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jo_bookworm's review against another edition
5.0
Amelia has not been back home for over ten years and has established her life in Paris. But when she discovers that she has inherited Meadow Farmhouse from her Great Aunt Vera, she just needs to pop back, sort it out and make sure it is sold. Meadow Farmhouse was not really her home was it?
However, Amelia was not prepared for the emotions that would hit her when she returned to the village of Meadowbank and her past.
The farmhouse is a dilapidated state and it seems that Vera had let it go and having had little contact with her since her departure and not healing the refits that might have developed, Amelia starts to think that maybe restoring the farmhouse will help her heal.
Is Amelia really healing from the restoration of the farmhouse.
She still has to confront her old love, Adam who is still very much part of the village.
She still has to deal with the death of her parents, that led her to living with Vera and being an irritation and an inconvenience.
It seems though Vera had a few secrets of her own, that Amelia knew nothing about. And when she discovers an old wedding dress and a locket with a picture of a man she does not recognise. It seems that there is a mystery to solve and perhaps this might lead her to solve all the mysterious questions that have come to mind since she has been home.
The main one - is Meadow Farmhouse really home?
This is a wonderful book which is full of questions about where home really is and who are friends really are? Sometimes we need to step away from something and get a new perspective and I think Amelia does this in this book, thanks to the other wonderful characters that she comes across, both young and old. So much is learnt from what is not said, that there must be more tales to tell from Meadowbank.
For fans of village tales and renovating houses and hearts in equal measure.
However, Amelia was not prepared for the emotions that would hit her when she returned to the village of Meadowbank and her past.
The farmhouse is a dilapidated state and it seems that Vera had let it go and having had little contact with her since her departure and not healing the refits that might have developed, Amelia starts to think that maybe restoring the farmhouse will help her heal.
Is Amelia really healing from the restoration of the farmhouse.
She still has to confront her old love, Adam who is still very much part of the village.
She still has to deal with the death of her parents, that led her to living with Vera and being an irritation and an inconvenience.
It seems though Vera had a few secrets of her own, that Amelia knew nothing about. And when she discovers an old wedding dress and a locket with a picture of a man she does not recognise. It seems that there is a mystery to solve and perhaps this might lead her to solve all the mysterious questions that have come to mind since she has been home.
The main one - is Meadow Farmhouse really home?
This is a wonderful book which is full of questions about where home really is and who are friends really are? Sometimes we need to step away from something and get a new perspective and I think Amelia does this in this book, thanks to the other wonderful characters that she comes across, both young and old. So much is learnt from what is not said, that there must be more tales to tell from Meadowbank.
For fans of village tales and renovating houses and hearts in equal measure.
pam_sartain's review
5.0
The Secrets of Meadow Farmhouse by Katie Ginger has Amelia returning from Paris to renovate her late Great Aunt Vera's house, which she's inherited.
Amelia was last in the village of MeadowBank just before she left for university, and ten years later, there's been a lot of change in some ways, but not in others.
Amelia wants to find out more about her Great Aunt Vera, and why she was so cold to Amelia and along the way she might find out what matters to her.
I really enjoyed this book - there were great characters, a lovely village and mysteries that were unravelled along the way.
The Secrets of Meadow Farmhouse was publishing on 17th March 2021, and is available on Amazon , Waterstones and Bookshop.org .
You can follow Katie Ginger on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and on her website .
I was given this book in return for an unbiased review, and so my thanks to NetGalley and to HQ .
Amelia was last in the village of MeadowBank just before she left for university, and ten years later, there's been a lot of change in some ways, but not in others.
Amelia wants to find out more about her Great Aunt Vera, and why she was so cold to Amelia and along the way she might find out what matters to her.
I really enjoyed this book - there were great characters, a lovely village and mysteries that were unravelled along the way.
The Secrets of Meadow Farmhouse was publishing on 17th March 2021, and is available on Amazon , Waterstones and Bookshop.org .
You can follow Katie Ginger on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and on her website .
I was given this book in return for an unbiased review, and so my thanks to NetGalley and to HQ .
katiejreads's review
4.0
The Secrets of Meadow Farmhouse
By Katie Ginger
4/5 ⭐️
What an absolutely lovely book.
