#LilyPondLane
The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane
Part Three – Autumn leaves
by Emily Harvale
Goodreads
Amazon US / UK
Mia Ward was amazed to inherit her great-aunt Matilda’s thatched cottage in the tiny seaside village of Little Pondale – especially as Mia didn’t know she had a great-aunt Matilda. She was equally astonished to discover she’d only inherit the place if she lives there for a year.
But it didn’t take long for Mia and her friends, Ella and Garrick to settle in. Now Mia’s mum, Lori has joined them, and they’re all enjoying village life. Mia’s keen to overcome her fear of water and with Garrick by her side, she’s confident about the future.
Until a fortune teller’s predictions give everyone cause for concern. Now Mia’s not so sure of anything, except that someone still wants her to leave. That makes her more determined to learn all she can about Matilda – and the codicil.
But as the mists roll in over the sea, are autumn winds making passions cool? And when more than one unexpected visitor gives Mia a shocking surprise, is everything about to change?
My Rating:
Favorite Quotes:
‘Now before you mention the age difference, darling, we’re both well aware of that. But does age really matter? What’s that saying? Age is only a number.’ Ella went from looking astonished to amused. ‘You’re only as old as the man you’re feeling. Which makes you about thirty-seven or something, doesn’t it?’
I would’ve been like one of those women in the Rom/Coms on TV. You know. Pleading with everyone at the airport to stop Franklin’s plane, then clambering over the barriers when they won’t, and racing along the tarmac. And for a sixty-year-old, that’s not a good look.
My surname’s Swann and his is Lake. Swann Lake, get it? We’re clearly going to get married and I’m going to have one of those arty-farty double-barrelled surnames. I’m going to be Mrs Ella Swann-Lake! I love it!
She came bouncing out of that tent like a bunny with too many batteries stuffed up her backside
He’s French by birth, he said, but he didn’t sound French. Sounded as if he’d spent too much time in Oxford and got a punting pole stuck up his bum. Very prim and proper.
My Review:
Love was in the air all about the little village and stunning changes and shocking revelations were par for the course. The fortune-teller’s startlingly accurate predictions were on everyone’s minds although not all were welcoming the insights. I adore this quirky cast of characters and continue to gleefully enjoy each new development, interaction, and discovery in attempting to solve the mystery of the stealthy ninety-nine-year-old Great Aunt Matilda, who appears to have had more than just a colorful past. The writing continues to amuse, entertain, and intrigue in equal measure. The series is not quite complete and this installment ended rather abruptly, although, surprisingly, I’m not huffing in pique since I already have the next volume loaded. And, oh happy day, my new addition to my Brit List is an idiom I’ve never noticed before “thrown the cat among the pigeons,” which Wikipedia informs me refers to the addition of an unwanted or undesirable person to a group. Like me with my in-laws…
Author Bio – Emily Harvale
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her hometown of Hastings where she now spends her days writing… and chatting on social media. Emily is a Member of the SoA, a PAN member of the RWA and a Pro Member of ALLi. She’s an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. Emily loves writing and her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
Emily says, “I write about friendship, family and falling in love. I believe in happing endings.” When she isn’t writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies – and will do anything to avoid both.
Social Media Links – https://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalewriter
https://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale
https://www.instagram.com/emilyharvale
Part 4 Trick or Treat
Published 7th August
Goodreads / Amazon US / UK
Mia Ward was amazed to inherit her great-aunt Matilda’s thatched cottage in the tiny seaside village of Little Pondale – especially as Mia didn’t know she had a great-aunt Matilda. She was even more astonished to discover she’d only inherit the place if she lives there for a year.
But a lot can happen in a very short time, and life in Little Pondale is not going quite as Mia hoped. She may have finally beaten one fear, but now heartbreak threatens to drown her.
And when at last, she starts to unravel the mystery of Matilda’s past, she uncovers an extraordinary plan for her own future. Now just who can Mia trust?
As the nights draw in and cold winds steal through Sunbeam Cottage, she turns to an unlikely source for comfort and support. But with the fortune teller’s warning still ringing in her ears, is Mia about to make the biggest mistake of her life?
