough exterior, that is.
Then Joyce has to put her fiercely guarded independence aside and turn to Lorna for help herself. When other friends – and an old flame – fighting battles of their own also appear on Lorna's doorstep, she starts to realise that bravery, and creativity, come in many forms. As she and Joyce unleash some artistic magic on the residents of Longhampton, can Lorna face her fears . . . and create the life she's always wanted?
An inspiring, life-enhancing novel that will make you see your life afresh . . . Perfect for fans of Lucy Diamond, Jojo Moyes and Veronica Henry.
Paperback
First published April 19, 2018
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About the author
Lucy Dillon
20 books972 followersLucy Dillon was born in Cumbria, worked for a while in publishing in London, and now lives in the Wye Valley with her husband and their Border terrier. She has written eight novels set in the fictional Midlands town of Longhampton, which looks a bit like Hereford, although the inhabitants tend to sound rather more Northern than that.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
August 22, 2018
Lorna volunteers at a nursing home where she meets and comes to know Betty and her little dachshund Rudy. Betty tries to encourage Lorna to deal with the fears in her life. It is because of Betty that Lorna ends up back in Longhampton. The place where she grew up holds many things Lorna needs to deal with. But it also holds a spark of promise. In her hands Lorna has the key to the town’s gallery. Yet she feels as timid and fearful as the anxious little Rudy. For it was at Longhampton when she was thirteen, that her life changed, irrevocably. Though still fearful, Lorna opens her heart to new experiences, new friendships and also a chance at romance.
This is a life affirming book about family, friendship and creativity. I really liked Lorna, who is kind and compassionate. I also liked her sister Jess, who with her husband and three children is family oriented. But the character that really stayed with me most is Joyce, an elderly artist who has withdrawn from society. She is bossy and prickly but ultimately endearing. She also has a little terrier, Bernard. Bernard and Rudy are fun canine characters as their lives begin to change too. I loved the little gold Dachshund and butterflies on the blue cover. I loved the description and smiled at this description Lorna gives to a friend of her niece Hattie. ‘She’s sixteen, blond with legs like Bambi, eyes like Snow White.’ With just those few words an effective picture is created.
The characters and their problems were real and well brought to life. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, although I might suggest you keep tissues handy if you read it. The description of the gallery and the changing collection of artwork was vividly portrayed and for this non crafty person, fun to hear about. I could picture it all perfectly. A thoroughly enjoyable read that captivated me from the outset. I have read several of this author’s books and enjoyed them but this one is my favourite.
This is a life affirming book about family, friendship and creativity. I really liked Lorna, who is kind and compassionate. I also liked her sister Jess, who with her husband and three children is family oriented. But the character that really stayed with me most is Joyce, an elderly artist who has withdrawn from society. She is bossy and prickly but ultimately endearing. She also has a little terrier, Bernard. Bernard and Rudy are fun canine characters as their lives begin to change too. I loved the little gold Dachshund and butterflies on the blue cover. I loved the description and smiled at this description Lorna gives to a friend of her niece Hattie. ‘She’s sixteen, blond with legs like Bambi, eyes like Snow White.’ With just those few words an effective picture is created.
The characters and their problems were real and well brought to life. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, although I might suggest you keep tissues handy if you read it. The description of the gallery and the changing collection of artwork was vividly portrayed and for this non crafty person, fun to hear about. I could picture it all perfectly. A thoroughly enjoyable read that captivated me from the outset. I have read several of this author’s books and enjoyed them but this one is my favourite.
May 28, 2018
Incredibly emotional, a roller coaster of feelings as we meet Lorna, Betty, Joyce, two little dogs, and a few other very key characters in a book that drew me in from the start and that I am very glad to have read.
Lets start with the key canine since I absolutely love it when Lucy Dillon has dogs in her books, and Rudy is a very sweet but anxious daschund that seems scared of almost everything. Lorna decides to keep him after his owner passes away very early in the book.