It tells the story of Amelia, a big time interior designer in Paris, who has been called back to the small village in Kent where she grew up and the elusive story of her stern late Aunt Vera and a mysterious soldier whose portrait Amelia discovered in a locket. If this wasn’t enough, there’s the presence of her first love, the artistic Adam whose heart she shattered when she left without goodbye.
The first half of this book felt very slow - not boring by any means, but really cosy and relaxing to read. I felt this half of the book really reflected the pace of life in the village and though I wasn’t racing through it it was a pleasure to read and become acquainted with. From about 40% onwards the pace picked up dramatically and I couldn’t put it down and read the rest in one sitting. I love history and have been looking into my own family history over the past few weeks so this was so fascinating to me. I had tears in my eyes by the end, and then reading the authors note felt even more emotional finding out it was based on the authors grandparents.
I really really enjoyed this book, and not only will I check out the other books in this series when it comes out but I will be reading more of this authors works.
By Katie Ginger
4/5 ⭐️
What an absolutely lovely book.
It tells the story of Amelia, a big time interior designer in Paris, who has been called back to the small village in Kent where she grew up and the elusive story of her stern late Aunt Vera and a mysterious soldier whose portrait Amelia discovered in a locket. If this wasn’t enough, there’s the presence of her first love, the artistic Adam whose heart she shattered when she left without goodbye.
The first half of this book felt very slow - not boring by any means, but really cosy and relaxing to read. I felt this half of the book really reflected the pace of life in the village and though I wasn’t racing through it it was a pleasure to read and become acquainted with. From about 40% onwards the pace picked up dramatically and I couldn’t put it down and read the rest in one sitting. I love history and have been looking into my own family history over the past few weeks so this was so fascinating to me. I had tears in my eyes by the end, and then reading the authors note felt even more emotional finding out it was based on the authors grandparents.
I really really enjoyed this book, and not only will I check out the other books in this series when it comes out but I will be reading more of this authors works.
melitajr's review
4.0
This is my first Katie Ginger book and I judged and bought this book based on that beautiful cover and I wasn't let down. It's a cosy, heartwarming read with just the right amount of angst. Totally worth it and I can't wait to read more from Katie Ginger!
onebookmore's review
5.0
A story of second chances, new beginnings, forgiveness, and love, The Secrets of Meadow Farmhouse is a wonderful and charming novel. The story follows Amelia, an interior designer who has a successful and productive life in Paris. When Amelia learns that her aunt Vera died and left Amelia Meadow Farmhouse, Amelia reluctantly returns to her childhood home to prepare it for sale.
Amelia is unprepared for the range of emotions she experiences upon her return to Meadow Farmhouse, especially considering she hasn’t returned or spoken to her aunt in over a decade. Sure that she won’t be remembered since she never felt like she belonged, Amelia is stunned when she is welcomed into the community. As she fixes up the farmhouse, Amelia reconnects with the townspeople and faces the pain of her past. She also revisits her unchanged feelings for Adam, the love she left behind. When the mystery of her aunt’s past arises, Amelia realizes that things aren’t always what they seem.
What happened to Vera to make her such a hard and cold woman? Can Amelia reconcile her past and embrace the opportunity for a second-chance in Meadowbank? And will she admit how much she really cares for Adam? Will Adam forgive Amelie for leaving?
I absolutely loved this story! Ginger has created a dynamic setting and cast of characters that add so much to this wonderful story. From comical scenes trying to usher chickens into their pens to scenes where Amelia is overwhelmed by her meddlesome but well-meaning neighbors, the story left me laughing and moved so many times! One of my favorite scenes occurs when Amelia thinks there is an intruder in her house, and she comes out armed with a toilet bowl cleaner. Adam’s mother, who has come with Adam to help care for the ill Amelia says, “What did you think you’d do with this? Un-hygiene them to death?” It’s such a funny quip, but underneath the humor, this is a touching scene that shows how much Adam and his mother care for Amelia.
Amelia is a wonderful protagonist, and I enjoyed her character growth. Now that she’s older, more reflective, and a bit distanced from her childhood she sees things differently and recognizes the small things done to make her feel loved. She is more willing and able to see things from other people’s perspectives, and her views change as she reflects on her time at Meadow Farmhouse and Vera’s story. I love that Amelia takes the time to understand Vera, which is something she never did before.
