Book Review - Lessons in Life by Julie Houston - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Title: Lessons in Life

Author: Julie Houston

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 12th May 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

The Yorkshire village of Beddingfield is home to the wonderful women of the Allen family: teacher Robyn, wannabe chef Jess, teenage tearaway Sorrel and matriarch Lisa, who holds the whole family together. But underneath her warmth and brilliance, Lisa has a secret – she longs to know who she really is.

In Hudson House, the grand manor on the edge of Beddingfield which is now a care home, lives seventy-something Eloise Howard. With film star beauty but memories fading fast, Eloise is slowly taking one foot at a time back into her past. Born into a prestigious family, her father the owner of the local Hudson’s Mill, Eloise’s life was destined to be one of finishing schools and balls. But when her path crossed Junayd Sattar’s, the most striking and kindest man she had ever met, nothing would ever be the same again.

When Lisa begins to spend time at Hudson House and befriends Eloise, the two women form an unbreakable bond. But unbeknownst to them both, they share secrets that, once uncovered, will change everything they believed about their own lives.

In her unmatched warm and uplifting voice, Julie Houston’s funny and profoundly moving tale of forbidden love, friendship and family ties will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page… Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Fiona Gibson and Cathy Kelly.

Readers LOVE Julie Houston:

I am adoring this Beddingfield set series by Julie Houston. We may only be two books into it, but it's shaping up to be a total cracker of a series. 

Having read the first book, it really didn't take too long to totally feel at home again with the Allen family. 

We also get to know Lisa a lot better this time, and discovering more about her past. 

There is also a new resident at Hudson House, and we get chapters from her young adult years. 

I put two and two together about something and came up with the right solution for a change, even if some of the logic was wrong. 

Also enjoyed seeing Robyn's latest attempts at teaching, and all things to do with Jess and Sorrel. 

So many wonderful characters, and I am loving these looks at their lives.  I can't help but think this series could potentially make a fabulous soap opera. 

Just brilliant. 

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