Summer at the Little Cottage on the Hill: An utterly uplifting holiday romance to escape with (The Little Cottage Series Book 2)

I really enjoyed reading Emma Davies books this one was an absolute favourite. They’re all so well written and fun to read. Isobel’s story was delightful. Would definitely recommend reading this book Summer at the little cottage on the hill. along with the others in the series, I’ve enjoyed them so much .

this was areally good read.

Now I am a little bit biased when it comes down to it, but I have to say that Shropshire really is a pretty county. Makes for the perfect setting for a bit of romantic relief, or, in the case of Isobel, a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city in which she can create the musical masterpiece which will get her career back on track. Or so you would think ...Wouldn't it make for quite the dull story is everything was as easy as all that? You see Isobel has her demons, things from her past which haunt her and have prevented her from truly fulfilling her promise as a violinist and those, perhaps more corporeal, who would seek to control her fortunes a little too closely too. When she happens upon Joy's Acre's website, it seems the answer to her prayers but little does she realise just how distracted she is or how distracting her new home will become. From her arrival on the small farm she is about to go on a journey of discovery, not only about herself, but also about the story behind the farm and those who live there, one which will provide her with unexpected inspiration.From the very first time we met the folk of Joy's Acre I was hooked on this series. The way in which Emma Davies has captured the setting is a joy to behold (no pun intended) and is as peaceful and tranquil to read as you would imagine it would be to visit. On top of that she has created a cast of characters who you can really grow to love very quickly, each one individual and each one adding a different layer of interest and back story to keep readers engaged.This time around, the story focuses upon Tom, the Thatcher,  part time musician and close friend of farm owner Seth. While he was only on the periphery of the first book, we didn't learn much about him, other than he was a bit of a tart, but it was clear there was something there - some secret which drove him to act in the way that he did. We learn much more about him in this book and to be honest, he is perhaps even more endearing that Seth was in book one. He certainly has hidden depths and a level of compassion and understanding which up until now had been well hidden behind a lackadaisical attitude towards life. His story is quite sad, and Emma Davies has painted it quite sympathetically so you will be willing him to come good. Despite his reputation his shyness or embarrassment when it comes to Isobel is actually quite endearing and it certainly had me smiling, if not laughing, from time to time.Isobel it quite the foil for our Tom. Quite stand offish at the start, I did struggle to warm to her but as the story progresses and you learn more of her history, the more I grew to like her. As with everything in life, first appearances are often wrong and Isobel;s character, and your perception of her, is quickly reflected in the way she judges, and misjudges, others. Again, her passion for music, much like Tom's, has been captured perfectly by the author, that heady balance between simply playing the notes as they are written and truly feeling what you are playing captured perfectly upon the page. The passion of a true artist often overflows, and is echoed in the text, but ultimately you will, as I did, start to like Isobel.It is easy to see where this story is heading from the off and yet the journey that you are taken on is quite a beautiful one. You will feel the tranquility of Joy's Acre start to invade your mind as you read and relax into the story. Moments of misunderstanding are tempered with those of reflection and discovery. Most of all they are wrapped up in a heart-warming and often romantic tale. not all plain sailing, but slowly building to a point where two lonely souls find their stories intertwine in ways they had not foreseen.Fun and romantic, this really is a story which will make you smile, laugh out loud at times, become frustrated on occasion too, but mostly smile. Emma Davies has a wonderful style of writing which really engages the reader, weaving a magical story of love and second chances which can warm even the hardest of hearts, set against a beautiful backdrop which holds the true essence of the story.Another heartwarming and uplifting take from Emma Davies full of the joys of summer. Music, friendship and romance. Who could ask for more? Apart from that cookbook. We still need that cookbook.

Thoroughly enjoyed these three books in the series. Very easy reading. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.

This definitely did not disappoint!Effortlessly continuing the story of Joy’s Acre, this focuses on new arrival Isobel and how she captivates Tom.Past lives are explored and drama ensues, I could not put this down! The writing is excellent and so vivid, I could not believe it finished all of a sudden!!! I immediately downloaded book 3 - I’m not sure that we really found out what happened so I am hopeful…..Thoroughly recommend and loved every minute I spent in this.

