A Home at Honeysuckle Farm by Christie Barlow

A family secret

One shocking argument and ten-year-old Alice Parker’s world was turned upside down. Her peaceful life at Honeysuckle Farm in the quiet rural village of Brook Bridge swapped for the bustling metropolis of New York City. Alice’s life was changed forever…

A second chance
Now, thirteen years later, Alice’s American dream is over. With her life in tatters, there is only one place Alice wants to be… home at Honeysuckle Farm. So, when Alice learns her beloved Grandie is ill, she knows this is her last chance to heal the family rift.

A forever home?
But secrets still swirl in Brook Bridge, and Alice is no closer to discovering the truth. And for some reason her new friendship with local heartthrob Sam Reid seems to be making the locals tense.

Sick of the lies Alice knows it’s time to lay the past to rest once and for all. But could the truth ruin her hopes of ever calling Honeysuckle Farm home again?

Title: A Home at Honeysuckle Farm

Author: Christie Barlow

Published By: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 6th April 2018
Link - Amazon

Our review

This book grabbed me right from the start as I was intrigued as to why Alice Parker had been taken to live in New York by her mother at ten years old. I really felt for her as she missed her beloved Grandie so much and feared she would never see him again, you could tell that these words had really come from the heart.

Alice is a very likeable character who for various reasons was struggling to keep afloat in New York and when a chance for her to visit England arises she grabs the opportunity with both hands.

I loved the description of Brook Bridge Village and the wonderful Honeysuckle farm. I really wanted to pop into the teashop for one of Dorothy's delicious cakes. I also enjoyed the relationship that Alice was able to slip straight back into with her best friend Grace.

Whilst in England Alice has to try and unravel the shroud of mystery surrounding the argument her mum and Grandie had which resulted in her sudden departure to New York. She also has to face up to some uncomfortable and devastating news, some of which is revealed in a shockingly jaw-dropping twist.

A lot of books are about someone leaving a small town to go and live in the excitement of New York and this book provided a refreshing change where the protagonist leaves the excitement of the big Apple in order to settle in a quaint English town.
It was both heartbreaking and touching to see Alice being pulled into two different directions by the people she loved but also heartwarming to see how she was the link who could possibly mend two broken hearts and I haven't even mentioned the handsome man in it yet.

This is a delightful story of how families can learn to forgive and how a little bit of dancing can save the show and bring a community and a broken family back together.

Another uplifting book from Christie Barlow and if you haven't read her others then I encourage you to buy and devour each and every one.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

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 and A Home at Honeysuckle Farm. 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 @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being as well as Literary Editor for www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the book world.

She loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via her website www.christiebarlow.com Twitter @ChristieJBarlow and Facebook page Christie Barlow author