Between Lorna and Rudy they move to Longhampton to buy and run an art gallery and Lorna is looking forward to having for the first time ever no-one to share her living space with but as you may expect things don't always go according to plan.
Between being a good friend, helping to support her sister and niece in a new family crisis, a couple of men giving her attention, plus a new business to build Lorna's new life is hectic.
I loved the characterisations of the various people, and all the descriptions were so vivid. I could really see what some of the big artwork mentioned was looking like.
There are some very creative ideas in this book, but its the story of friendship that really got to me. As I got to know the various people, I liked them all more and more, and at points huge amounts of emotion were welling up in my throat and eyes.
I really enjoyed every moment of this lovely book, and really think it is another triumph from Lucy Dillon, who writes so beautifully and with such heart.
Thank you to Transworld and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Lets start with the key canine since I absolutely love it when Lucy Dillon has dogs in her books, and Rudy is a very sweet but anxious daschund that seems scared of almost everything. Lorna decides to keep him after his owner passes away very early in the book.
Between Lorna and Rudy they move to Longhampton to buy and run an art gallery and Lorna is looking forward to having for the first time ever no-one to share her living space with but as you may expect things don't always go according to plan.
Between being a good friend, helping to support her sister and niece in a new family crisis, a couple of men giving her attention, plus a new business to build Lorna's new life is hectic.
I loved the characterisations of the various people, and all the descriptions were so vivid. I could really see what some of the big artwork mentioned was looking like.
There are some very creative ideas in this book, but its the story of friendship that really got to me. As I got to know the various people, I liked them all more and more, and at points huge amounts of emotion were welling up in my throat and eyes.
I really enjoyed every moment of this lovely book, and really think it is another triumph from Lucy Dillon, who writes so beautifully and with such heart.
Thank you to Transworld and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 7, 2022
I tried to engage with this book, not possible for me. Too fluffy, too much homespun philosophy
May 17, 2021
Lorna's story was a powerful read. The main focus is on finding light in the darkest of times. On the lighter side it is about four women knitting, lovely dogs and Sam, Lorna's childhood crush now with an adult heart. Joyce and Tiffany are stand out characters. Joyce is very unique and I loved that about her. It is more than a romance and is highly addictive and hard to put down. 5 stars
September 29, 2018
I tend to enjoy Lucy Dillon’s books, there is always a heartwarming message nestled into the pages. However, this story was painfully slow and at times seemed aimless. Couldn’t get into it or relate to the characters, so it was hard to finish it.
October 10, 2018
Loved this book from beginning to end. What's not to like when the doggy characters are as engaging as the human ones? There was even a mention of adult colouring which is as much a passion of mine as reading.
July 24, 2019
Det här var min första Lucy Dillon och mest troligt den sista. Det här var verkligen inte my jam MEN jag skulle ändå kunna rekommendera till rätt person som vill läsa om... familjedrama? Allt under himmel och jord? Som vill ha en småmysig whatever bok.
Jag har flera problem med den här boken. Att den är så spretig är den första. Jag tror att storyn skulle ha mått bra om den försökte behandla färre saker och gjorde det på ett djupare sätt. Nu kändes det som att det var typ 30 olika trådar men ingen som utforskades på riktigt.
Sen var det karaktärerna, deras relationer till varandra och deras reaktioner på olika situationer. Jag fick ingen som helst connection till någon av dom. Och jag kände att deras sätt agera ibland var helt koko.
Jag har flera problem med den här boken. Att den är så spretig är den första. Jag tror att storyn skulle ha mått bra om den försökte behandla färre saker och gjorde det på ett djupare sätt. Nu kändes det som att det var typ 30 olika trådar men ingen som utforskades på riktigt.
Sen var det karaktärerna, deras relationer till varandra och deras reaktioner på olika situationer. Jag fick ingen som helst connection till någon av dom. Och jag kände att deras sätt agera ibland var helt koko.