I really enjoyed the book. Interesting characters great story. Loved itCan't wait to read the next one in the series

This story of Isobel and Tom, on Joys Acre, bringing back the characters from book one,Seth and Maddie , clara and Trixie. Isobel and Tom come together through traumatic happenings in their lives.So wonderful story , great descriptions of gardens sensitive topics wonderfully dealt with, needed tissues. The only downside was the abrupt ending, no epilogue to find out abit more of the romance not only for Tom and Isobel but Maddie and Seth's romance needs a better ending, I was hoping the next book 3 will address this but reading the reviews it appears not. Hope for a fourth book to tell more please that's why of only 4stars😧💗💗💗💗

Emma, you've done it again! I've just finished reading the second book in the series and absolutely loved it. I have only one regret with Emma’s books and that is that they come to an end far too quickly! I had to limit myself to a few chapters each night because I didn't want my visit to Joy's Acre to end.I love Emma's style of writing as she allows the reader to become fully immersed in the lives of the characters she writes about. The Little Cottage on the Hill (book one in the series) focuses on Maddie and Seth, whilst also introducing us to Clara, Tricia and Tom. In Summer at the Little Cottage on the Hill we get to meet Isobel, the first guest to stay at Joy's Acre, and as the story line unfolded, I couldn't wait to see how her character developed, I wasn't disappointed.Who knows what treats the third book in the series hold for us but I for one can't wait and have already pre-ordered my copy of Return to the Little Cottage on the Hill.

Well done Emma Davies as you enticed me with a well developed storyline that was full to the brim with “blunt, but well-meant, honesty”. Each episode reveals why the characters needed the atmospheric healing offered by Joy’s Acre. Musical magic surreptitiously touched each vulnerability with tender care; medicine for the special need to grieve, be cared for without judgement and be encourage forward toward joy. Brilliant read.

Loved the first book and love this one too! Just a very enjoyable read!

Summer at the Little Cottage on the Hill by Emma DaviesBook #2: Little Cottage SeriesSource: PurchaseMy Rating: 4/5 starsIn just thirty-two years, Isobel has known both the heights and highs of greatness and the deep depths of despair of depression. As a child and teenager, Isobel achieved the pinnacle of success, she was known far and wide as a prodigy. Unfortunately, what goes up must come down, and Isobel’s fall from grace was both devastating and never-ending. In a last-ditch effort to turn it all around, Isobel slipped the chains of her keepers and reserved a cottage for the summer at Joy’s Acre.Isobel’s first weeks at Joy’s Acre are not at all what she had hoped they would be. With nothing familiar and nothing to distract her, Isobel planned to pound out a new composition for violin that will astound all and resurrect her reputation. As it happens, there is much to distract at Joy’s Acre; among the distractions are the kindness of the employees, the breathtaking scenery, the hot thatcher, and the demons of her past. Isobel is nothing if not a professional and as she attempts to work despite the distractions, she finds herself falling further and further and beyond and becoming evermore frustrated with her attempts.Tom long ago came to terms with his reputation as the love ‘em and leave ‘em type. However, of late, Tom has begun to rethink his life, its direction, and how he can finally put down the demons of his own past. When Isobel arrives at Joy’s Acre, she is certainly a sight, but it is her brilliant talent that truly peaks Tom’s interest. Though she has no idea he can hear her playing, he often indulges in her music rather than working. Though Tom isn’t certain he’s ready for a proper relationship, he is intrigued by Isobel and would relish the opportunity to know her just a bit better.While Tom is a generally affable character, Isobel is a bit prickly which makes their early encounters awkward and uncomfortable. It isn’t until Isobel begins to acknowledge her own issues, see them for what they are, and settle on dealing with those issues that she is able to come out her shell and properly interact with Tom. Each interaction not only allows Tom to talk about some of his own issues, but to help Isobel get a handle on her own. What’s more, Tom, also a musician introduces Isobel to a far more relaxed world of music, a place where people play for the pure pleasure of the music, to entertain, and to connect with others through their gift. For the first time in her life, Isobel begins to understand the healing power of music, how her talents can impact others, and how she can a life with music that isn’t also filled with hurt, anger, and the fear of ruin.The Bottom Line: I am loving the progression of this series and there is absolutely no sophomore slump to found in this addition to the series! For myself, this book really revolved around Isobel and the experiences she has had over the course of her life. She is well and truly broken when she arrives at Joy’s Acre, but after her summer she is well on the road to recovery and true happiness. While Tom is certainly responsible for some of Isobel’s breakthroughs and happiness, he isn’t solely responsible, and I particularly loved this aspect of the book. Once Isobel comes to terms with her past, she able to take control of her present and her future. Of the two, Isobel shows the most growth and it was a pleasure to watch her heal and become who she was surely meant to be from a very early age. As you know, dear reader, I also very much adore the reappearance of characters from books past, and I got so much of that in this read. In fact, I don’t feel there will be a book in this series that won’t have the full cast as the cast is an absolutely inseparable part of the location. As it stands, I should continue to quite like this series for the foreseeable future.

I just loved this series well worth the read.

In this story we meet Isabel - a lovely girl with a dreadful past. I loved the feel of the music Isabel creates and how she finds her way out of the dark past and into the delights and friends at Joy' Acre.A well written lovely story and I highly recommend it to veryone