"Kiss Me at Willoughby Close" is the fourth part in the series and it introduces us to Ava - of course, we've already got a chance to cursorily get to know her in the previous part and - as usually - the first impression was not too optimistic and encouraging, but the author has already got us used to the fact that at first the new characters seem to be not likeable and then explaining their circumstances, which usually make us change our mind about them - and it was the same here with Ava - she's starting afresh, Willoughby Close is her second chance. I'd say you can read this novel as a stand alone, of course, but I think that there is now too much insider info to really get into the heart of the story without reading the previous parts, and I would recommend reading the stories in the right order.

Each part of Willoughby Close focuses on a new character, however "Kiss Me at Willoughby Close" introduces us not only to Ava, but also brings us much, much more of the mysterious caretaker Jace and gives us a lot of insight into Lady Stokeley's life - which I found really brilliant, as I think that adding all of them, as well as Alice later on, made the story this little bit more interesting. I think that dedicating this novel only to Ava would make it too one - dimensional, so it was really a great move from the author - highly appreciated :)

Ava moves to Willoughby Close after just having lost her husband. He was much older than her and she admits that she was more of a trophy wife but that she married him being aware of this fact. She has experienced a lot in her life and she just wanted to live comfortably, without any troubles and problems any more. However, after his death, she realised that she was nothing more to her husband as the trophy wife, and she learns it in a very painful way, seeing that he has left her the same amount of money in his will as he left to their cleaner - ten thousand pounds.

As much as I liked Ava, it was Jace's story that stole the show in my opinion. This time we really get to know him and his background, what happened in the past and why he ended up in Willoughby Close. While it was not life - changing, it added some pepper and the way Ava reacted to this story made her this lit bit more human, so it was a win - win situation really.
There were not many twists and turns in this book, and I often found myself skim - reading. It was a little on the flat side, but it was still a story that is easy to enjoy. It was about being open and about second chances, about not judging and always seeing two sides of the story. There is a convincing romance, troubles in paradise and Kate Hewitt has a real way with words, having created a lovely fictional community that I have no problems to picture. Already looking forward to the next part in the series.

This is the third standalone book set in the charming cottages of Willoughby Close, in Wychwood-on-Lea (but fourth in the series). I love this series and the women who are the leads. Each story is as unique as the female characters. Ava is another character that would sound typical but as her story unfolds you will definitely sympathize with her. Jace, of course, is another character that has held the curiosity of the fans of the series for him to finally be featured is a welcome development. Overall, Kiss Me at Willoughby Close is definitely an engaging and entertaining and wonderful addition to the series. Eagerly anticipating the last book in the series!

Surely these two twits aren't actually glad that their father died.

Not only did the jerk not make her feel welcome in "his" house and with his family, but the part-time cleaning lady got the same amount from his will?

Geez, she doesn't even own the suitcases!

Maybe make an effort to be friendlier to people, Ava.

Jeezus, she's used to getting slapped?!

She was taking pregnancy tests at fifteen?

The system is designed to make us fail. You need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience.

I'd love to have Lady Stokeley's clothes.

Wouldn't it be great if Alice was really her daughter.

Bit of a cliffhanger ending.