May 16, 2018
What Lucy Dillon does when she creates her world and her characters is create a sense of community. Normally the community is not the sort of community that you might expect or what fits the 'usual' it is a community formed of her wonderful characters and the community that those characters need in that setting and in that moment and I think this is the most unlikely community yet, but it might just be my favourite.
This book is long and so a lot of things take place over the course of 450 pages, so settle in because you're in it for the duration. Lorna is a great character to take this journey with because she is unassuming. She has a past and has been hurt in the past by family and friends and so she will always carry that with her. Returning to her past, like many of us will find, has certain effects on her and we see her dealing with those over the course of the book. What Lorna has by the bucket though, is kindness. She volunteers her time, her attention and her home to people she may have only known for a short while and so i defy anyone not to love this character.
There are a host of supporting characters in this novel who make up quite a large cast of people you wouldn't necessarily put together. Lorna's best friend, her sister and her niece are major players in this book as are two people who Lorna has helped in their final months. Of course the characters you really want to know about are the dogs though right? Rudy the dachshund is just fabulous. He is just an anxious as any human and he does have to overcome some of those anxieties over the course of this novel. One of those being a terrier called Bernard. We know what the mood of the book is from chapter to chapter depending on how the dogs are doing and their intuition, I think that this was great!
This book has a small town rural setting which has become very popular with writers of late but there isn't a massive push to describe people being outdoorsy or winning over a local community which I was refreshed by, this doesn't follow the trend, it just happens to have the small town setting. I think the small town setting was necessary for Lorna to be able to grow and evolve the way that she does and I really enjoyed the fact that a lot of this book takes place in an art gallery as well, it's not something I know a lot about and the fact that it was local art and not renaissance artists meant that I was able to follow everything they were talking about easily.
This book covers a lot of topics not covered in other books and I think that is why I took my time over the novel and enjoyed it page by page. It is a long book but it doesn't necessarily feel long as you are reading it. If you go for the hardback is is beautiful but not the best for carrying in a small handbag-be warned that you will need a rucksack or a separate tote for this one. I really enjoyed this book and the community that Lucy Dillon has once again built in my mind!
This book is long and so a lot of things take place over the course of 450 pages, so settle in because you're in it for the duration. Lorna is a great character to take this journey with because she is unassuming. She has a past and has been hurt in the past by family and friends and so she will always carry that with her. Returning to her past, like many of us will find, has certain effects on her and we see her dealing with those over the course of the book. What Lorna has by the bucket though, is kindness. She volunteers her time, her attention and her home to people she may have only known for a short while and so i defy anyone not to love this character.
There are a host of supporting characters in this novel who make up quite a large cast of people you wouldn't necessarily put together. Lorna's best friend, her sister and her niece are major players in this book as are two people who Lorna has helped in their final months. Of course the characters you really want to know about are the dogs though right? Rudy the dachshund is just fabulous. He is just an anxious as any human and he does have to overcome some of those anxieties over the course of this novel. One of those being a terrier called Bernard. We know what the mood of the book is from chapter to chapter depending on how the dogs are doing and their intuition, I think that this was great!
This book has a small town rural setting which has become very popular with writers of late but there isn't a massive push to describe people being outdoorsy or winning over a local community which I was refreshed by, this doesn't follow the trend, it just happens to have the small town setting. I think the small town setting was necessary for Lorna to be able to grow and evolve the way that she does and I really enjoyed the fact that a lot of this book takes place in an art gallery as well, it's not something I know a lot about and the fact that it was local art and not renaissance artists meant that I was able to follow everything they were talking about easily.
This book covers a lot of topics not covered in other books and I think that is why I took my time over the novel and enjoyed it page by page. It is a long book but it doesn't necessarily feel long as you are reading it. If you go for the hardback is is beautiful but not the best for carrying in a small handbag-be warned that you will need a rucksack or a separate tote for this one. I really enjoyed this book and the community that Lucy Dillon has once again built in my mind!
October 25, 2019
A very moving and beautiful story, I loved it.
