Book Review - The Farmhouse of Second Chances by Helen Rolfe - Blog Tour

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Title: The Farmhouse of Second Chances

Author: Helen Rolfe

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 17th February 2022

Rating: 4 Stars

Home is where the heart is...

Joy has made a family for herself. She's turned her beautiful old farmhouse into a safe haven for anyone who is looking for a new beginning. She's always ready with a kind word, a nugget of advice and believes that anyone can change their life for the better, if they really want to.

Libby has exchanged her high-flying job in New York for a break in the quiet Somerset countryside. She's soon drawn into Joy's world and into her family of waifs and strays - including Drew, whom Joy once helped get back on his feet.

So when a secret from Joy's past threatens everything, can the unlikely group come together to give Joy a second chance of her own?

Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley and Ali McNamara!

It took me a long while to get into this book, I knew I was enjoying it, but due to life getting in the way, I was struggling to read for more than a few mins at time. I feel if I had managed to spare the time to read a good amount of the early bit of the book in one go, I would have connected with it a lot quicker - but that's on me. 

As by the time I got to the last quarter I had to read it one sitting, I couldn't be parted from the story, as I desperately needed to know just what is was that Joy has been hiding, and I would never have predicted how the finale section of this book would resolve. 

I loved the dual view points of Joy and Libby, aunt and niece, as it really allowed me the chance to get to know the characters.  Libby and her adjustment to life in the UK Countryside after quitting her New York city job.   And Joy with what really is a farmhouse of second chances. 

There are adorable puppies, and a rag tag group of people that Joy has helped over the years that have become her family.  I loved getting to know Lauren and her cakes, Freddie and his fruit and veg business, Drew and his kayaks and Cameron who is the newest addition to the farmhouse, who is just starting to settle in. 

I thoroughly enjoyed these well rounded characters who all have awkward pasts in common, and who all clearly care for Joy. 

I had a lot of fun trying to guess what the big secret in Joy's past was, and generally enjoying the whole heartwarming vibe of the book. A very enjoyable story. 

Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.