Autumn at the Willow River Guesthouse

The Warm Days of Autumn #2

by C.P. Ward

Autumn at the Willow River Guesthouse – a delightful and heart-warming romantic comedy from CP Ward, author of Christmas at Marshmallow Café and Summer at Blue Sands Lake.

Lily Markham is having a hard time of things. In the space of a week, she loses her job, breaks up with her cheating boyfriend, and is kicked out of her London flat. With her world crashing down, Lily does the only thing she retreat to her charming hometown of Willow River to lick her wounds.

There, with autumn leaves falling and the air turning cool, Lily takes a job in her uncle’s guesthouse, develops a friendship with a reclusive novelist, and starts to rebuild her life. And when she meets someone from her past, love could be floating on the cool autumn breeze …

Full of the warmth, humour and romance that CP Ward’s readers have come to love, Autumn at Willow River Guesthouse is perfect reading for a cool autumn day.

Released August 25th 2022

Also by CP Ward

The Warm Days of Autumn Series
Autumn in Sycamore Park
Autumn at the Willow River Guesthouse
(coming soon) Autumn in Sunset Harbour

The Glorious Summer Series
Summer at Blue Sands Cove
Summer at Tall Trees Lake

The Delightful Christmas Series
I’m Glad I Found You This Christmas
We’ll Have a Wonderful Cornish Christmas
Coming Home to Me This Christmas
Christmas at the Marshmallow Café
Christmas at Snowflake Lodge
Christmas at Log Fire Cabins
(coming soon) A Stranger Arrives This Christmas

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Fiction, Cozy, Womens Fiction, Adult

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2022

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was ok, I did not like how the characters were described by their weight, and that she calle dher parents by their first name.

[Sarka B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in The Warm Days of Autumn serie by my favourite C.P.Ward and it is a good read. It has a nice autumn atmosphere. I like the story. It is well written. I am looking forward to read next book of this writer soon.

[Lori Wilen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second C.P. Ward and second in this series and I really loved it more than the first and that book was pretty special. I totally adored the setting. Devon is really beautiful and reading this brought back memories of many vacations (holidays) I spent there. This author writes stories that are very full of content but written in what I would call a laid back way. There is nothing frenzied about her writing. The narrative is perfect. The descriptions so beautiful that I can see myself at the places we are visiting in her words. The conversations are so natural and so real and really give us a view of who the characters really are. They were all pretty wonderful in this book. Even the bad guy wasn't terrible. I didn't want to put this book down and was really sad when it ended because it was so great I wanted it to go on forever. A book in a series that I would highly recommend.

[Lisa W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it wasn’t very autumnal, I really enjoyed this book! Therefore 4 stars instead of 5. I liked that this book takes place mainly in the same town as the first book and that it’s not the typical romance novel hallmark spice story. Will be reading the other books of this series.

[Nikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

No idea why I read this after this first but this was somehow even more fat phobic, and with a bonus of infantilising mental health and controlling someone’s diet. I need a shower after reading this.

[Gigi Sandoval · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a cutesy seasonal read that was not filled with the type of content that an excellent novel possesses (which I already knew when I chose to read it), but the shallow characters, predictable plot, lack of substance, and swiftness in the development of the MC's relationship with her love interest is crazy and incredibly unrealistic and unbelievable. I also hate the passive aggressiveness of the author's writing when it came to bigger-sized people. Can't believe I didn't DNF this one. I kind of wish I had.

[Jerika · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have no idea how this book could be described as a romantic comedy. There was no romance in sight and I didn’t laugh once. Were the characters quirky? Yes. Did some silly things happen? Sure. But the majority of this book was the FMC finding the guts to move on from her ex. To be honest I would have DNF’d this book if I hadn’t used a Hoopla credit to listen to it. It wasn’t bad writing, per se, just slow and boring. The “love interest” (if he can even be called that) didn’t even make an appearance until I was 80% done with the book 🤦🏻‍♀️

[Lain · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read, and a perfect one for the fall season. It feels like an autumn Hallmark movie in a book. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the some parts of the story, but the fall vibes and atmosphere was absolutely there.

However, I was expecting more of a romance, but the book was focused on the main character’s personal growth. Which was nice, but then the romance itself felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped. There was also a large focus on Lily’s relationship with a reclusive author, and the moments when Lily was giving her story ideas for her new book felt pretty corny to me (don’t wanna spoil it, but you would know if you read it). In general, there were quite a few cheesy or unrealistic pieces of dialogue, but there were also some parts when the main character felt pretty relatable.

While I wasn’t in love with the characters or their relationships, the vibe of the story was exactly what I wanted to read this time of year. I would still be interested in checking out the first book in this series.

[Bookishdays · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this clean romance full of charm because is set in a cozy country town, with a fun and quirky group of characters.