April 27, 2018
Such a wonderful book!!! I love reading books from Lucy Dillon as she always creates such warm characters who you immediately connect with, and this story follows Lorna as she goes back to where she has some bad memories, but just taking that brave step to face them head on and start a new project just brings out the best in her - and changes the life of those around her too!
We first meet Lorna as she is volunteering at a hospice where she spends time with those in the final stages of life, and you instantly see how compassionate she is, and how she acquires the little dog Rudy!
Lorna only has her sister Jess left around as they lost their parents years ago, and while Jess has a husband and family, Lorna is left feeling a little lost and is looking for a new direction in which to take her life. And that is when moving back to Longhampton to buy the failing art gallery becomes her plan!
As soon as she arrives she finds many faces from her past that evoke a number of feelings, no more so than when she finds Sam is back in the area - she used to have a major crush on him during her teenage years and she finds those feelings don't seem to have gone away. Is he still the same kind of character that she remembers though?!
The friendship and bond Lorna then builds up with Joyce is a wonderful and touching part of this story. Joyce is an artist, but a reclusive one and is happy to live her life on her own, with her dog Bernard, and has developed a hatred of her social worker! But she sees something in Lorna that resonates with her and is quick to trust her, first with walking Bernard for her and then being more open to sharing her artwork to help the gallery.
There are a wide range of topics throughout this book - memories, family secrets, yarnbombing, a community pulling together, facing your fears - and I found myself unable to put the book down at times as I became so wrapped up in the characters and the situations they found themselves in! There were tears too!!
A fabulous read!!
We first meet Lorna as she is volunteering at a hospice where she spends time with those in the final stages of life, and you instantly see how compassionate she is, and how she acquires the little dog Rudy!
Lorna only has her sister Jess left around as they lost their parents years ago, and while Jess has a husband and family, Lorna is left feeling a little lost and is looking for a new direction in which to take her life. And that is when moving back to Longhampton to buy the failing art gallery becomes her plan!
As soon as she arrives she finds many faces from her past that evoke a number of feelings, no more so than when she finds Sam is back in the area - she used to have a major crush on him during her teenage years and she finds those feelings don't seem to have gone away. Is he still the same kind of character that she remembers though?!
The friendship and bond Lorna then builds up with Joyce is a wonderful and touching part of this story. Joyce is an artist, but a reclusive one and is happy to live her life on her own, with her dog Bernard, and has developed a hatred of her social worker! But she sees something in Lorna that resonates with her and is quick to trust her, first with walking Bernard for her and then being more open to sharing her artwork to help the gallery.
There are a wide range of topics throughout this book - memories, family secrets, yarnbombing, a community pulling together, facing your fears - and I found myself unable to put the book down at times as I became so wrapped up in the characters and the situations they found themselves in! There were tears too!!
A fabulous read!!
April 19, 2018
A lovely heartwarming book that is full of creativity, friendship and self discovery.
In this lovely story your taken on a journey with Lorna that takes you through her memories of how life changed for her the summer she was 13 and how this in turn shaped her future. After deciding to fulfill her dream she reconnects with herself and in doing so gains friends both old and new and creates something wonderful for all involved.
A brilliantly crafted story that I loved throughout and loved the creativity included in this story.
In this lovely story your taken on a journey with Lorna that takes you through her memories of how life changed for her the summer she was 13 and how this in turn shaped her future. After deciding to fulfill her dream she reconnects with herself and in doing so gains friends both old and new and creates something wonderful for all involved.
A brilliantly crafted story that I loved throughout and loved the creativity included in this story.
February 8, 2026
TBDAB (to be discussed at book club)
October 4, 2018
Beautiful, moving, Uplighting, gorgeous. Perhaps not the best book to read on bus trips. Due to the amount of times I had to pretend that I had allergies. 🙈🙈. Due to crying in public. But this is one of my favourite books of the year. Loved it.