Vera’s story, as well as her parents, is as interesting as Amelia’s, and I love how the secrets of Vera’s past unfold as the story progresses. It seems like the more Amelia learns about Vera’s painful past, the more she understands herself. This exploration also allows Amelia to explore her conflicting and complex feelings and forgive herself and others.
Amelia also reevaluates her priorities, what she needs, and what makes her happy, and coming home to Meadow Farmhouse helps her see what she values most. Meadowbank is therapeutic for Amelia, and it is here where she can finally begin to grieve and heal from the wounds of her past. It is also where she can face the present and figure out what (and who) she wants in her future.
The small and charming town of Meadowbank is delightful. In Meadowbank, Amelia is surrounded by a strong sense of family and community. Having people care for you and know you and accept you no matter what is something she hasn’t had but has been searching for. She Amelia wants to belong but has never felt like she fit in anywhere until she returns to Meadowbank. The only place she ever felt like she belonged was when she was with Adam, and Amelia often felt undeserving of his time and attention.
I love the second-chance romance between Adam and Amelia! Both characters must face their feelings about the past and the possibility of a future together, which proves difficult. Adam must learn to forgive, understand, and trust. Amelia has to learn to let people in and embrace love. This is something that I really like about the story – there are many messages about love, like loving oneself, embracing a second chance at love, accepting the love of a community, and understanding that people show love differently. I think many of the characters go through revelations about life and love, and these revelations are relatable and universal.
When you finish the novel, be sure to read the acknowledgments! There’s a story about the inspiration behind the story that is so interesting and relates to Ginger’s life. It’s so fascinating to see where authors get their inspiration from, especially for wonderful reads like this! Thanks so much to Katie Ginger and Rachel’s Random Resources for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Amelia is unprepared for the range of emotions she experiences upon her return to Meadow Farmhouse, especially considering she hasn’t returned or spoken to her aunt in over a decade. Sure that she won’t be remembered since she never felt like she belonged, Amelia is stunned when she is welcomed into the community. As she fixes up the farmhouse, Amelia reconnects with the townspeople and faces the pain of her past. She also revisits her unchanged feelings for Adam, the love she left behind. When the mystery of her aunt’s past arises, Amelia realizes that things aren’t always what they seem.
What happened to Vera to make her such a hard and cold woman? Can Amelia reconcile her past and embrace the opportunity for a second-chance in Meadowbank? And will she admit how much she really cares for Adam? Will Adam forgive Amelie for leaving?
I absolutely loved this story! Ginger has created a dynamic setting and cast of characters that add so much to this wonderful story. From comical scenes trying to usher chickens into their pens to scenes where Amelia is overwhelmed by her meddlesome but well-meaning neighbors, the story left me laughing and moved so many times! One of my favorite scenes occurs when Amelia thinks there is an intruder in her house, and she comes out armed with a toilet bowl cleaner. Adam’s mother, who has come with Adam to help care for the ill Amelia says, “What did you think you’d do with this? Un-hygiene them to death?” It’s such a funny quip, but underneath the humor, this is a touching scene that shows how much Adam and his mother care for Amelia.
Amelia is a wonderful protagonist, and I enjoyed her character growth. Now that she’s older, more reflective, and a bit distanced from her childhood she sees things differently and recognizes the small things done to make her feel loved. She is more willing and able to see things from other people’s perspectives, and her views change as she reflects on her time at Meadow Farmhouse and Vera’s story. I love that Amelia takes the time to understand Vera, which is something she never did before.
Vera’s story, as well as her parents, is as interesting as Amelia’s, and I love how the secrets of Vera’s past unfold as the story progresses. It seems like the more Amelia learns about Vera’s painful past, the more she understands herself. This exploration also allows Amelia to explore her conflicting and complex feelings and forgive herself and others.
Amelia also reevaluates her priorities, what she needs, and what makes her happy, and coming home to Meadow Farmhouse helps her see what she values most. Meadowbank is therapeutic for Amelia, and it is here where she can finally begin to grieve and heal from the wounds of her past. It is also where she can face the present and figure out what (and who) she wants in her future.
