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btpbookclub's review against another edition
5.0
Ivy Lane was the first book I have read by Cathy Bramley and I did not regret it! Ivy Lane would not be my usual choice of book to read as most of the story is based on an allotment and at 21 with no interest in gardening I did not think it would capture my attention. However, I was so wrong I felt part of the allotment gang straight away and did throughout the story. This book made me smile and laugh throughout parts of this well written, easy to read, fast paced story.
Tilly Parker needed a fresh start and where better to do that than starting a new hobby on the Ivy Lane allotments. Since Tilly’s partner passed away she is adamant no to let anyone get close to her, but with the warmth of the Ivy Lane community inviting her in surely they will be able to thaw her heart and get close to her. With a bit of romance, a dash of drama and plenty of chick-lit how will Tilly turn out? Will Tilly let anyone close to her again? That is for you to find out, I promise you if you are a fan of chick-lit you will not be disappointed to indulge into this welcoming story.
Cathy Bramley has treated us all to a sequel of Ivy Lane called Appleby Farm which is just as great as Ivy Lane which I have also reviewed for you all (see Appleby Farm review). You may think this book is not for you but do not make the mistake I made as I loved it! It really does deserve the five star review I have awarded it and cannot wait to dive into more of Cathy Bramleys books. So sit back and let Ivy Lane give you a big warm welcome, you will not be disappointed!
Tilly Parker needed a fresh start and where better to do that than starting a new hobby on the Ivy Lane allotments. Since Tilly’s partner passed away she is adamant no to let anyone get close to her, but with the warmth of the Ivy Lane community inviting her in surely they will be able to thaw her heart and get close to her. With a bit of romance, a dash of drama and plenty of chick-lit how will Tilly turn out? Will Tilly let anyone close to her again? That is for you to find out, I promise you if you are a fan of chick-lit you will not be disappointed to indulge into this welcoming story.
Cathy Bramley has treated us all to a sequel of Ivy Lane called Appleby Farm which is just as great as Ivy Lane which I have also reviewed for you all (see Appleby Farm review). You may think this book is not for you but do not make the mistake I made as I loved it! It really does deserve the five star review I have awarded it and cannot wait to dive into more of Cathy Bramleys books. So sit back and let Ivy Lane give you a big warm welcome, you will not be disappointed!
bubbles1208's review
5.0
loved it, the book just shows sometimes we all just need a bit if time to heal
alexandrawr's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
verityw's review
4.0
****Copy From NetGalley in return for an honest review****
I really enjoyed this complete story version of the Ivy Lane series - I'd read Spring, but not the other three parts. This did feel a little bit like the four parts had been just stuck together - there was some unnecessary recapping at the start of each section - needed if you were reading in bite-sized chunks every few months, but not if you were coming straight on from the previous chapter - but it didn't really take me out of the flow of the novel too much - and I liked the characters too much for it to be a real problem for me.
I'll be looking out for more from Cathy Bramley.
I really enjoyed this complete story version of the Ivy Lane series - I'd read Spring, but not the other three parts. This did feel a little bit like the four parts had been just stuck together - there was some unnecessary recapping at the start of each section - needed if you were reading in bite-sized chunks every few months, but not if you were coming straight on from the previous chapter - but it didn't really take me out of the flow of the novel too much - and I liked the characters too much for it to be a real problem for me.
I'll be looking out for more from Cathy Bramley.
busybookbee's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was a whirlwind of emotions for me.
For the characters, I loved Alf, Cathy Bramley fully utilised his character to provoke emotions. I really disliked Charlie, I didn't feel like he “paid” for his actions.
The book picked up what could have been deep social topics, which were quickly disregarded like in Hayley's case, and with Charlie's very criminal actions.
Seeing as I didn't read this to reflect on deep topics, I let it slide, and I actually enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more from Cathy Bramley. P.S you might need a dictionary.
For the characters, I loved Alf, Cathy Bramley fully utilised his character to provoke emotions. I really disliked Charlie, I didn't feel like he “paid” for his actions.
The book picked up what could have been deep social topics, which were quickly disregarded like in Hayley's case, and with Charlie's very criminal actions.
Seeing as I didn't read this to reflect on deep topics, I let it slide, and I actually enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more from Cathy Bramley. P.S you might need a dictionary.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual harassment
liezl_loves_books's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
uptoolatereading's review
5.0
Lovely charming story full of colourful characters. I have no interest in gardening but after reading this it makes me want to go out and get an allotment (almost) Tilly's back story was really intriguing and I enjoyed watching her emerging from her shell simply by being around Ivy Lane and its resident gardeners. My favourite characters were Roy and Alf as they were so wonderful to Tilly just when she needed support the most. I loved this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
novellenovels's review
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0