March 30, 2018
Firstly, I simply must draw attention to the beautiful cover of this book. The forget-me-not blue background with the contrasting gold text is gorgeous, and I have seen finished copies of the hardback on Lucy’s Instagram that shows not only that it is just as eyecatching in real life, but that the inlay has little dachshund dogs all over it which just makes me crave a copy of my own (this is something ebooks just can never compete with imho).
I have long been a big fan of Lucy Dillon’s writing; always full of loveable characters, countryside appeal, and adorable dogs. This book returns to Longhampton again, but with a new set of characters to meet. Cameo appearances from old favourites do pop up throughout the book for eagle-eyed fans of her previous tales.
Lorna has just lost someone important to her and spurred on by their bravery decides to return to her childhood town to take over an art gallery, hoping to fulfill her lifelong ambition to be successful in the local art scene like her Mother. With a strong desire to prove herself and unfinished business in the town, she soon finds herself overwhelmed by the responsibilities she has undertaken. Further complications in the form of family drama, a friend that turns up after losing her job, an old flame, and a local artist that is no pushover, challenge Lorna to question everything she assumes about pretty much everything. There is tragedy, scandalous revelations and passion that keeps every chapter a page-turner.
Though there are very funny moments and lots of light relief from the charming locals and endearing dogs in the story, it is a heartbreaker. It tackles very moving, emotional topics, specifically death and loss. It challenges what we would really want at the end of it all, what truly matters and what peace can be achieved with dignity, love and friendship; very thought-provoking and touching. Having followed Lucy Dillon for many years I can only imagine that this book was a particularly personal book to write, and you can feel the raw emotion within its pages.
Thank you to Transworld team for granting me a copy of this via Netgalley to review in my own words.
I have long been a big fan of Lucy Dillon’s writing; always full of loveable characters, countryside appeal, and adorable dogs. This book returns to Longhampton again, but with a new set of characters to meet. Cameo appearances from old favourites do pop up throughout the book for eagle-eyed fans of her previous tales.
Lorna has just lost someone important to her and spurred on by their bravery decides to return to her childhood town to take over an art gallery, hoping to fulfill her lifelong ambition to be successful in the local art scene like her Mother. With a strong desire to prove herself and unfinished business in the town, she soon finds herself overwhelmed by the responsibilities she has undertaken. Further complications in the form of family drama, a friend that turns up after losing her job, an old flame, and a local artist that is no pushover, challenge Lorna to question everything she assumes about pretty much everything. There is tragedy, scandalous revelations and passion that keeps every chapter a page-turner.
Though there are very funny moments and lots of light relief from the charming locals and endearing dogs in the story, it is a heartbreaker. It tackles very moving, emotional topics, specifically death and loss. It challenges what we would really want at the end of it all, what truly matters and what peace can be achieved with dignity, love and friendship; very thought-provoking and touching. Having followed Lucy Dillon for many years I can only imagine that this book was a particularly personal book to write, and you can feel the raw emotion within its pages.
Thank you to Transworld team for granting me a copy of this via Netgalley to review in my own words.
April 22, 2018
beautiful, just beautiful. Had me sobbing buckets!
October 18, 2019
I’d originally given this book 3 stars but have changed to 4. Chick lit definitely isn’t my genre any more but Lucy writes in a way that draws you back to picking it up
I like the dogs in her book who always feature regularly and this was a lovely story.
I like the dogs in her book who always feature regularly and this was a lovely story.
February 17, 2022
3.5 - I struggled a bit to get through it, but the ending was beautiful
November 11, 2019
The Blurb :
It was Betty, defiant to the end, who sent Lorna back to Longhampton. If Lorna’s learned one thing from Betty it’s that courage is something you paint on like red lipstick, even when you’re panicking inside. And right now, with the keys to the town’s gallery in her hand, Lorna feels about as courageous as Betty’s anxious little dachshund, trembling beside her.
Lorna’s come home to Longhampton to fulfil a long-held dream, but she knows, deep down, there are ghosts she needs to lay to rest first. This is where her tight-knit family shattered into silent pieces. It’s where her unspoken fears about herself took root and where her own secret, complicated love began. It’s not exactly a fresh start.