Lilly left London, where she lived a very successful life, with a well-paid job and an artist boyfriend, but as everything collapsed in a matter of days, alone and defected she seeks refuge in her parent's home. Back to her hometown and with a peculiar family, Lilly has no difficult to blend in. She found new friendships with old school mates and start working at the Guest House of her uncle.

In this beautiful place she meets Victoria a reclusive famous author who suffers from anxiety. Lilly starts helping Victoria with the new book and her mental health, but at the same time she heals herself.

This is a cute romance perfect to warm your heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

** 3.5 Stars **
Do you ever notice how bad luck really does come in 3’s many times? Lily Markham is proof of that scenario when, in rapid succession, she is fired from her job, finds her fiancé cheating and ends the relationship, and is evicted from her London flat due to a breach of fire regulations. When she had cleaned out her desk, she stood there with tears running down her cheeks and no one even noticed. This is definitely a time to go back home and start fresh with a new path forward.

This is one of the most depressing stories I have read in a long time. Knowing something good had to show up sooner or later, I kept going. But I can’t say I enjoyed this one. If you are curious how all of this works out for Lily, grab your copy and see if getting through these calamities leaves her with only good luck ahead.

[Ally A · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say it hasn’t been a very good week for Lily Markham is putting it mildly. She’s lost her job, discarded a cheating boyfriend and has no place to stay. With no other options, she heads home to Willow River where she finds more than she ever hoped for in this sweet, charming and oh-so-satisfying romance of discovery. I just found myself smiling as I read and the ending is pitch perfect. CP Ward is a new-to-me author and I’ve already added her previous books to my must-be-read list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fanica Rarinca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read

This book is easy to read, and entertains the reader with a beautiful , autumn scenery and landscapes. The main character starts with a series of missfortunate situations in a space of couple of days and she felt force to return home , to a very small turistic town, after a few years of London living. After a few days of being idle,she statrs helping first her Dad, then her Uncle , and Aunt to run their business. She find a purpose, to help a famous writer to overcome her writing- block and in the end she falls inlove and finds her calling.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Chris Ward; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of his books.

This is the second book in the Warm Days of Autumn Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Lily; she returns to her hometown after losing her job, breaking up with her cheating boyfriend and getting kicked out of her apartment.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 star rating for this second book in The Warm Days of Autumn series. I liked the first book (Autumn in Sycamore Park) better, but this one was also cute. This book's plot wasn't as good as the first and it didn't have as much of a fall feel to it. Also, just as in the first book the author's descriptions of her characters focus on their weight too often. It's a shame because otherwise it's a charming series for fall reading.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and entertaining romantic comedy with strong characters and an enjoyable storyline. It's well written with perfectly painted scenes and moves quickly and smoothly. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Christina Bowling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book for the most part. Lily and Michael were a good couple and I enjoyed following Lily's story. My only real issue is it's tagged as a 'happily ever after' but it's not really. It's more of a 'happy for now'. I'd have preferred a HEA with a more definite future for them, but hopefully we'll see that in future books in the series. I was gifted a copy.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is wonderful story! A lighthearted read after a rough beginning for Lily. There is self discovery as she starts anew. It's well written with a charming fall setting. The story was heartwarming and a great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. So well written you feel like you're in the story with the characters living everyday life. A captivating read that pulls you in and keeps you turning the pages. The characters are easy to get to know and feel like life long friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't call this book a romance book as the only romance was in the last few chapters & there really wasn't much & could barely be called romance. The book focused more on the main character's development. Overall it was a nice read & I read it in a few days. It was a book I could easily read a few chapters & then stop & pick it up later.

[nx74defiant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet charming little romance. Lily has lost her job, car, home and boyfriend. She goes back home to her parents. She works for her uncle's guesthouse. There she meets a reclusive author. She exchanges emails with the author's estranged son. Together Lily and the author help each other get their lives together.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and Light Weight Romantic Comedy
This is such a lovely story. The reader sort of knows where it is going, but the journey is so much fun! I enjoyed the assorted characters who came and went through this village. This is a quick-moving delight that makes Autumn seem more beautiful.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely story that I enjoyed reading. I'll definitely be looking out for more in this series, and by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast and enjoyable read. I enjoyed the setting and characters. The story was nicely paced. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cecly Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 4.5-star read for me. All I can say is poor Lily, fired, cheated upon, and evicted all in the spate of a few hours. Yeah, life can only get better.
This was an enjoyable read as the characters kept me invested as I believed that something good had to happen to poor Lily.

[Rose Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the 4 book series. A fall setting in a cozy small town with a Hallmark fall feel. A really easy and quick read.

[Rochelle Saldaña · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun! I loved the relationships of the family members. The small town was idyllic. A feel-good read that was worth it!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline as it was unique and a cozy read.

[Tori DeFazio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpectedly sweet. A cheesy wonderful hallmark movie of a book that focuses more on finding oneself than the romance.

[Lee Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars. I liked this second cozy in the series better than the first. Good characters, just enough details of supporting cast and a storyline not bogged down in useless details and rambling.

[Lita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply charming