The small and charming town of Meadowbank is delightful. In Meadowbank, Amelia is surrounded by a strong sense of family and community. Having people care for you and know you and accept you no matter what is something she hasn’t had but has been searching for. She Amelia wants to belong but has never felt like she fit in anywhere until she returns to Meadowbank. The only place she ever felt like she belonged was when she was with Adam, and Amelia often felt undeserving of his time and attention.
I love the second-chance romance between Adam and Amelia! Both characters must face their feelings about the past and the possibility of a future together, which proves difficult. Adam must learn to forgive, understand, and trust. Amelia has to learn to let people in and embrace love. This is something that I really like about the story – there are many messages about love, like loving oneself, embracing a second chance at love, accepting the love of a community, and understanding that people show love differently. I think many of the characters go through revelations about life and love, and these revelations are relatable and universal.
When you finish the novel, be sure to read the acknowledgments! There’s a story about the inspiration behind the story that is so interesting and relates to Ginger’s life. It’s so fascinating to see where authors get their inspiration from, especially for wonderful reads like this! Thanks so much to Katie Ginger and Rachel’s Random Resources for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
raena_reads's review
5.0
This is the first Katie Ginger book I have read, but it won’t be the last. A perfect escape into the country, filled with nature, new friendship, old love, family secrets and a sense of belonging. I enjoyed the reconnection between Amelia and Adam after 10 years apart. One thing I loved most was the way Meadowbank pulled together when Amelia was sick. The whole Meadowbank community look after each other and this is something Amelia didn’t realised till she returned. Beautiful, warm and a smile didn’t leave my lips at all the gorgeous descriptions. Would definitely recommend.
bookmadjo's review
5.0
This book was such an emotionally charged ‘return to roots’ story about Amelia returning to her Great Aunt Vera’s farmhouse after the death of her Great Aunt.
Amelia had lived in Paris after she left the farmhouse ten years earlier, following an argument with her Great Aunt Vera. With her life established in Paris, and a thriving interior design business, she has it fixed in her mind that she will sort out the farmhouse, get it on the market and return to Paris as soon as possible.
When Amelia arrives back in the village of Meadowbank she finds that some things have changed and some have remained constant. What she did not count on was finding that her first love Adam is there and unavoidable.
I loved Amelia as a protagonist. She showed immense strength but at the same time was open to her vulnerabilities. Although she was embarrassed by the way she had walked out of Adam’s life, it took her returning to the village to realise that she had been unable to separate her connection with him and with the village from the hurt she felt from the final conversation she had with Vera.
I loved the way in which Amelia put her hurt to one side and set out to uncover the mysteries surrounding Vera’s past, which resulted in her finding comfort and understanding.
When Amelia was taken ill I found it so touching that the whole village rallied round her, making sure she had her meals completely catered for. I would love to live in a community like that!
It was really touching to read the author’s note that this story found its origins within her own family history. This was such a lovely romance-led story with secrets to be uncovered and forgiveness to be sought. I really hope we get to return to Meadowbank again, it was such a comforting location.
Amelia had lived in Paris after she left the farmhouse ten years earlier, following an argument with her Great Aunt Vera. With her life established in Paris, and a thriving interior design business, she has it fixed in her mind that she will sort out the farmhouse, get it on the market and return to Paris as soon as possible.
When Amelia arrives back in the village of Meadowbank she finds that some things have changed and some have remained constant. What she did not count on was finding that her first love Adam is there and unavoidable.
I loved Amelia as a protagonist. She showed immense strength but at the same time was open to her vulnerabilities. Although she was embarrassed by the way she had walked out of Adam’s life, it took her returning to the village to realise that she had been unable to separate her connection with him and with the village from the hurt she felt from the final conversation she had with Vera.
I loved the way in which Amelia put her hurt to one side and set out to uncover the mysteries surrounding Vera’s past, which resulted in her finding comfort and understanding.
When Amelia was taken ill I found it so touching that the whole village rallied round her, making sure she had her meals completely catered for. I would love to live in a community like that!
It was really touching to read the author’s note that this story found its origins within her own family history. This was such a lovely romance-led story with secrets to be uncovered and forgiveness to be sought. I really hope we get to return to Meadowbank again, it was such a comforting location.