But as Lorna – and the little dog – tentatively open their cracked hearts to old friends and new ones, facing hard truths and fresh promises, something surprisingly beautiful begins to grow around the gallery, something so inspirational even Lorna couldn’t have predicted the light it lets into her world.
My Thoughts :
We meet Lorna, who is thirty and having left her home of Longhampton when she was young, she has now returned back to run the local art gallery. She lost both her parents and only has her sister Jess left. Not sure which direction to turn she decides to give the gallery a go and see where it will take her.
As Lorna settles back in town, she runs in to a few faces from the past.
This story has a good array of supporting cast, with lots of action going on. The story also includes a few dogs with Lorna now looking after timid dachshund Rudy after his owner Betty passed away and Lorna couldnt see him sent to the shelter home.
I especially loved watching Lorna’s relationship with Joyce grow throughout. Joyce is an Artist who likes to keep herself to herself but she sees something in Lorna and starts to trust her. Besides her Border Terrier Bernard had taken a liking to Lorna.
This is one of those heart warming stories that tugs at your heartstrings, full of friendships, love and grief. Lucy Dillon puts you very much in the centre of the action, and it will leave you with a tear in the eye.
Looking forward to more from her in the future.
** This has been reviewed for Whispering Stories blog, thank you for the copy **
It was Betty, defiant to the end, who sent Lorna back to Longhampton. If Lorna’s learned one thing from Betty it’s that courage is something you paint on like red lipstick, even when you’re panicking inside. And right now, with the keys to the town’s gallery in her hand, Lorna feels about as courageous as Betty’s anxious little dachshund, trembling beside her.
Lorna’s come home to Longhampton to fulfil a long-held dream, but she knows, deep down, there are ghosts she needs to lay to rest first. This is where her tight-knit family shattered into silent pieces. It’s where her unspoken fears about herself took root and where her own secret, complicated love began. It’s not exactly a fresh start.
But as Lorna – and the little dog – tentatively open their cracked hearts to old friends and new ones, facing hard truths and fresh promises, something surprisingly beautiful begins to grow around the gallery, something so inspirational even Lorna couldn’t have predicted the light it lets into her world.
My Thoughts :
We meet Lorna, who is thirty and having left her home of Longhampton when she was young, she has now returned back to run the local art gallery. She lost both her parents and only has her sister Jess left. Not sure which direction to turn she decides to give the gallery a go and see where it will take her.
As Lorna settles back in town, she runs in to a few faces from the past.
This story has a good array of supporting cast, with lots of action going on. The story also includes a few dogs with Lorna now looking after timid dachshund Rudy after his owner Betty passed away and Lorna couldnt see him sent to the shelter home.
I especially loved watching Lorna’s relationship with Joyce grow throughout. Joyce is an Artist who likes to keep herself to herself but she sees something in Lorna and starts to trust her. Besides her Border Terrier Bernard had taken a liking to Lorna.
This is one of those heart warming stories that tugs at your heartstrings, full of friendships, love and grief. Lucy Dillon puts you very much in the centre of the action, and it will leave you with a tear in the eye.
Looking forward to more from her in the future.
** This has been reviewed for Whispering Stories blog, thank you for the copy **
May 31, 2018
What a wonderful book! My favourite Lucy Dillon novel to date!
August 1, 2019
Stark 4.
En härlig bok som jag mådde bra av när jag läste. Lucy D är en av mina favoriter när det gäller må bra-böcker
En härlig bok som jag mådde bra av när jag läste. Lucy D är en av mina favoriter när det gäller må bra-böcker
August 18, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. Very well written and a great storyline kept me wanting to read more and to keep the story going, what’s next… great sensitivity about end of life and lived the art gallery story line ring a textile artist too .
