Blog Tour: Love Heart Lane by Christie Barlow

Today I’m thrilled to be taking part in the Blog Tour for the newly released Love Heart Lane by Christie Barlow. Massive thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for allowing me to take part in the your and I hope you enjoy reading my thoughts on this brand new release.

Synopsis

When Flick Simons returns to the small village of Heartcross she only expected to stay for a few days. The white-washed cottages of Love Heart Lane might be her home, but the place holds too many painful memories, and of one man in particular – Fergus Campbell.

When a winter storm sweeps in, the only bridge connecting the village to the main land is swept away! As the villagers pull together, Flick finds herself welcomed back by the friends she once left behind. And as the snow begins to melt, maybe there is a chance that Fergus’s heart will thaw too…

Review

Eight years ago, Flick fled her home village of Heartcross in the Scottish Highlands, in favour of the bright lights of London. Acting on impulse she retreated to the big city after suffering a heart-breaking tragedy, leaving her friends and family behind with not even a goodbye. Now returning to the village after the death of her beloved Grandmother it’s immediately clear that not everyone is ready to forgive and forget, especially ex-boyfriend Fergus.

Planning to stay for only two weeks to help in the wake of her Grandmother’s death, Flick finds her Mum has had to shut the family business and is struggling financially. Add to that a powerful storm that hits the village cutting them off from civilisation and Flick soon realises just how much she has missed not only her family, but the whole community in which she grew up.

With the shine dimming on London’s appeal and the only thing waiting for her there a job she doesn’t even like, Flick decides to stay in Heartcross and re-open her family’s teashop alongside her Mum. However, it’s not only the teashop calling her home, but the realisation that she still has feelings for Fergus. The question is does can he forgive Flick?

Love Heart Lane is the first book in a brand-new romance series from Christie Barlow and the first of her books I have read. From the synopsis and cover you would be forgiven for thinking this is another light, fluffy romantic read, but it’s much more than that, dealing with some emotional, hard hitting subjects. I found the characters to be well-written and extremely relatable, the emotions just leapt off the page allowing me to empathise completely with each situation.

The very best part of this book for me was the reconnecting of friends and family and the way everyone within the community came together at a time of disaster. Its true message is one of community spirit and sticking together regardless of what has gone before, making it a real heart-warming read.

Love Heart Lane is a wonderfully written tale of love, heartbreak, family, friendship and loss which had me hooked throughout. Barlow has a superb easy writing style that was a pleasure to read which meant I was reluctant to put it down and finished it quickly. I can’t wait for the next instalment from Heartcross, I hope I’ll find out more about some of the other characters I’ve already met. If you want a romance with a difference then Love Heart Lane if the book for you 5 stars from me, I loved every second.

*Trigger warning – miscarriage

About The Author

Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty’s Countryside Dream, Lizzie’s Christmas Escape, Evie’s Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Love Heart Lane. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA & Australia.

Christie is an ambassador for Zuri Project raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being as well as Literary Editor for Mama Life Magazine bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the book world.