December 1, 2019
2,5 stjärnor - avrundar uppåt bara för att jag är snäll. Brukar tycka Lucy Dillon är ett säkert kort på trevligt tidsfördriv men den här föll mig inte riktigt i smaken.
May 9, 2024
This was a nice easy read, nothing too taxing, a good holiday read
July 19, 2018
This was a bit of a mixed bag of a read for me. I wasn't really disappointed in it as such (even though I have thoroughly enjoyed other books by this author) I just couldn't really connect with the people or the place. The story arc didn't really grab me either if I'm being honest and it all felt a little bit contrived - what really galled me is that Lorna (our main character) mentions that the accounts for the Gallery don't tally but this is never resolved. It did make me wonder if the editor had snipped a side story out as they are never referred to again. It is made perfectly clear up to this point that Lorna is meticulous in her approach to work so it is pretty much unconceivable that she had made an error of what we are led to believe is some magnitude judging by her panic over paying the taxman.
That aside there are some well drawn characters in the book. I particularly liked the depth of Samson who had such a changeable personality he felt completely real; his brother Gabriel on the other hand is completely one dimensional and almost reminded me of a Regency Villain so few where his redeeming features. The real chracters here are Joyce Rothery and Betty, Betty may not be in the book for very long but she sure leaves a lasting impression from her few pages and Joyce is just the sort of old woman we all hope to live to be. Unfortunately Lorna herself is a bit wishy washy and I just couldn't empathise with her and her supposed trials and tribulations. She is also a little bit of a doormat and for some reason that actively repels me in a character.
The sections dealing with Lorna trying to rejuvenate the local Gallery and bring new life to it are quite interesting and the plans she makes for Art Week are so seemingly simple and yet very powerful. I also really liked the yarnbombing theme and it almost made me want to attempt learning to knit - again (much to my grandmother's disgust I never could get an even tension - much like Lorna in the book). I think it was these interludes of life in the shop that kept me interested in the tale.
I enjoyed chunks of the book but parts of it left me feeling all a bit meh and made me want to skim through. I persevered with it though but ultimately did not feel rewarded on completing the tale. I am sure if you can connect with the main character you will garner much more enjoyment from the book than I did.
That aside there are some well drawn characters in the book. I particularly liked the depth of Samson who had such a changeable personality he felt completely real; his brother Gabriel on the other hand is completely one dimensional and almost reminded me of a Regency Villain so few where his redeeming features. The real chracters here are Joyce Rothery and Betty, Betty may not be in the book for very long but she sure leaves a lasting impression from her few pages and Joyce is just the sort of old woman we all hope to live to be. Unfortunately Lorna herself is a bit wishy washy and I just couldn't empathise with her and her supposed trials and tribulations. She is also a little bit of a doormat and for some reason that actively repels me in a character.
The sections dealing with Lorna trying to rejuvenate the local Gallery and bring new life to it are quite interesting and the plans she makes for Art Week are so seemingly simple and yet very powerful. I also really liked the yarnbombing theme and it almost made me want to attempt learning to knit - again (much to my grandmother's disgust I never could get an even tension - much like Lorna in the book). I think it was these interludes of life in the shop that kept me interested in the tale.
I enjoyed chunks of the book but parts of it left me feeling all a bit meh and made me want to skim through. I persevered with it though but ultimately did not feel rewarded on completing the tale. I am sure if you can connect with the main character you will garner much more enjoyment from the book than I did.
September 22, 2018
I am always drawn to novels by Lucy Dillon as they always have such heart-warming storylines and a dog that will capture my heart too! Lucy’s most recent release Where the Light Gets In has the most stunning delicate cover and the synopsis sounded promising too.
Lorna has had her fair share of difficulties in the past and these have shaped the woman she is today but she has one last fight in her and her determination to succeed in the world of Art sees her buying the Art Gallery in the old town she grew up in. Lorna needs to drastically turn the local business around and the best way she can do that is to get the local artist Mrs Rothery on board but she has a reputation of being a rather prickly character so it will not be an easy task.
I really enjoyed Where the Light Gets In there are two very poignant chapters in this book that was crafted so tenderly that I soon found I had a lump in my throat. I have always enjoyed the arrivals of our furry friends in Lucy’s novels and we are treated to two little beauties in Rudy and Bernard who are loyal and loveable friends if somewhat troublesome at times.
Lorna is such a selfless and caring character who is instantly likeable, she is so quick to forget her own needs and wants and put others needs before her own. She opens her heart and her home to those in need whether that be for family and friends she has known for years or those dear little ladies who she has only known so briefly with no ulterior motive.
I really enjoyed getting to know Joyce, she was a very firm and wilful woman who I think inside was crying out to have someone close to her but found it so much easier to put up a prickly barrier.
I do love the romance that was weaved into this storyline but I am so pleased that is didn’t dictate the whole plot as I loved watching Lorna’s journey with her plans for her new business and her unlikely friendship with Joyce.
This really was a pleasant gentle read that tugged at the heart strings.
January 28, 2019
This isn’t my usual genre of book however on a cold day as the wind whistles around the house and Britain is Brexit bonkers (sorry world we aren’t all complete lunatics just the politicians) this book was just the ticket. It was really well written with characters I felt invested in and grew so fond of, in particular Joyce with her independence and scathing attitudes to authorities who thought they knew what was best for her because she was old. I’m channeling my inner Joyce. Some people would say I’m more than half way there already. I couldn’t possibly comment. Lorna, Tiffany, Jess, Sam etc were all very likeable and oh so believable. The story drew me in effortlessly and I couldn’t put it down.
I loved the art elements in the story and particularly liked that art became so accessible and part of the community especially with the yarn bombs. We had one draped over the roof, side and gardens of our local Abbey for the centenary of the ending of WW1 and it was very moving. The ending of the book showed how powerful they can be and I was almost moved to tears. It is an emotional book and I especially related to Lorna’s regrets that her mother died alone as mine did too despite our best efforts and again I was close to tears. Having said all that it is a most uplifting book and I quite simply loved it.
I loved the art elements in the story and particularly liked that art became so accessible and part of the community especially with the yarn bombs. We had one draped over the roof, side and gardens of our local Abbey for the centenary of the ending of WW1 and it was very moving. The ending of the book showed how powerful they can be and I was almost moved to tears. It is an emotional book and I especially related to Lorna’s regrets that her mother died alone as mine did too despite our best efforts and again I was close to tears. Having said all that it is a most uplifting book and I quite simply loved it.
April 12, 2018
I really can't praise this book enough! It's tender, sweet, funny, charmjng and so touching! The creativity flows through the pages and made me want to be crafty (something which I have ZERO talent for!). The characters of Lorna and Joyce will stay with me for a long while. Tiff, Sam, Jess and Hattie were wonderful too. And I mustn't forget Rudy and Bernard!
This is an absolute must read for 2018! I laughed, cried and was glued to the last 100 pages!
This is an absolute must read for 2018! I laughed, cried and was glued to the last 100 pages!
February 25, 2020
https://clavie.co/2020/02/19/book-rev...
I liked the overall story of Lorna and Joyce’s friendship and, as always, I liked the dogs. However, I found the story was too meandering and without depth. In addition, the Sam element was supremely tedious. The ending just did my head in.
I love the meaning of the story however I did find this novel to be a bit slow for my liking.
I liked the overall story of Lorna and Joyce’s friendship and, as always, I liked the dogs. However, I found the story was too meandering and without depth. In addition, the Sam element was supremely tedious. The ending just did my head in.
I love the meaning of the story however I did find this novel to be a bit slow for my liking.
March 14, 2019
This book pulled me in like no other book. Full of poetry and emotions. Absolutely brilliant. It touched so many parts of me that I haven’t felt for a long time. It makes me want to paint the world with textiles! I’ll now have to chase down more of this amazing author. Brilliant!
February 24, 2024
A book full of fluffiness and emotion … warming in the simplest way.
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